Name: Buckeye Bars: A No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened; 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Buckeye Bars are a no-bake dessert featuring a smooth, peanut butter layer topped with rich, melted chocolate. Inspired by the classic Buckeye candies, these bars deliver all the nostalgic flavors in a simpler, sliceable form. I find them perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever I need a quick sweet fix. Buckeye Bars: A No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these Buckeye Bars are to make—there’s no need to turn on the oven. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is timeless, and these bars hit the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The texture is satisfyingly firm yet creamy, and they store beautifully for make-ahead convenience. Whether I’m serving a crowd or just indulging in a sweet craving, these always satisfy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

salted sweet cream butter, softened
creamy peanut butter
pure vanilla extract
powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Ganache:

semi-sweet chocolate chips
vegetable oil

Directions

I start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to make removal easy later.
Then, I beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until smooth.
I mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
Gradually, I add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition to create a smooth and firm mixture.
I press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, I combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
I microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy.
I pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
I let the bars sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes to set slightly, then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 15 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

I sometimes swap in almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a twist on the classic flavor.
Depending on my mood, I alternate between milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips for the topping.
To add some crunch, I like mixing crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts into the peanut butter layer.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a gourmet touch and balances the sweetness.
For a festive vibe, I sometimes press mini M&Ms or sprinkles into the chocolate before it sets.

Storage/Reheating

I store the Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When I need to keep them longer, I wrap them individually and freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, I let the bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight. There’s no need to reheat—these are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing the bars?

I let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes after removing them from the fridge. This softens the chocolate slightly, making slicing easier and neater.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

I prefer using regular creamy peanut butter because natural versions tend to separate and don’t set as firmly. The bars come out smoother and more stable with conventional peanut butter.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day or two in advance. They hold up well in the fridge and taste just as good after a couple of days.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Definitely. I just halve all the ingredients and press the mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan. The results are just as delicious in a smaller size.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be, as long as I use certified gluten-free powdered sugar and chocolate chips. I always double-check labels to be sure.

Conclusion

These Buckeye Bars are everything I want in a dessert: quick, easy, rich, and satisfying. The no-bake method saves time, and the flavors are a hit every time. Whether I’m making them for a gathering or storing them in the freezer for later, they never disappoint.