If you're looking for a sweet treat that requires no oven and comes together in just minutes, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are about to become your go-to dessert. Imagine a thick, creamy layer of sweet peanut butter topped with a smooth chocolate coating—just like classic buckeye candies but in easy-to-make bar form.

I first made these bars during a busy holiday season when I needed something quick but decadent. Not only were they a huge hit, but they also turned out to be a new family favorite that’s now requested year-round. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a last-minute treat for yourself!
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Get ready to fall head over heels for these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars. They’re deliciously creamy, with a rich chocolate layer on top that melts in your mouth.
First, these bars are incredibly simple to make. With no baking required, they’re a breeze to whip up and only take about 10 minutes to assemble. Perfect for anyone short on time or without access to an oven!
Second, they have all the nostalgic flavors of classic buckeye candies, but in a less time-consuming format. By making these bars in a pan, you skip the hassle of rolling individual balls, which means more time to enjoy them!
Another reason to love these bars? They’re totally customizable. You can make them as thick or thin as you like by adjusting the pan size, and you can also experiment with adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed pretzels on top for extra flavor.
And finally, these bars store well, making them ideal for meal-prepping treats or for making in advance of an event. Whether you’re keeping them at home or gifting them, they stay fresh and delicious for days.
Ingredients Notes

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars use simple ingredients, each adding to the decadent flavor and creamy texture.
Peanut Butter: For best results, use a creamy peanut butter that’s smooth and doesn’t separate. Brands like Jif or Skippy work well here. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may cause the mixture to be slightly more crumbly.
Butter: Softened, unsalted butter provides a rich base for the peanut butter mixture. It makes the filling extra creamy and helps it hold its shape once set. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
Powdered Sugar: This finely ground sugar blends seamlessly into the peanut butter mixture, creating a smooth and sweet filling without any grittiness. Powdered sugar also helps stabilize the filling for clean cuts once the bars are chilled.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance of sweetness and richness for the top layer. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, or dark chocolate for a more intense taste.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Adding a bit of coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate helps it melt more smoothly and gives it a glossy finish. This optional step makes the chocolate layer easier to slice without cracking.
No special tools are required, just a mixing bowl, spatula, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate. A square 9x9-inch pan is ideal, but an 8x8-inch pan works too for slightly thicker bars.
How to Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
Creating these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars is straightforward. Let’s break it down step by step for perfect results.
Start by preparing your pan. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift out the bars for cutting later.
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar if needed to reach the right consistency.
Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Aim for a smooth, even layer to ensure every bite has a balanced amount of filling.
Now, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps the chocolate set with a glossy finish and makes it easier to slice without cracking.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for contrast.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set. When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Storage Options
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat.
In the Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay firm and fresh, with the chocolate layer holding up nicely.
In the Freezer: If you’d like to keep them longer, these bars freeze well. Layer them with wax or parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge before serving.
For serving from the fridge or freezer, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for a softer texture. They taste deliciously creamy when they’ve had a little time to warm up!
Variations and Substitutions
This No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap the creamy peanut butter for crunchy to add a delightful crunch to the filling. It’s a small change, but it adds a lot of texture!
Different Nut Butters: Not a fan of peanut butter? Try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead. These alternatives create a similar texture and allow you to customize the flavor.
Topping Additions: Add a sprinkle of crushed pretzels, chopped peanuts, or mini chocolate chips on top of the melted chocolate layer before it sets. These add-ons provide extra flavor and crunch.
Lower Sugar Option: To reduce sweetness, cut the powdered sugar down by ¼ cup and substitute a natural sweetener, like powdered erythritol. This change keeps the filling creamy but reduces sugar.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these bars entirely dairy-free. Most dairy-free butter substitutes work well, so feel free to pick your favorite brand.
Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make the bars truly your own. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—there are endless ways to enjoy it.
Conclousion
With their creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate top, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are an easy and satisfying dessert for any occasion. Make a batch for your next gathering, or keep some on hand for a quick treat that everyone will love. Enjoy!
PrintNo-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe
These No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars offer a quick, indulgent dessert layered with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. Inspired by classic buckeyes, this simple recipe combines smooth textures and decadent flavors, ideal for peanut butter lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or butter)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth.
- Press peanut butter mixture into a lined 9x13-inch pan, creating an even layer.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth. Pour over peanut butter layer, spreading evenly.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, slice while cold.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
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