There's something magical about No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars – they're an irresistible blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, layered together for a treat that’s both simple and decadent. Imagine sinking your teeth into a smooth peanut butter filling topped with a silky chocolate layer, all without turning on the oven. Perfect for parties, holiday gifts, or just a quick dessert fix, these bars are as easy as they are indulgent.

I first discovered these bars when I wanted a sweet treat that didn’t require much fuss. Now, they've become my go-to recipe whenever I’m craving that classic peanut butter-chocolate combo in a new way. Let’s dive in and make these irresistible bars!
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
If you’re a fan of peanut butter cups or traditional Ohio-style buckeyes, you’re in for a treat with these no-bake bars.
First, they’re incredibly easy to make. No baking, no complicated steps – just mix, layer, and chill. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone needing a quick dessert.
These bars also have a great balance of flavors. The smooth peanut butter combined with the rich chocolate topping is a match made in dessert heaven. Each bite gives you that melt-in-your-mouth goodness without being overly sweet.
Plus, this recipe is totally customizable. You can tweak the thickness of each layer, try different chocolate options, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a touch of sophistication.
Finally, they’re a crowd-pleaser. These bars are great for serving at gatherings or packing as gifts. Everyone loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and they look as impressive as they taste.
Ready to see how it’s done? Let’s start with the ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars lies in their simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component brings something essential to the flavor and texture.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: For that classic taste and creamy consistency, use a good quality creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is fine, but make sure it’s well-mixed and not too oily to ensure a smooth filling.
- Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness to the peanut butter layer without any graininess. It also helps bind the mixture to create a fudge-like consistency.
- Butter: You’ll need a bit of melted butter in the peanut butter layer to add richness and smoothness. Make sure it’s unsalted butter to avoid an overly salty flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the peanut butter flavor, adding warmth and depth to the filling.
- Chocolate Chips: Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the topping, depending on your sweetness preference. Semi-sweet works well for a balanced flavor, while dark chocolate gives a richer taste.
- Coconut Oil or Butter for Melting Chocolate: Adding a little coconut oil (or butter) to the chocolate helps it set with a smooth, shiny finish and makes it easier to cut without cracking.
Equipment Needed: You’ll only need a mixing bowl, microwave-safe bowl, spatula, and an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper for easy lifting and clean edges when slicing.
How to Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Making these bars couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to go in no time.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated, and the mixture is smooth and thick. It should hold together when pressed but still be soft and creamy.
- Press into the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out so that it’s level.
- Melt the Chocolate: 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 melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it, as chocolate can burn quickly.
- Pour and Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top, ensuring the entire peanut butter layer is covered.
- Chill Until Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour, or until the chocolate is fully set. For faster chilling, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, and slice them into squares. Enjoy the rich, creamy, no-bake perfection!
Storage Options
These bars store beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time or saving leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The chocolate may soften slightly if left at room temperature for too long, so chilling them keeps each bite just right.
- Freezer: These bars can be frozen for up to three months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, then separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.
- On-the-Go: If you’re taking these bars to a party or event, consider transporting them in a cooler bag to keep the chocolate from melting. They can sit out at room temperature for a short period but are best enjoyed slightly chilled.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: For added texture, swap out creamy peanut butter for crunchy. It adds a delightful crunch to the smooth filling.
- Different Chocolate Types: Try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate as the top layer. Each brings a different flavor profile to the bars.
- Add Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer gives a sweet-and-salty twist that’s incredibly delicious.
- Swirl In Nutella: Before the chocolate layer sets, swirl in a spoonful or two of Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate combo that elevates these bars to a whole new level.
- Use Almond or Cashew Butter: For a different nutty flavor, substitute the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter. This can also make the bars suitable for those with peanut allergies, as long as they enjoy other nuts.
Experiment with these ideas, and don’t be afraid to put your own twist on these bars. They’re easy to customize, and each variation brings out new flavors in this already delicious dessert.
Whether you’re making these for yourself, your family, or a gathering, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a tray of mouthwatering, peanut-buttery goodness ready in no time.
PrintNo-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe
No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are a delicious treat combining creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate layers. These bars are perfect for those who crave a classic buckeye flavor but want an easier, quicker version without the need to roll individual balls. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence, this dessert is sure to please!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of a lined 8x8-inch baking pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for the best texture.
- Coconut oil helps to set the chocolate layer more firmly.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
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