There’s something irresistibly delightful about biting into these creamy, chocolate-covered No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars. Inspired by the classic Ohio buckeyes, these bars are rich, sweet, and have a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate. No baking means they’re easy to make, and they come together quickly—ideal for satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing guests at any gathering.
These Buckeye Bars became a family favorite when I first tried them out for a holiday party. Everyone loved them so much that now they’re a staple in our dessert rotation, especially when I need a no-fuss treat that everyone’s guaranteed to love.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite dessert to your recipe book! These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are pure bliss in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: No baking, no fuss! These bars come together in about 20 minutes, with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy days.
- Perfect for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers: If you love Reese’s cups or classic buckeyes, you’re in for a treat. The creamy peanut butter layer combined with a smooth chocolate topping is out of this world.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy portioning, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday dessert tables.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these bars without a last-minute grocery run.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients Notes

This no-bake recipe relies on a few basic ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the way to go here. It creates the perfect texture for the filling. While you could use natural peanut butter, it might make the filling a bit softer and more challenging to work with. I recommend using a regular, smooth peanut butter for best results.
- Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten the peanut butter layer and gives it that classic buckeye texture. Powdered sugar blends effortlessly into the peanut butter, making the filling smooth and rich.
- Butter: Melted butter combines with the peanut butter and sugar to create a firm, creamy base layer. Make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the sweetness without any added saltiness.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they strike the right balance between sweetness and depth. If you prefer a less sweet option, feel free to use dark chocolate chips.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening: Adding a small amount of coconut oil to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and creates a glossy finish when it hardens. It also makes slicing easier!
No special equipment is required for this recipe—just a mixing bowl, a spatula, and an 8x8-inch baking pan for perfect-sized bars.
How to Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
Making these bars is as easy as mix, spread, and chill! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get perfect Buckeye Bars every time.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. It should be thick and somewhat dough-like. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (or shortening). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can scorch quickly.
- Spread the Chocolate Topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the peanut butter completely. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to smooth out any bubbles in the chocolate layer.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and the chocolate has set completely. This will make slicing the bars easier and cleaner.
- Slice and Serve: Once the bars are firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For neat cuts, warm your knife by running it under hot water, then drying it before slicing.
These bars take about 20 minutes of prep time, with just a bit of patience needed for chilling. The result is a perfect stack of peanut butter and chocolate layers that look as good as they taste!
Storage Options
Storing these Buckeye Bars is simple, and they actually taste even better after a day or two.
- Refrigerator: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The chocolate layer will stay firm, and the peanut butter won’t get too soft.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Room Temperature: For short-term storage (a day or two), you can keep them at room temperature, though they may get a bit softer if it’s warm.
To enjoy from the freezer, just let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before biting in.
Variations and Substitutions
This no-bake recipe is versatile, allowing for a few fun twists!
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Want some extra texture? Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added peanut pieces throughout the base layer.
- Dark Chocolate: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet topping.
- Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate layer before it sets for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Chop up mini peanut butter cups and add them to the peanut butter layer for an extra indulgent treat.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan-friendly version. Make sure your powdered sugar is vegan as well, and you’re set!
Feel free to experiment with these ideas and make the recipe your own. These bars are perfect as-is, but they’re also a fun canvas for customization.
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re sharing them at a party or keeping a stash in the fridge for yourself. With a creamy, sweet peanut butter base and a smooth chocolate top, each bite is pure bliss. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself making them on repeat!
PrintNo-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars combine the rich taste of creamy peanut butter and a smooth chocolate topping, creating a delicious and easy-to-make dessert bar that channels the classic flavors of buckeyes. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a convenient no-bake option with a decadent twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (No Bake)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (for chocolate layer)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until well mixed.
- Press mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until set.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, let bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes after chilling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
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