There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter – especially when it requires no baking! These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars bring all the classic flavors of traditional Buckeye candies into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bar form. With their creamy peanut butter layer topped with a rich chocolate ganache, these bars are sure to disappear as soon as they hit the table.
My love for Buckeyes started with the classic Ohio treat, but turning them into bars? Game-changer! This version skips the rolling process, so you get all the same flavors with half the effort. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a weekend treat, these bars are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Why You'll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite peanut butter dessert. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter fans alike.
First, these bars are incredibly easy to make. With no oven time required, you can whip them up in just 20 minutes and let the fridge do the rest. Perfect for those times when you want a quick, delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
They’re also a hit with everyone. The smooth peanut butter layer and rich chocolate topping create a nostalgic treat that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether you’re making them for a school event or a family gathering, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Plus, these bars store beautifully. Make them a day in advance, and they’re ready to go when you are – ideal for those busy schedules or last-minute get-togethers.
Finally, these bars are wonderfully customizable. If you’re a fan of crunchy peanut butter or prefer dark chocolate to milk, you can make simple swaps to suit your tastes perfectly.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars lies in their simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best here, as it creates a smooth and cohesive layer. If you like a bit of texture, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. Make sure to use a regular variety, as natural peanut butter can be too oily and might not set as firmly.
- Powdered Sugar: This is essential for sweetening the peanut butter layer and giving it a slightly crumbly texture that contrasts with the chocolate. Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing will prevent any lumps in the peanut butter mixture.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the peanut butter and powdered sugar, giving the bars their perfect consistency. I recommend using unsalted butter to control the salt level, but if you only have salted on hand, it will work just fine.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the ideal balance for the peanut butter. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This small addition to the chocolate layer makes the ganache extra smooth and glossy. It also helps the chocolate set with a soft, fudge-like texture that’s easy to slice.
No special equipment is required! A simple mixing bowl, spatula, and an 8x8 baking dish are all you need to create these delicious bars.
How To Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Creating these delicious bars is so simple – no oven required! Just follow these easy steps, and you'll have a stunning dessert in no time.
Start by lining an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting a bit of the paper hang over the edges. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later for clean slicing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, ½ cup of melted butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Stir until well blended, forming a thick dough-like mixture. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer with the back of a spoon or a spatula.
Next, it’s time to prepare the chocolate layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out evenly. For a neat finish, give the pan a few gentle taps on the countertop to settle the chocolate and smooth out any air bubbles.
Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and the chocolate has set. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve!
In total, these bars take about 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional chill time to let the layers set. The result is a layered dessert that’s indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make.
Storage Options
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars store wonderfully, making them perfect for prepping in advance or saving leftovers for later.
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to a week. The chocolate layer may firm up slightly, but it’s easy to soften by letting the bars sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Freezer: For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them.
To serve, bring them back to room temperature if you prefer a softer texture. But for those who love a chilled treat, they’re delicious straight from the fridge!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars is how adaptable they are. Here are a few variations to make them your own:
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you prefer a bit of crunch, substitute creamy peanut butter with chunky peanut butter. The added texture complements the smooth chocolate layer beautifully.
- Dark Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you’re a fan of bolder flavors. This gives the bars a slightly less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Almond or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter for a different nutty taste. Just note that these options might alter the texture slightly, so adjust the powdered sugar as needed.
- Graham Cracker Crust: For a twist, add a graham cracker crust as a base layer. Simply mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press it into the pan before adding the peanut butter layer.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle salted caramel over the chocolate layer once it has set. The hint of caramel pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and chocolate.
Experiment with these variations and find your favorite way to enjoy this no-bake treat. Whether you keep it classic or mix it up, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are bound to be a hit.
PrintNo-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe
Indulge in the rich, classic flavor of No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars. With a smooth peanut butter base and chocolate layer on top, these bars are a simple, no-bake dessert that satisfies cravings with minimal effort. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a quick treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Press the mixture evenly into a lined 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or shortening until smooth, then pour over the peanut butter layer.
- Spread chocolate evenly and refrigerate until set, about 1-2 hours.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
- For a thicker chocolate layer, increase chocolate chips to 1 ½ cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
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