No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

There’s nothing like the creamy, peanut-buttery goodness of Buckeye Bars to satisfy a sweet tooth, especially when you can make them without even turning on the oven. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are the perfect treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike, with layers that are smooth, rich, and oh-so-indulgent.

I first made these bars for a family potluck, and they were an instant hit! They’ve since become my go-to dessert for gatherings, or even just when my family needs a special mid-week treat. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and impressive dessert, these Buckeye Bars are it.

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

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s both effortless and irresistible. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars deliver everything you want in a sweet treat with minimal fuss.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With no oven required, these bars come together in just a few simple steps. You don’t need to worry about baking times or even dirtying too many dishes.

Perfect for any occasion, they’re equally at home at a holiday gathering or as a casual family treat. They store well too, so you can even make them ahead of time.

Then there’s the classic flavor combo of chocolate and peanut butter. The creamy peanut butter base pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate topping, creating an unforgettable dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Lastly, this recipe is simple and budget-friendly. It uses basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have, so it’s a fantastic last-minute dessert option that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars is in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Peanut Butter: The star of these bars, creamy peanut butter creates a smooth, rich base. For the best texture, I recommend using regular creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter, as it holds together better and provides a smoother consistency.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds a velvety richness to the peanut butter mixture. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature so it combines easily with the other ingredients.
• Powdered Sugar: This helps to sweeten and stabilize the peanut butter layer without making it too dense. It’s best to sift it before mixing to avoid any lumps.
• Chocolate Chips: For the topping, semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into a perfect layer that’s not too sweet. You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a milder flavor, but semi-sweet gives a balanced contrast to the peanut butter.
• Coconut Oil: Adding a small amount of coconut oil to the melted chocolate helps create a glossy, smooth topping. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use a small bit of butter instead, but coconut oil is ideal for that perfect texture.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just a mixing bowl and an 8x8-inch baking dish.

How to Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Creating these delicious bars is as simple as mixing, layering, and chilling. Here’s how to make them step by step:

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer
   In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Press this peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Chill the Peanut Butter Layer
   Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to help the peanut butter layer firm up slightly. This step makes it easier to spread the chocolate layer on top without mixing the layers.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
4. Add the Chocolate Layer
   Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer, covering the entire peanut butter base.
5. Chill and Set
   Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are fully set. For best results, let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
6. Slice and Serve
   Once the bars are fully chilled and firm, lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.

The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, with an additional hour for chilling. When you’re ready to serve, these bars are rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

Storage Options

One of the best parts about these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars is that they store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps maintain their firmness and keeps the chocolate topping from getting too soft.
• Freezer: These bars are freezer-friendly! Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Room Temperature: If you’re serving these at a party, they can sit at room temperature for a couple of hours without any issues. However, they will soften over time, so it’s best to keep them cool when possible.

Variations and Substitutions

These bars are delicious as-is, but you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the Peanut Butter: Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just make sure to use a creamy, stabilized version for the best texture.
• Add a Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch, fold in ½ cup of crushed pretzels or graham crackers into the peanut butter layer for a salty-sweet twist.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Just ensure the peanut butter you use is also vegan.
• Lower the Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar in the peanut butter layer by ¼ cup. You can also use a sugar substitute like powdered monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option.
• Go Dark with Chocolate: For a richer taste, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. It adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet peanut butter layer.

However you choose to make these bars, they’re sure to be a hit. Experiment and have fun creating your perfect version!

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