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    Home / Bar Cookie

    No-Bake Buckeye Bars Recipe with Chocolate & Peanut Butter

    Published on May 10, 2023 by Rebecca Johnston | 1 Comment

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    5 from 1 vote
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    Are you a true lover of chocolate and peanut butter? Try this easy Buckeye Bars recipe for a tasty treat you can enjoy any time of year! This no-bake dessert is super easy to make - it's the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate peanut butter craving!

    Top view of a pile of Buckeye Bar squares.

    These yummy No Bake Buckeye Bars are basically Buckeye candies in handy bar form.

    This super simple no-bake recipe is great for making a chocolate and peanut butter dessert in less than an hour!

    It's great for making last-minute for parties, movie night snacking, or to put in lunch boxes!

    You can also try my cookie version, Buckeye Cookies, which are made with a chocolate cookie base and homemade Buckeyes right on top!

    If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you'll love these Reese's Pieces Cookies, Classic Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, and my Peanut Butter S'mores Cookies.

    Top view of ingredients needed to make Buckeye Bars.

    Shopping List

    Wet Ingredients. Butter, Vanilla Extract, Creamy Peanut Butter, Vegetable Oil

    Dry Ingredients. Powdered Sugar

    Chocolate. Milk Chocolate Chips (Optional)

    How to Make No-Bake Buckeye Bars

    Make Peanut Butter Layer

    In a large bowl, combine Peanut Butter with softened Butter using an electric mixer.

    Buckeye Bars filling in bowl
    Top view of glass mixing bowl with peanut butter and butter being mixed together with a mixer.

    Add vanilla extract and Powdered Sugar and continue to combine the ingredients until smooth.

    Top view of glass mixing bowl with a peanut butter and butter mixture in the bottom and powdered sugar on top.

    Optional: Mix by hand and add 1 cup of Rice Krispy Cereal to the Peanut Butter mixture. It gives the mixture a fun texture with a bit of crunch, similar to more traditional peanut butter bars. You could also add some crumbled Graham Crackers.

    Top view of a bowl of a stand mixer whisking flour into a batter.

    Place the Butter Mixture in the bottom of a 9x9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper.

    Close up of buckeye bar peanut butter mixture in the bottom of a baking dish with a spatula in it.

    Spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

    Top view of a square baking dish lined with parchment paper with a peanut butter and butter mixture being pressed into the bottom of it with a spatula.

    Set the peanut butter base to one side, or chill it in the refrigerator while you make the chocolate top layer.

    Top view of a square baking dish lined with parchment paper with a peanut butter mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.

    Add Chocolate Layer

    In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine Chocolate Chips and 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil or Butter and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.

    Stir the chocolate mixture and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Stir the mixture, and if additional time is needed, heat for 15 seconds and repeat until the chocolate is fully melted.

    Pour Chocolate over the Peanut Butter mixture and spread it evenly.

    Top view of a square baking dish lined with parchment paper with a peanut butter mixture in the bottom with a melted chocolate mixture on top.
    Top view of a square baking dish lined with parchment paper with a peanut butter mixture in the bottom with a melted chocolate mixture on top being spread out by a spatula.

    Allow the layer of chocolate to cool and set up. The Buckeye Bars can be placed in the refrigerator to chill quicker.

    Cut the slab into 16 bars with a sharp knife, 4 rows by 4 rows.

    Store the bars in a cool, dry place in a sealed container or Ziploc bag. Place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking.

    These Buckeye Bars will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

    Close up of a Buckeye Bar being helf in someone's hand.

    FAQs

    Where are Buckeye Balls from?

    Buckeyes are made with peanut butter fudge balls that are dipped in chocolate. Buckeyes originated in Ohio, and they are called buckeyes because they closely resemble the look of the dark brown nut (Buckeye nuts) of the Buckeye tree from Ohio.

    How do I store Buckeye Bars?

    Store these no-bake bars once they have completely set, in an airtight container for up to a week. They are best if enjoyed within 2-3 days.

    Can I freeze Buckeye Bars?

    These Buckeye Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each one, if they are already sliced to prevent them from sticking. Bring to room temperature before eating.

    Stack of Buckeye Bars on a white surface.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Peanut Butter. Use crunchy peanut butter for an added crunchy texture here, or add some chopped peanuts into the mix to control the crunchiness. Use a creamy type of peanut butter rather than a natural peanut butter as it will melt better.
    • Chocolate. Use White Chocolate Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, or Melting Wafers instead of milk chocolate chips for a different flavor or color!
    • Topping. Add chocolate sprinkles, chocolate curls, or a melted chocolate drizzle on top for an extra-special finish. Alternatively, add some flaky sea salt on top for a bit of a salty
    • Filling. Place some pretzels on top of the peanut butter mixture and top with the melted Chocolate. The Pretzels give a fun crunch and add a salty taste. You could also try pressing in mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for an extra peanut butter chocolate surprise!
    Top view of a pile of Buckeye Bar squares.

