These easy Buckeye Bars feature a creamy peanut butter layer topped with rich chocolate for the perfect no-bake dessert. A quick and delicious twist on classic Buckeye candy with only 6 ingredients.
Buckeye Bars are a rich and irresistible treat that brings together two classic flavors including creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate. Inspired by traditional Buckeye candy, these bars offer the same delicious taste in an easy, sliceable dessert form.
With no baking required, Buckeye Bars come together quickly using simple pantry ingredients. The smooth peanut butter layer pairs perfectly with a glossy chocolate topping, making them a crowd favorite for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave something sweet.
This recipe for no bake peanut butter bars has all the flavors of Buckeye peanut butter Balls. Everything you love about this classic treat is transformed into bars. If you love Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Peanut Butter Desserts, this is a great recipe to try. We love dessert bars and also make Brookie Recipe.
Table of contents
Why Are They Called Buckeyes?
This treat gets its name from the Buckeye tree, which is native to Ohio. The dessert is especially popular in that region. In other parts of the country, similar recipes are often known as peanut butter bars.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Perfect for when you want a quick, easy dessert without turning on the oven.
- Classic flavor combo: Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate make every bite irresistible.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, holidays, or a sweet snack anytime.
- Freezer-friendly: Store leftovers for a quick treat whenever a craving hits.
Ingredients
- Salted Butter (softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of salt that balances the sweetness.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter layer and gives it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that creates a soft, flavorful base with classic peanut butter taste.
- Chocolate Chips: Melted into a glossy layer of chocolate that tops the bars and adds the perfect finishing touch.
If you scroll down, you can find the entire ingredient list.
Variations
- Extra Chocolate. If you prefer a thicker chocolate layer, double the chocolate recipe portion. Just note that it will likely take longer to set.
- Rice Krispies. Add some crunch to this recipe by adding 3 cups of Rice Krispies to the peanut butter mixture.
- Graham Crackers. Change the taste and texture slightly by adding crushed graham cracker crumbs to the mixture. Add 1 to 1 ½ cups until it is the consistency you desire.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Reduce the sweetness in this recipe by using semi sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Dark Chocolate Chips make another great alternative.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter. Do you want a little crunch in your bars? Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter.
- Sunflower Seed Butter or Soy Nut Butter. If you have allergies, try using an alternative such as sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. The texture might be different when using substitutes.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. Prepare the pan. Line a 9X13 baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2. Combine the peanut butter mixture in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat together the butter, confectioner’s sugar, peanut butter and vanilla extract. The mixture will be thick and a bit crumbly. If you are using the bowl of a stand mixer, you can use the paddle attachment to stir.
Step 3. Next, press the mixture into the baking dish. Use your hands to press the mixture down into the bottom of the 9X13 pan.
Step 4. Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly on top of the peanut butter layer in the pan.
Step 5. Let the bars set at room temperature. Cut the bars with a sharp knife. Then the bars are ready to cut, serve and enjoy!
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps for up to 1 week.
- Chilling helps the bars stay firm and easy to cut.
Freezer
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Place bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
- Freeze for up to 4 months.
Pro Tips
- Use softened butter: This ensures the peanut butter layer is smooth and easy to mix.
- Chill before cutting: Refrigerate the bars until fully set to make slicing clean and neat.
- Microwave chocolate carefully: Melt chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning.
- Line the pan: Use parchment paper so the bars lift out easily.
- Add a finishing touch: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate for extra flavor contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recipe is gluten free but be careful of any add ins that you decide to use. This may alter the bars and their gluten free status.
Also, some types of powdered sugar container a starch ingredient that includes gluten. As a precaution, we suggest checking all labels of ingredients you are concerned about.
Cutting the bars once the chocolate has completely set may result in cracking. Allow the bars to set in the fridge for a portion of the time and then cut.
Place back in the fridge for the remaining time and allow to set.
Yes, you can half this recipe. Reduce the ingredients in half and use a 9×9 baking dish.
We do not suggest using natural peanut butter in this recipe. The oil in this type of peanut butter will not result in the same texture.
It can lead to the mixture separating and won’t have that creamy texture everyone loves.
More Easy Buckeye Recipes
Once you make this buckeye bars recipe, come back and leave a star recipe rating and comment.
Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips
- 1 Tablespoon Shortening
Instructions
- Line a 9X13 baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, confectioner’s sugar, peanut butter and vanilla extract with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer. The mixture will be thick and a bit crumbly.
- Use your hands to press the mixture down into the bottom of the 9X13 pan.
- Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly on top of the peanut butter layer in the pan.
- Allow to sit at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set.
- Then the bars are ready to cut, serve and enjoy!
