There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are proof of that. With layers of creamy peanut butter, a hint of vanilla, and a smooth chocolate topping, they taste just like classic Buckeyes but come together with zero oven time. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a quick weeknight treat, these bars are as simple as they are indulgent.

The first time I made these, I was in a rush for a potluck dessert that didn't require baking. They were a hit! Now, I make them any time I'm craving that signature chocolate-peanut butter duo. Let’s dive into the recipe to see why these bars will become your new go-to dessert.

Why You'll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Get ready to meet your new favorite sweet treat! These Buckeye Bars are a game-changer for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With only a handful of simple ingredients and no baking required, these bars are perfect for when you need a quick, fuss-free dessert.

They’re budget-friendly, too. The recipe uses pantry staples like peanut butter, chocolate chips, and graham crackers, so you won’t have to break the bank to make an impressive dessert.

Ideal for sharing, these bars can be cut into bite-sized squares or larger pieces for a crowd. Bring them to a potluck, serve them at a family gathering, or keep a stash in the fridge for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Lastly, these Buckeye Bars capture that classic Buckeye taste without all the rolling and dipping. You get all the peanut butter-chocolate goodness in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars lies in their simplicity. Let’s go over each ingredient to understand how they contribute to this delicious dessert.

Peanut Butter: Choose a creamy, smooth peanut butter for the filling. Classic peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best, as natural varieties may separate and not set as firmly. Peanut butter adds that signature flavor and a creamy, satisfying texture.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These crumbs are the foundation of the bars. They add a subtle, slightly sweet flavor and give the peanut butter mixture structure. You can find pre-made graham cracker crumbs at most grocery stores, or crush whole graham crackers in a food processor.

Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetening the peanut butter layer, powdered sugar also helps thicken the filling to create a sturdy base that holds together well when cut.

Butter: A little melted butter in the peanut butter layer adds richness and helps bind everything together. Salted or unsalted butter works, but using salted butter can add a touch of contrast to the sweet filling.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips make the perfect topping. Melted with a bit of butter, they create a smooth, shiny layer of chocolate that hardens on top, complementing the creamy peanut butter layer.

Vanilla Extract: A small splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavor.

No special equipment is needed – just a bowl, a spoon, and an 8x8-inch baking dish for easy preparation.

How To Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Making these bars couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get perfect Buckeye Bars every time.

Start by preparing your baking dish. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out for slicing once they’re set.

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of peanut butter with ½ cup of melted butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs. Stir until everything is well combined, and the mixture is smooth. It should have a thick, dough-like consistency.

Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the lined baking dish, using your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top. Take a moment to ensure an even layer for the perfect peanut butter base.

For the chocolate topping, melt 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tilt the pan slightly if needed to cover the entire surface.

Place the dish in the fridge to chill for at least one hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm and set. Once ready, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.

These bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week, but they rarely last that long!

Storage Options

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars store wonderfully, making them ideal for make-ahead treats.

In the Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The chocolate topping may soften slightly at room temperature, so keeping them chilled helps maintain their shape and texture.

In the Freezer: If you want to store them for longer, freeze the bars! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

At Room Temperature: These bars are fine at room temperature for a few hours, making them great for parties. However, if the room is warm, the chocolate may get a bit melty, so keep them cool whenever possible.

To enjoy a bar straight from the fridge, let it sit for a couple of minutes to soften slightly. The chocolate will still have a satisfying snap, while the peanut butter layer will be perfectly creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

These bars are delightfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

For a salty-sweet twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer just after spreading it. The salt pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter and chocolate.

Looking for a nut-free version? Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Both offer a similar consistency and flavor that work well in this recipe.

For a touch of texture, try mixing in some chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter layer. It adds a fun crunch that peanut butter lovers will enjoy.

Prefer dark chocolate? Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to give the bars a more intense chocolate flavor. The richness of dark chocolate contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the peanut butter.

If you want to make these bars a bit healthier, consider using reduced-sugar chocolate chips or a smaller amount of powdered sugar. The flavor will still be fantastic, with a slightly less sweet profile.

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are endlessly customizable, so feel free to adapt them to your taste. Whether you’re a purist or looking to mix things up, you’re in for a delicious treat!