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 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 recommend making a double batch for larger crowds, too! Follow along with this easy recipe to learn how to make it!

This is the Best Buckeye Bars Recipe!

This recipe stands out for several reasons that make it worth trying. Beyond the irresistible nutty flavor combination already mentioned, this no-bake dessert takes little effort, is extremely easy to follow, and doesn’t even require an oven. If you’re looking for another easy no-bake option, try these cookie dough bars or my edible peanut butter cookie dough.

And if you want to turn that same chocolate-and-peanut-butter combination into a baked dessert, these buckeye brownies are worth checking out.

Buckeye Bars Recipe Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Creamy Peanut Butter: We chose creamy peanut butter for this recipe so the bars have a velvety-smooth texture. If you’re craving a little crunch, feel free to switch to crunchy peanut butter.
• Butter: Peanut butter can be a little too thick on its own. Mixing in butter 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 perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.

How to Make this Easy Buckeye Bars Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for 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 softened butter until smooth. 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 the vanilla extract and 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 microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir in between each time.
2. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it with an offset spatula to cover the entire top of the peanut butter base.

Finishing Prep

1. Let the bars 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, so you won’t have to wait for the oven to preheat, and you can let kids make it without worrying about them. If you’re making treats with the little ones during the holidays, check out these 27 easy no-bake Christmas treats for even more ideas.
• This is the best thing to satisfy a peanut butter craving!
• This no-bake peanut butter bars recipe requires only a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. For another simple version using a graham cracker base, check out these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to Store these Buckeye Bars?

To store them, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate; they should last a few weeks.

How to Freeze Them?

To freeze them, wrap each square in plastic wrap first, then place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresher for months.

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

Once frozen, store them all together in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them 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 is also a fun variation if you’re a fan.
• Instead of Peanut Butter:​ Almond butter, or any other of your favorite nut butters, would be a great switch. Depending on how smooth or oily your nut butter is, you may need to add a little more or less powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency. For a fun sweet-and-salty take on the same flavor combination, try these peanut butter buckeye pretzel bites.
• Adding Graham Crackers: Add graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture for a fun and nostalgic childhood flavor. If you love the combination of a cookie crust, peanut butter, and chocolate, you’ll also want to try these peanut butter Oreo bars.

How to Cut the Bars Without Cracking the Chocolate?

Alright everybody, here’s the secret:

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

Second, and most importantly, fill a tall glass with warm water and dip a sharp knife in it. After a minute or two, pull the knife out, 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.