The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake

I feel like every time I’ve seen someone pull out Reese’s peanut butter cups, they’re gone within a matter of seconds.Get ready to watch the same thing happen as soon as you make these peanut butter buckeye bars.

With a thick layer of a sweet peanut butter mixture, accompanied by another thick layer of chocolate, I doubt these bars will last you through the week, especially if you have kids or extended family over.

I definitely advise you to make a double batch for larger crowds too! Follow along with this easy recipe to find out just how to make it!

Since you are here and most likely love peanut butter recipes, check out this Edible Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe, this Frugal No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, or these Easy Peanut butter Oreo Bars!

This is the Best Buckeye Bars Recipe!

This recipe stands out for multiple reasons that make it worthy of giving it a try. Aside from the irresistible nutty flavor combination that was already mentioned, this no-bake dessert only requires little effort with a recipe that is extremely easy to follow which includes not even touching an oven.

Additionally, they’re ultra customizable and great for making ahead of time, which makes them an easy way to be ready for any special occasion.

Ingredients for this Buckeye Bars Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter was chosen for this recipe so that the bars have a velvety smooth texture. If you’re craving a little crunch, by all means switch this out and use crunchy peanut butter instead.
• Butter: Peanut butter can be a little too thick on its own. Mixing butter with it softens it up. You will also leave some aside to smooth out the chocolate as well
• Salt: Salt with peanuts is already a great flavor by itself, but the salt more importantly balances out the sweetness of the chocolate
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate and also helps the overall taste of the bars.
• Powdered sugar: The addition of powdered sugar will add sweetness to the peanut butter layer making it absolutely irresistible.
• Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the perfectly balanced middle between sweetness and bitterness.

How to Make this Easy Buckeye Bars Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the full step-by-step instructions!

Peanut Butter Layer:

1. Line a square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and the softened butter together until a smooth mixture forms. For ease and quickness, use an electric mixer instead of a whisk or wooden spoon.
3. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue mixing. Then add in the vanilla extract and the salt and mix again until combined. The mixture will be slightly crumbly.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer.

Chocolate Layer:

1. Combine chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stirring in between each time.
2. Pour the melted chocolate mixture on top of the peanut butter layer and spread it around with an offset spatula to cover the whole top of the peanut butter base.

Finishing Prep:

1. Allow the bars to set in the fridge for 10-20 minutes or until the chocolate is no longer melted.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice your buckeye base into bar form and enjoy your peanut butter treats!

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• This is a no-bake recipe which no waiting around for a slow oven to preheat, and you can allow kids to make it without having to worry about them.
• This is the best thing to satisfy a peanut butter craving!
• This no-bake peanut butter bars recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients that are easily attainable.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to Store these Buckeye Bars?

To store, simply put them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, they should be good for a few weeks.

How to Freeze Them?

For freezing, the absolute best thing to do would be wrapping each square in plastic wrap first and then placing them in the airtight container. This would help prevent freezer burn and keep them fresher for longer, up to multiple months.

If you don’t want to put in that amount of effort or don’t need them to stay fresh for that long, flash-freeze them by putting them on a baking sheet with a little space in between each square and leave them in the freezer for an hour.

Once they’re frozen, store them all together in the airtight container and leave them in the freezer until you’re ready to use again.

Ingredient Substitutions and Flavor Variations for the Buckeye Bars Recipe

• Instead of Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or bars for less sweetness, or milk chocolate chips for more sweetness. White chocolate would also be a fun variation if you’re a fan of it.
• Instead of Peanut Butter:​ Almond butter, or any other of your favorite nut butter would be a great switch. Depending on how smooth or oily your nut butter is, you might have to add a little bit more or less powdered sugar to get the desired consistency.
• Adding Graham Crackers: Add graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture for a fun and nostalgic childhood flavor.

How to Cut the Bars Without Cracking the Chocolate?

Alright everybody, here’s the secret:

First thing is to have the chocolate be set and solidified, a little colder than room temperature, but not rock hard cold. The 10-20 minutes refrigeration period that’s in the recipe is perfect.

Second and most importantly, you want to fill up a tall glass with warm water and place a sharp knife in it. After a minute or two, pull the knife out of the water, dry it carefully with a paper towel and begin slicing. Dip it back in the water and dry it off again repeatedly between slices. It should glide through the chocolate with ease.

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake

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