No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the creamy, chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness of No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars. These treats capture all the indulgent flavors of classic Ohio buckeye candies but skip the time-consuming process of shaping each piece. With a rich peanut butter base and a layer of smooth chocolate on top, these bars come together in a snap – no oven needed!

this Recipe

I first made these for a family gathering, and they quickly disappeared from the dessert table. Now they’re a go-to when I need an easy, crowd-pleasing sweet treat. Let’s dive into why you’ll love these bars!

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are a delightful, hassle-free dessert perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With no baking involved, you just need a few minutes of mixing and chilling to create a delectable dessert. This is especially handy on hot days when you’d rather keep the oven off!

The flavor is out of this world. With a creamy, sweet peanut butter base topped with a smooth chocolate layer, these bars taste like peanut butter cups but with the nostalgic twist of buckeyes.

Plus, they’re versatile enough to suit various diets. You can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or make a vegan version with dairy-free chocolate chips.

Lastly, they’re perfect for sharing! Cut them into squares and bring them to potlucks, parties, or enjoy them at home. These bars are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Notes

Making these delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars requires just a few pantry staples. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make each bite perfectly balanced and flavorful.

Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but feel free to use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture. Just make sure it’s the no-stir variety, as natural peanut butters can sometimes separate and alter the consistency.

Butter: Softened butter adds a rich flavor to the peanut butter layer, helping to bind everything together. If you’re looking to make these vegan, swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Powdered Sugar: This gives the peanut butter mixture its sweetness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Granulated sugar won’t work well here, as it will make the bars gritty.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add a bit of structure and a subtle crunch. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham crackers to keep these bars suitable for everyone.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips create the classic chocolate topping that pairs so well with peanut butter. Use dairy-free chocolate if making a vegan version.

Coconut Oil: Just a touch of coconut oil melted with the chocolate chips helps create a glossy, easy-to-slice topping. You can also use butter here if you prefer.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Making these buckeye bars is super easy – just a few simple steps, and you’ll be ready to chill and enjoy them!

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This makes it simple to lift the bars out once they’re set.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Base: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, ½ cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Stir until fully combined and smooth. The mixture should resemble cookie dough.
3. Press into the Pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Aim for an even, flat surface so the chocolate layer will spread nicely on top.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can melt it over a double boiler if you prefer.
5. Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Tilt the pan slightly to help the chocolate cover every corner.
6. Chill and Slice: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or rectangles.

These bars take about 15 minutes to prep, with a chill time of 2 hours – perfect for making ahead!

Storage Options

Once you’ve sliced these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars, they store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They taste great chilled and stay firm.
• Freezer: These bars freeze exceptionally well! Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
• Room Temperature: If serving on the same day, they can be left out at room temperature for a few hours. However, in warmer weather, they may soften, so chilling is best for longer storage.

To re-create the fresh-out-of-the-fridge experience, simply pop a few in the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

These bars are highly adaptable, and you can easily customize them to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

• Crunchy Peanut Butter: For a twist, try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the base layer. It adds a bit of crunch that complements the smooth chocolate layer beautifully.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re serving those with nut allergies, consider swapping the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter. Both options bring their own unique flavors but work well in this recipe.
• Dark Chocolate Topping: Switch up the chocolate by using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. This adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast that pairs nicely with the sweet peanut butter layer.
• Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the melted chocolate layer before chilling. It adds a gourmet touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Oreo Crust: For an extra indulgent base, try using crushed Oreos in place of graham crackers. This adds a chocolatey twist and makes the bars even more decadent.

No matter how you customize these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different variations, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe!

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