There's nothing quite like a batch of Buckeye Bars to satisfy your sweet tooth. This dessert combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into a bar form, giving you all the richness of traditional buckeye candies without the fuss of rolling and dipping. Perfectly creamy, smooth, and chocolatey, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that everyone in the family will love.

I first made Buckeye Bars for a family gathering when I didn’t have time to make individual buckeyes. The bars were a huge hit, with people coming back for seconds—and sometimes even thirds! They’ve since become a go-to treat in our home, offering all the nostalgic flavors of buckeyes with half the effort.
Why You'll Love These Buckeye Bars
Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Buckeye Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who craves the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter.
First, these bars are quick and fuss-free. Unlike traditional buckeye candies, there’s no need for rolling, dipping, or chilling each ball. You simply press the peanut butter layer into a pan, top with melted chocolate, and let them set. It’s a timesaver, especially during the holidays or busy weeknights when you’re looking for a treat.
Plus, they’re perfectly portable. Buckeye Bars are ideal for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats. They’re easy to cut into squares, pack neatly in containers, and won’t require utensils.
Not only are they simple, but these bars are also incredibly rich and satisfying. Each bite has a creamy peanut butter base topped with a thick layer of chocolate, making it perfect for anyone who loves Reese’s or peanut butter cups.
Lastly, these bars are family-friendly and can be customized to suit your tastes. You can adjust the sweetness, swap in different nut butters, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty twist.
With Buckeye Bars, you get a delicious, no-bake treat that’s as easy as it is addictive.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Buckeye Bars is that they use simple pantry ingredients to create that signature flavor. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient to make sure your bars come out perfectly every time.
- Peanut Butter: For that rich, classic flavor, creamy peanut butter is ideal. Choose a smooth peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, for a uniform texture. Natural peanut butters may separate and lead to a crumbly texture, so it’s best to stick with the conventional kind.
- Powdered Sugar: This is key for both sweetness and texture. Powdered sugar combines smoothly with the peanut butter, creating a firm, slightly crumbly base that holds up under the chocolate layer. You’ll want to sift the powdered sugar if it’s clumpy for the best texture.
- Butter: Adding melted butter to the peanut butter layer helps make it smooth and adds a rich, creamy taste. Salted or unsalted butter will work here; just be aware that salted butter adds a touch of saltiness, which can balance the sweetness nicely.
- Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to get that perfect, not-too-sweet chocolate layer. If you prefer milk chocolate, you can swap that in, but the bars may taste sweeter overall. To help the chocolate melt evenly, add a touch of coconut oil or butter.
- Coconut Oil or Butter (optional): Mixing a bit of coconut oil or butter with the chocolate chips makes the chocolate layer smooth and glossy, giving you that polished, bakery-style finish.
You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking pan for this recipe. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting once the bars are set.
How To Make These Buckeye Bars

Making Buckeye Bars is as simple as mixing, layering, and chilling. Follow these easy steps to create a dessert everyone will be talking about.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: Start by combining the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Press it evenly into the bottom of a lined 9x13-inch pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
- Melt the Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it to prevent burning.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the entire surface is covered. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top if you like a salty-sweet flavor.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours or until the chocolate is firm. This helps the bars hold their shape when cutting.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
From start to finish, you can have these bars ready in under 20 minutes, with only the chilling time keeping you from indulging right away.
Storage Options
Buckeye Bars are a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to store them to keep them fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerator: Store your Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They taste delicious chilled and are easy to grab for a quick dessert.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze Buckeye Bars. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Room Temperature: For shorter storage, you can leave Buckeye Bars at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days, though they are firmer when chilled.
When reheating (if needed), avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate layer. Simply let the bars come to room temperature if they’ve been in the freezer.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Buckeye Bars is their versatility. Here are some fun variations and substitutions to try.
- Almond or Cashew Butter: If you’re looking to switch things up, try using almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Each will give a unique flavor twist, while still delivering the creaminess you love.
- Add Crunch: For a bit of texture, fold in some crushed graham crackers or chopped peanuts into the peanut butter layer. It gives the bars a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: For a gourmet touch, drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce over the chocolate layer before it sets. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Dark Chocolate: For a richer taste, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate chips. It adds depth and balances out the sweetness of the peanut butter layer.
- Gluten-Free Version: These bars are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your ingredients to ensure they’re free from any hidden gluten sources, especially if you’re adding any crunchy mix-ins.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make these bars your own. Buckeye Bars are endlessly customizable, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Enjoy this quick, delicious treat and make sure to share the recipe with friends and family—it’s bound to be a new favorite.
PrintBuckeye Bars Recipe
Indulge in these decadent Buckeye Bars, a twist on the classic Buckeye candy! Featuring a smooth peanut butter layer covered with a rich chocolate topping, this no-bake treat is a hit for parties, holidays, and sweet cravings. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these bars are an irresistible combination for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (minimum)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or additional butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a bowl, mix melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking dish.
- Make the Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth. Pour over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Set & Slice: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Substitute graham cracker crumbs with finely crushed digestive biscuits if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
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