No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, especially when it’s in the form of creamy, sweet, no-bake bars. No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars bring all the classic flavors of buckeye candies, but without the fuss. These bars are creamy, rich, and topped with a glossy chocolate layer that’s hard to resist.

I made these for the first time when I wanted an easy dessert without turning on the oven. Since then, they’ve become my go-to treat for gatherings or just as a sweet snack to keep in the fridge!

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious treat that doesn’t require any baking, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are going to hit the spot. They’re perfect for any occasion and come together with minimal effort.

To start with, they’re quick and simple. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip these bars up in about 20 minutes. They’re then popped in the fridge to set—no baking required!

They’re rich and satisfying. The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate is deliciously indulgent, with just the right balance of sweetness. These bars taste like a Reese’s cup in bar form!

They're great for sharing. Each batch makes enough to share, and they’re always a hit at potlucks, parties, and gatherings. Plus, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch if needed.

Lastly, they’re versatile. You can easily customize these bars by adding crushed pretzels, a sprinkle of sea salt, or swapping out the type of chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients Notes

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars use a handful of pantry staples, each adding to the texture and flavor of these delicious treats.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best here for a smooth, cohesive filling. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can use chunky peanut butter, but it may make the bars a bit harder to slice evenly.
• Powdered Sugar: This sugar blends smoothly with the peanut butter to add sweetness and structure without any grittiness. It also gives the filling that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Butter: Melted, unsalted butter adds richness to the filling. It also helps bind the powdered sugar and peanut butter together for a firmer bar.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These add a slightly bittersweet chocolate layer that balances the sweetness of the filling. You can also use dark or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
• Coconut Oil: Adding a little bit of coconut oil to the melted chocolate makes it pourable and gives it a glossy finish. It also helps the chocolate set a bit softer, making it easier to slice.

No special tools are required for this recipe, just an 8x8-inch baking pan, a mixing bowl, and a spatula or spoon. If you have a microwave, you can use it to melt the chocolate, or melt it in a double boiler on the stovetop.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are so easy to make that they might become your favorite treat for quick dessert emergencies. Follow these simple steps to create these indulgent bars.

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
2. Press into the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan, pressing down firmly with a spatula. Place the pan in the fridge while you make the chocolate layer.
3. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop.
4. Add the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Give the pan a gentle shake to smooth the chocolate out.
5. Chill and Set: Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares.

From start to finish, these bars only take about 20 minutes to make, plus chilling time. They’re as simple as they are delicious!

Storage Options

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to store them so they stay fresh.

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They’ll stay firm and the chocolate layer will stay nicely set.
• Freezer: To store them longer, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
• Room Temperature: If you’re serving these the same day, you can leave them at room temperature for a few hours. However, if your kitchen is warm, the chocolate layer may soften.

When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy these bars straight from the fridge or let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are easy to customize to your taste. Here are some ideas to make them your own:

• Switch up the Nut Butter: For a unique flavor, try almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter. Just note that consistency might vary slightly with different types of nut butter.
• Add a Salty Crunch: Top the chocolate layer with crushed pretzels, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to add a bit of salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peanut butter layer.
• Layer with Toffee Bits or Chocolate Chips: Stir mini chocolate chips or toffee bits into the peanut butter layer for an extra burst of flavor and a bit of texture in every bite.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is a completely vegan treat that’s just as rich and satisfying.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas or come up with your own twist. However you customize them, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are sure to become a favorite treat, combining classic buckeye flavors with a no-bake twist. Enjoy each peanut butter and chocolate bite!

Print