No-Bake Buckeye Bars
Published
Published
It’s hard to beat the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and these no-bake buckeye bars hit that craving every time. They come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and chill while you live your life. No oven, no fuss, just creamy peanut butter, a graham cracker base, and a luscious chocolate topping. These are a guaranteed hit for bake sales, holidays, or a casual sweet tooth moment.
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I grew up on buckeyes, but dipping each peanut butter ball seemed like quite the chore. These buckeye bars simplify the process with less mess, but the same traditional flavor and no baking time. A thick, peanut buttery base made with graham cracker crumbs gets pressed into the pan, then topped with a smooth, rich layer of chocolate peanut butter. They’re just as decadent as the classic, but way easier to make.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Use room temperature ingredients. Let the butter and peanut butter sit out for a bit before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and prevents a gritty texture in the base.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring well between each. Chocolate scorches easily, and once it burns, there’s no saving it.
- For the swirl on top. After spreading the chocolate layer, pop the pan in the fridge for about 5 minutes, just until the chocolate starts to set but is still soft. Then use the back of a spoon to swirl the surface gently. It adds a simple decorative touch without any extra effort.
- For clean, neat slices. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut slowly. Repeat between cuts for perfect edges and a tidy presentation.
- For a fun twist, try adding crushed pretzels to the base for a salty crunch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, stir mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter layer, or swap some of the semisweet chips for milk or dark chocolate to mix things up.
No-Bake Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
FOR THE CREAMY BASE
- 2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
FOR THE TOP CHOCOLATE LAYER
- 1 & 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, *see note
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 casserole dish with parchment paper with a slight overhang on the two longer sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer, blend together the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, butter, and 1 cup creamy peanut butter until thoroughly combined. (Mixture might be thick.)
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a silicone spatula or greased fingers, press into an even layer.
- Place chocolate chips, the remaining peanut butter, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, for about 75 seconds total, until smooth.
- Spread melted chocolate mixture over filling.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Loosen the edges with a skinny knife or offset spatula, then, using the parchment paper, lift out of the dish and cut into 12 (or more) squares. Enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!How to Make No-Bake Buckeye Bars Step by Step
Gather the ingredients: Gather all the ingredients together. Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the two longer sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later.
Make the peanut butter layer: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend 2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup melted butter, and 1 cup creamy peanut butter until the mixture is thick and fully combined.
Press into the pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan. Use a silicone spatula or greased fingers to press it into an even layer.
Melt the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, 4 tbsp peanut butter, and 2 tbsp coconut oil. Microwave on high in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, for about 75 seconds total or until smooth.
Add the chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base. Spread evenly with a spatula. Optional swirl tip: Chill the bars for 5 minutes, then gently swirl the top with the back of a spoon for a decorative finish.
Chill until set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
Slice and serve: Run a skinny knife or offset spatula around the edges to loosen the bars. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan, then slice them into 12 or more squares. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These are rich, so a little goes a long way. Cut the slab into smaller bars to feed more people, if needed. I love serving them at potlucks, cookie exchanges, during the holidays, or alongside fruit for a more balanced dessert tray.
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge. Store leftover buckeye bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They stay firm and delicious straight from the cold.
- Freezer. If you want to make a batch ahead, these bars freeze beautifully. Just layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
These were very easy to make and when done they cut easily into nice squares and look so good!! However I made the mistake of not using My favorite Jif peanut butter and used Aldi brand the peanut flavor wasn’t there for me. But I will make again because they look great and will be nice addition to cookie tray!
Made this in the past and loved it. Thank you
Amazing recipe. Thank you for the recipe
I just made these & they were so simple & easy to make. Absolutely love them & will be making more. Thank you for sharing these.
After you shared the video on Facebook I couldn’t wait to make these – and they did not disappoint! They sort of taste like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Amy has the best recipes!
Made these today and WOW they taste incredible. Super easy to make too. I cut them into much smaller bars to stretch them further. They’re very rich so its fine. We loved them! Will definitley make again.
These were AH.MA.ZING!!!! And so easy! Wow. I’d give this recipe 10 stars if I could!