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Best Buckeye Bars No-Bake

Section: Indulgent Desserts for Sweet Endings

These no-bake buckeye bars combine a creamy peanut butter layer with a rich chocolate topping, making a smooth, sweet treat that requires no oven time. Simply blend peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt for the base, then top with melted semi-sweet chocolate mixed with butter. Chill until set, then slice for a perfect snack or dessert that’s quick to prepare and loved by all ages.

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Brought to You By Nina
Last updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:45:48 GMT
A stack of three buckeye bars. Bookmark
A stack of three buckeye bars. | ninatable.com

This buckeye bars recipe brings together the perfect peanut butter and chocolate combination that everyone loves. With thick, creamy layers and no need to bake, these bars are quick to make and sure to disappear fast whenever they appear. If you have a peanut butter craving or need a simple yet impressive treat, this recipe is a winner for all occasions.

I first made these during a busy holiday, and they quickly became the requested dessert at every family gathering. Watching everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite never gets old.

Ingredients

  • Creamy peanut butter: for a smooth, velvety base opt for fresh and natural if possible
  • Butter: to soften the peanut butter and add richness use unsalted and softened for best texture
  • Salt: to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut flavor use fine salt for even mixing
  • Vanilla extract: for depth and a subtle warmth in flavor choose pure vanilla extract for the best aroma
  • Powdered sugar: to sweeten and give the peanut layer the right consistency sifted powdered sugar helps avoid lumps
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: strike the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of bitterness quality chocolate improves melt and taste
  • Butter: for the chocolate layer to give it shine and smooth texture use unsalted to control saltiness

Instructions

Scoop the Peanut Butter Mix into Your Bowl:
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Use an electric mixer to blend them together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is key to avoiding lumps and ensuring an even texture in your bars.
Add Sweetness and Flavor:
Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing slowly so the sugar gets well incorporated without flying everywhere. Follow with the vanilla extract and salt, continuing to mix until everything is evenly mixed and the mixture looks slightly crumbly but holds together.
Press Into Pan:
Line an 8 by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal later. Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth it out into one thick layer.
Melt Chocolate and Butter Together:
Put the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky. Be careful not to burn the chocolate; stirring helps distribute heat evenly.
Spread Chocolate Layer:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly so the entire surface is covered in a glossy layer.
Chill and Slice:
Place the pan in the fridge and let the bars set for 10 to 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens but is not rock solid. To slice without cracking, warm a sharp knife by running it under hot water, dry it, then cut the bars. Repeat warming the knife between cuts to glide through smoothly.
A close up of a chocolate bar with a peanut butter filling.
A close up of a chocolate bar with a peanut butter filling. | ninatable.com

One memorable holiday season, a batch of these bars disappeared so quickly that I barely got a piece myself. The peanut butter and chocolate combo is such a comforting classic that sharing these treats has become a joyful family tradition I look forward to every year.

Storage Tips

Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the chocolate firm and the peanut layer moist. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped well and thaw in the fridge before serving to keep the texture perfect.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping the peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for an interesting twist on flavor. You may need to adjust powdered sugar slightly to maintain thickness. Dark chocolate can replace semisweet for a richer, less sweet chocolate layer, and white chocolate also pairs surprisingly well. Add crushed graham crackers in the peanut butter mix for texture and a nostalgic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. Cut into smaller bite size pieces for party platters or pair with fresh fruit like apple slices for a balance of sweet and tart.

A close up of a chocolate dessert.
A close up of a chocolate dessert. | ninatable.com

These no bake buckeye bars are an easy crowd pleaser perfect for holidays or quick treats. Chill well before slicing and enjoy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How should I store buckeye bars?

Place bars in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for a few weeks.

→ Can buckeye bars be frozen?

Yes, individually wrap squares in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for several months.

→ What chocolate variations work well?

Semi-sweet works best, but dark, milk, or even white chocolate can be used according to taste preferences.

→ How can I keep chocolate from cracking when cutting?

Chill bars until chocolate is firm but not rock hard. Use a warm knife, wiping it between cuts, to slice smoothly.

→ Are there substitutions for peanut butter?

Nut butters like almond or cashew can be swapped, though adjustments to sugar may be needed for consistency.

Best Buckeye Bars

Thick peanut butter and chocolate layers create an easy, no-bake bar with smooth, sweet flavors everyone loves.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
15 minutes
Brought to You By: Nina

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Portions: 16 Serves (16 bars)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Peanut Butter Layer

01 2 cups creamy peanut butter
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

→ Chocolate Layer

06 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
07 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, beat creamy peanut butter and softened butter together with an electric hand mixer until smooth.

Step 03

Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, then add vanilla extract and salt; mix until fully combined and the mixture is slightly crumbly.

Step 04

Transfer and press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 05

Combine chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl; melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.

Step 06

Pour melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and gently spread evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 07

Refrigerate bars for 10 to 20 minutes or until chocolate is firm but not frozen.

Step 08

Using a sharp knife warmed in hot water and dried, cut bars into 16 pieces and serve.

Extra Suggestions

  1. For clean slicing, warm the knife in hot water before each cut and dry it thoroughly to glide through the chocolate smoothly.
  2. Store bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to a few weeks or freeze individually wrapped for extended storage.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 8×8 inch baking pan
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Offset spatula
  • Sharp kitchen knife

Allergy Details

Read ingredient lists for allergens carefully, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains peanuts (peanut butter) and dairy (butter).