    Pro Tips

    You're ready to delve into making these tasty treats, but I've included a few pro tips below that will help you perfect this recipe! ]

    To find out more, check out my Pro Tips Guide for making the best treats every time!

    Weighing Ingredients.

    Baking is a science, and adding too much or too little of any of the ingredients will alter the recipe. Weighing and measuring dry ingredients properly makes a world of difference. Investing in a kitchen scale is ideal. When a kitchen scale is not available, make sure to stir and lift ingredients before scooping them into a measuring cup.

    VolumeOuncesGrams
    All Purpose Flour1 Cup4½ Ounces120 Grams
    Bread Flour1 Cup4½ Ounces120 Grams
    Granulated Sugar1 Cup7 Ounces200 Grams
    Brown Sugar1 Cup7½ Ounces213 Grams
    Confectionary Sugar1 Cup4 Ounces113 Grams

    Chocolate.

    I like to use Ghirardelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips or Nestles Milk Chocolate Chips. I find they melt smoothly and have great flavor and texture. Try using melted dark chocolate candy bars, or Milk Chocolate Chips or candy bars as a substitution.  

    Microwaveable Bowl.

    You'll need a bowl that is microwave-safe for this recipe. If you use plastic, be sure to check the bottom to see if it's safe for the microwave, or you can use glass, porcelain, or ceramic. Do not use metal. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate.

    Cooling Rack.

    Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before moving them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    • Kitchen Scale. I use this for accuracy in measuring, and it's a lifesaver when it comes to getting consistent results.
    • Wire Rack for cooling cookies. I like to have at least two cooling racks on hand.
    • Mixing Bowls. A Large Mixing Bowl for mixing ingredients and small and medium mixing bowls for other ingredients.
    • Cookie Sheet. Most recipes will take 2 batches to bake. It's great to have multiple baking sheets available.
    • Parchment Paper or a silicone baking mat Line the Cookie Sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
    • Cookie Scoop. A small #60 Cookie Scoop or a Medium Cookie Scoop #50 are great choices for uniform drops of cookie dough.
    • Storage Container. An airtight container to store cookies or a Ziploc bag works great too.
    • Additional supplies. Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons along with a silicone spatula, are all helpful.
    A pile of Buckeye Bars on a white surface.

    Have you tried this No Bake Buckeye Bars recipe?

    Let me know what you think of this recipe! Tag @bestcookierecipes on social media so I can see how great your bars turned out! I would also love to read your comments below. Let me know what you think of this recipe. It really does help!

    More Recipes For Peanut Butter Treats

    • Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
    • Crunchy Cornflake Cookies
    • Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Frankenstein Cookies
    • Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Peanut Butter S'mores Sandwich Cookies
    Close up of Buckeye Bars in a stack.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Buckeye Bars

    Are you a true lover of chocolate and peanut butter? Try this easy Buckeye Bars recipe for a tasty treat you can enjoy any time of year! This no-bake dessert is super easy to make - it's the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate peanut butter craving!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Chill Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings: 16

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Peanut Butter 250g
    • ½ cup Butter Softened
    • 1½ cups Powdered Sugar 195g
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 11.5 ounces Chocolate Chips
    • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or Butter

    Instructions

    Make Peanut Butter Layer

    • In a large bowl, combine Peanut Butter with softened Butter using a hand mixer.
    • Add vanilla extract and Powdered Sugar and continue to combine the ingredients until smooth.
    • Optional: Mix by hand and add 1 cup of Rice Krispy Cereal to the Peanut Butter mixture. It gives the mixture a fun texture with a bit of crunch, similar to more traditional peanut butter bars. You could also add some crumbled Graham Crackers.
    • Place the Butter Mixture in a 9x9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
    • Spread evenly in the bottom of the square pan and set aside.

    Add Chocolate Layer

    • In a separate bowl, combine Chocolate Chips and 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or Butter and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
    • Stir the chocolate mixture and heat for additional 30 seconds. Stir the mixture, and if additional time is needed, heat for 15 seconds and repeat until the chocolate is fully melted.
    • Pour Chocolate over the Peanut Butter mixture and spread it evenly.
    • Allow the layer of chocolate to cool and set up. The Buckeye Bars can be placed in the refrigerator to chill quicker.
    • Cut into 16 bars, 4 rows by 4 rows.
    • Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container or Ziploc Bag. Place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking.
    • These Buckeye Bars will stay fresh for up to a week.

    Notes

    Storage
    • Store: Store these no-bake bars once they have completely set, in an airtight container for up to a week. They are best if enjoyed within 2-3 days.
    • Freeze: These Buckeye Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each one, if they are already sliced to prevent them from sticking. Bring to room temperature before eating.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @bestcookierecipes or tag #bestcookierecipes!
    Show Nutrition Information Hide Nutrition Information
    Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.

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    Comments

    1. Rebecca Johnston

      June 10, 2023 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      It's like a giant homemade peanut butter cup but better because you can go back for more! Buckeye Bars are better chilled I think.

      Reply

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