There's nothing quite like the nostalgic taste of Buckeye Bars to bring a bit of sweetness to any occasion. These irresistible treats are a fun twist on the classic peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes, transforming the familiar flavor into an easy-to-make bar form. If you're a fan of Reese's cups or anything chocolate-peanut butter, these bars will be right up your alley.
The first time I made these, they quickly disappeared off the dessert table, and now they're a staple for family gatherings and holiday parties. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make, perfect for when you want a crowd-pleasing dessert without much fuss.
Why You'll Love This Buckeye Bars Recipe

Get ready to add this Buckeye Bars recipe to your favorites list. These bars have everything you love about buckeyes but without the hassle of rolling and dipping each piece.
First of all, they’re incredibly easy to make. No rolling or shaping here—just mix, layer, and chill. This no-bake dessert comes together in just a few steps, perfect for busy days when you need a quick sweet fix.
The flavor combination is a classic. Creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and rich chocolate make these bars a dream come true for peanut butter lovers. Each bite is like a mini explosion of creamy, sweet, and salty goodness.
Not only are they great for parties, but they also keep well, so you can make them ahead of time. Perfect for meal prep, holiday gatherings, or even as a quick snack to keep in the fridge.
Finally, they’re customizable. You can easily tweak the sweetness level, use dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a bit of contrast. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make them!
Ingredients Notes

This Buckeye Bars recipe is all about simple ingredients that combine to make something magical. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best here for that smooth, velvety texture. While natural peanut butter is tempting, stick with regular creamy peanut butter for a stable, non-greasy base.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal since the peanut butter and chocolate already have salt. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature to make it easy to blend with the peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Powdered Sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps firm up the peanut butter layer without making it grainy. For best results, sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add a slight crunch and a bit of structure to the peanut butter layer, making it less dense. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt nicely and balance the sweetness of the peanut butter layer. For an even richer bar, try dark chocolate chips or a high-quality chocolate bar.
- Vegetable Oil: Just a little vegetable oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice glossy finish once it sets.
No special equipment is required for this recipe. All you need is a mixing bowl, a spatula, and an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
How To Make These Buckeye Bars
Making Buckeye Bars is a breeze. With just a few steps, you’ll have a tray of rich, chocolatey, peanut-buttery treats ready to go.
Start by preparing your peanut butter layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Mix well until smooth, then gradually add in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
Next, press the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan. Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the pan with a spatula or your hands. Aim for an even layer to ensure each bar has a nice peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio.
Now, it’s time to make the chocolate layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Microwave in 20- to 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface. For a fun touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt or some chopped peanuts on top.
Finally, chill the bars. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice them into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
These bars are ready to serve, and the best part is, there’s no baking involved! From start to finish, this recipe takes about 15 minutes of active time, plus chilling, making it ideal for any level of baking experience.
Storage Options
Buckeye Bars store wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The chocolate layer stays firm, and the peanut butter layer remains creamy and soft.
- Freezer: If you’d like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers.
- Room Temperature: If your kitchen isn’t too warm, these bars can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. However, they tend to hold their shape better when chilled, so refrigeration is recommended for the best texture.
To serve, you can let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, which allows the peanut butter layer to soften slightly.
Variations and Substitutions
These Buckeye Bars are incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to make them your own:
- Dark Chocolate: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet treat. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the creamy peanut butter.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: For added texture, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. The small peanut pieces add a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Add Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer can bring out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors even more, giving it a gourmet touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crushed cookies or gluten-free graham crackers if you’re looking to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Mini Buckeye Bars: Use a mini muffin tin lined with cupcake liners and divide the peanut butter mixture and chocolate between each cup for bite-sized treats.
Experiment with these ideas and feel free to get creative! Buckeye Bars are perfect as-is, but a little customization can add a personal touch that makes them even more special.
PrintBuckeye Bars Recipe
This Buckeye Bars recipe is a delicious twist on classic buckeyes, featuring a rich peanut butter layer topped with smooth chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these no-bake bars are simple to make and ideal for parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into an even layer in a 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with ½ cup peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For easier cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
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