Best Buckeye Bars No-Bake

This buckeye bars recipe combines smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate into an irresistible nobake treat that disappears fast whenever I bring it out. It’s perfect for satisfying that classic peanut butter and chocolate craving with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

I first made these bars for a casual gettogether and ended up making a double batch because everyone kept coming back for more. Now they are my goto crowd pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter: provides a smooth texture and classic nutty flavor choose natural for less sugar or regular for a sweeter bar
• Butter: softens the peanut butter and helps blend layers smoothly use unsalted for better control over saltiness
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor a small pinch is enough
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth to the peanut butter mixture pure vanilla is best
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer for that perfect bar consistency
• Semisweet chocolate chips: balanced sweetness and bitterness that melts easily and hardens smoothly over the peanut butter base
• Additional butter for melting with chocolate: adds richness and ensures the chocolate layer spreads easily

Instructions

Scoop the Peanut Butter and Butter Together:

In a large bowl combine creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Use an electric hand mixer to beat them together until completely smooth and velvety. This step ensures your peanut butter layer will be creamy without lumps or dryness.

Sweeten and Flavor the Mixture:

Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix on low speed so it incorporates evenly. Then pour in vanilla extract and sprinkle salt over the batter. Beat everything together until the mixture looks slightly crumbly but holds together well.

Press the Peanut Butter Layer into Your Pan:

Line an 8 by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal later. Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan and use a spatula or clean hands to gently press and spread it into an even layer that reaches all corners.

Melt the Chocolate and Butter:

Place the semisweet chocolate chips and butter into a microwavesafe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals stirring well in between so the chocolate melts evenly without burning. The butter helps the chocolate layer spread smoothly.

Spread the Chocolate Layer over the Peanut Butter:

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base in the pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly cover the entire peanut butter layer with chocolate.

Chill Until Set:

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for 10 to 20 minutes until the chocolate topping is firm to the touch and no longer melted.

Slice and Serve:

For clean cuts dip a sharp knife in warm water, dry it, then slice into bars. Repeat warming and drying the knife between cuts to prevent cracking the chocolate. Serve and enjoy the perfect peanut butter and chocolate bars.

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The peanut butter layer is my favorite part creamy and just sweet enough, it reminds me of growing up making peanut butter treats with my mom on rainy afternoons. There’s something so comforting about the simplicity of peanut butter and chocolate together that never gets old.

Storage Tips

Store buckeye bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh and firm for about two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezersafe container. This trick prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasting fresh for up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor or milk chocolate for something sweeter. White chocolate can be fun too if you want to try a twist. Swap creamy peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter you enjoy. Adjust powdered sugar as needed since some nut butters are thinner or less sweet. For an extra crunch, mix in some graham cracker crumbs into the peanut butter batter.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own as a snack or dessert, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or coffee. Cut smaller squares to serve at parties, or stack with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

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Enjoy these buckeye bars as an easy, crowd pleasing dessert. They freeze well and are great with cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How can I store buckeye bars for freshness?

Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks to maintain their texture and flavor.

→ Can I freeze buckeye bars?

Yes, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

→ What types of chocolate work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but dark, milk, or even white chocolate can be used for different flavors.

→ Are there peanut butter alternatives?

Swap in almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter if desired. Adjust sugar to taste as needed for consistency.

→ How do I cut bars without cracking the chocolate?

Dip a sharp knife in warm water, dry it, and slice. Repeat dipping and drying to get clean, smooth cuts.

→ Can this be made ahead for parties?

Absolutely! Make them a day or two in advance and keep chilled until serving for best texture.