No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

If you love the classic Buckeye candy but want a super easy version without the hassle of rolling individual balls, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are for you! They have all the creamy peanut butter goodness and rich chocolate topping but in a simple bar form—no dipping required. Plus, they come together with just 5 ingredients in 10 minutes of prep time!

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

No baking, no candy thermometer, and minimal effort—just mix, press, melt, and chill.

Rich, Creamy & Chocolatey

A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter layer is topped with a luscious chocolate layer, creating the ultimate sweet treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Great for holidays, potlucks, lunchbox treats, or a last-minute dessert craving.

Only 5 Ingredients!

Simple pantry staples come together to make a decadent treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Peanut Butter Layer

• ½ cup (113g) butter, softened – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients
• 2 cups (480g) creamy peanut butter – Stick to a no-stir variety like Jif or Skippy for the best texture
• 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter base
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7ml) vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor

Chocolate Layer

• 2 cups (360g) chocolate chips or chunks (12 ounces) – Use semisweet for a classic taste, or try dark chocolate for a richer version
• 1 tablespoon (14g) butter or coconut oil – Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and stay glossy

Possible Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips
• Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter
• Lower Sugar: Try a sugar-free powdered sweetener like Swerve

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract
2. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is thick and slightly crumbly

Step 2: Press into a Pan

3. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper
4. Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the pan and press it down firmly, creating an even layer

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon butter
6. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth (about 1½ minutes total)

Step 4: Assemble & Chill

7. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly
8. Let sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set

Step 5: Slice & Enjoy

9. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into squares

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use a high-quality peanut butter – It makes a big difference in flavor and texture
• Line the pan with parchment paper – This makes lifting and cutting super easy
• Cut when slightly chilled – This prevents cracking in the chocolate layer

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using natural peanut butter – It’s too oily and can make the bars fall apart
• Overheating the chocolate – Stir between intervals to prevent burning
• Skipping the chilling step – The bars won’t hold their shape properly

Time-Saving Tips

• Speed up setting time by placing the bars in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating
• Use a food processor to mix the peanut butter layer even faster

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert

Presentation Ideas

• Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative touch
• Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-salty contrast

Beverage Pairings

• Enjoy with coffee for a rich and cozy pairing
• Try with a peanut butter whiskey cocktail for an adult twist

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating Methods

• These bars are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! It will add a bit of texture, but the bars will still hold together well

How do I keep the chocolate from cracking when cutting?

Use a sharp knife and let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or make two separate batches

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free chocolate and a powdered keto sweetener
• Vegan: Swap out butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate

Flavor Twists

• Add a graham cracker crust for extra texture
• Swirl in Nutella or caramel into the peanut butter layer

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Top with festive sprinkles for Christmas
• Add pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat

Final Thoughts

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! With just 5 ingredients, no baking, and minimal prep time, they’re a must-make dessert for any occasion

Looking for more delicious treats? Try these:

• Cupid Cupcakes – The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat
• Vegan Cherry Almond Brownies – Rich and Fudgy
• Red Velvet Sugar Cookies – Soft and Chewy

For more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest board: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

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