The Best No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe Ever Made

Creamy, decadent no-bake peanut butter buckeye bars have become my ultimate comfort dessert.

Chocolate and peanut butter create pure magic in this simple treat.

Midwest bakers know these delightful squares as a classic indulgence.

Rich layers of smooth peanut butter blend perfectly with melted chocolate.

My grandmother’s recipe inspired this quick and irresistible version that anyone can master.

Minimal ingredients and zero oven time make these bars a perfect go-to dessert for busy people.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these heavenly squares.

FAQs

• What are buckeye bars named after?

The bars are named after the buckeye tree nuts found in Ohio, which they resemble in appearance when the chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls are made.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference and taste.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

No, you only need a mixing bowl, baking dish, spatula, and basic measuring tools to create these no-bake bars.

• How long will these peanut butter bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will remain fresh for up to 7-10 days.

Why Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Are A Favorite

• Simplify Dessert Making: Create delicious treats without turning on the oven, making this recipe perfect for home bakers who want a stress-free sweet experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Indulge in the classic, irresistible pairing of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Prepare these bars in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Crowd-Friendly Treat: Perfect for parties, game nights, or family celebrations where you need a dessert that's easy to serve and guaranteed to please everyone's taste buds.

Ingredients in Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

• Peanut Butter: A creamy and rich ingredient that provides the classic flavor and smooth texture of buckeye bars.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a delightful crunch and helps bind the base layer together.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps create a firm, slice-able consistency.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, glossy chocolate layer that covers the peanut butter base.
• Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates a shiny finish.

• Sea Salt: Provides a delicate flavor contrast and enhances the overall taste of the bars.

Stepwise Preparation of Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Step 1: Craft Creamy Peanut Butter Base

• Creamy peanut butter
• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Graham cracker crumbs

Stir the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, unified mixture that looks like delectable cookie dough.

Step 2: Create Solid Foundation

Transfer the peanut butter mixture into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish.

Use your hands or a spatula to press and spread the mixture evenly, creating a compact and uniform layer that will serve as the delicious base of your buckeye bars.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Topping

Combine chocolate chips with coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate becomes silky smooth and glossy with no lumps.

Step 4: Pour Chocolate Layer

Gently pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter foundation.

Use a spatula to spread the chocolate in a consistent layer, ensuring complete coverage of the peanut butter base.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it rest for 1-2 hours.

The bars will transform into a firm, decadent treat with a perfect chocolate shell.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Remove the chilled bars from the refrigerator.

Cut into squares using a sharp knife, creating clean, even pieces. Serve directly from the fridge for the most satisfying texture and taste.

Tips to Perfect Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

• Opt for creamy peanut butter to ensure a silky-smooth texture in your buckeye bars.
• Sift powdered sugar beforehand to prevent lumpy mixtures and achieve a more uniform consistency.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to prevent burning, using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.

Flavor Enhancements to Try with Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

• Almond Butter Bliss: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty alternative that's rich in heart-healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Chocolate Version: Replace regular chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate and use coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based treat.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered erythritol and use almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs to reduce carbohydrate content.

Complementary Dishes for Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

• Dessert Picnic Delight: Pack these bars in a cooler for a refreshing summer treat during outdoor gatherings, keeping them chilled and enjoying their rich chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
• Game Day Snack Platter: Slice bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a serving tray alongside other sweet and savory snacks for perfect party nibbles during sports events.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside hot coffee or tea as a decadent midday indulgence, offering a sweet break from daily routine with minimal preparation effort.
• Gift-Worthy Treat Box: Carefully stack bars between parchment paper layers in a decorative box, creating a homemade edible gift that looks elegant and tastes incredible.

Best Ways to Store Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate bars for up to 1 week, keeping them cool and fresh.
• Place layers of wax paper between bars to maintain their shape and prevent chocolate smudging.
• Freeze for longer storage by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Transfer frozen bars to refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing.
• Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
• Avoid microwaving to prevent chocolate from melting or becoming grainy.
• Consume within 24 hours after thawing for best taste and quality.

Delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky no-bake peanut butter buckeye bars blend Ohio’s classic confection with creamy chocolate and nutty richness. Chilled layers of sweet peanut butter and smooth chocolate create an irresistible treat you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening

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Instructions

1. Blend peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs in a mixing bowl until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
2. Transfer the mixture into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish, using a spatula to create an even, compact layer with smooth surface.
3. Gently melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler, stirring periodically to ensure a glossy, smooth texture.
4. Carefully pour the molten chocolate over the peanut butter base, tilting the pan to distribute an even chocolate coating across the entire surface.
5. Place the dish in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes, allowing the chocolate to solidify and the layers to set completely.
6. Remove from refrigerator and slice into uniform rectangular bars using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for precise edges.
7. Serve directly from the refrigerator to maintain the bars’ firm texture and cool temperature.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar to taste, ensuring the perfect balance for your palate.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile or white chocolate for a sweeter twist on the classic buckeye bars.
• Enhance texture by adding chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds into the peanut butter mixture for extra crunch and depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg