No-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter in these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars. If you love classic buckeyes, you’ll adore this simplified, bar version that skips the rolling but keeps all the creamy, nutty, chocolatey goodness. These bars are easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, making them perfect for a quick dessert or to bring along to gatherings.

this Recipe

I first made these for a family picnic, hoping to satisfy everyone's love for peanut butter and chocolate. They disappeared in minutes! Let's dive into this irresistible recipe, so you can make these easy, no-bake treats too.

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

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for your new go-to dessert. These Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars pack all the flavor of traditional buckeyes without the fuss of individual candies.

First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy. With no baking required, you’ll have these bars ready to chill in just 15 minutes. Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven!

Not only are they simple, but they also use everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. All you need are basic items like peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and chocolate chips to make these bars.

These bars are rich and indulgent – the peanut butter layer is creamy and slightly sweet, while the chocolate on top is smooth and satisfying. It's the ultimate combination that’s sure to impress kids and adults alike.

Best of all, these bars are easy to store and travel well, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats.

Ingredients Notes

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars come together with just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making these bars perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The base of the peanut butter layer. It’s best to use regular, non-natural peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for these bars, as the texture is smoother and holds together better. Natural peanut butters can separate and may make the bars too soft.
• Powdered Sugar: This ingredient sweetens and thickens the peanut butter mixture, giving it the perfect creamy but slightly firm texture. Don’t substitute with granulated sugar, as it won't dissolve the same way.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the peanut butter layer set. Make sure to use unsalted butter, as the peanut butter has enough salt on its own. Soften it to room temperature so it blends easily.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips create a nice balance with the sweet peanut butter layer. You can use milk or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.
• Coconut Oil: This optional ingredient helps the chocolate layer set smoothly and adds a touch of gloss. You can also use vegetable oil if you don’t have coconut oil.

You’ll also need an 8x8-inch baking pan and some parchment paper to make lifting out the bars easy and mess-free.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Creating these bars is as easy as mixing, layering, and chilling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make these delightful treats.

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they're set.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, ½ cup softened butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Press this peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula or your hands to create a flat, even layer.
3. Melt the Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps the chocolate spread easily and gives it a nice sheen.
4. Pour and Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You want the chocolate layer to fully cover the peanut butter layer.
5. Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.

With minimal effort, you’ll have rich, layered bars that look as good as they taste. These bars take about 15 minutes to prep and then just need some time in the fridge to set.

Storage Options

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are easy to store, making them a great make-ahead treat.

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They stay firm and taste even better as they chill!
• Freezer: If you want to store them longer, these bars freeze well too. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
• Room Temperature: For short-term storage (like a party or picnic), these bars can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, though they’re best served chilled to keep the chocolate firm.

Variations and Substitutions

These Buckeye Bars are highly customizable! Here are a few fun ways to make them your own.

• Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter if you’re looking to make these bars nut-free. This option works great, especially for kids with nut allergies.
• Different Chocolates: Switch up the chocolate chips to match your preference. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate all create unique and delicious versions.
• Add a Crunch: For a bit of texture, stir in ½ cup of crushed pretzels, Rice Krispies, or chopped nuts into the peanut butter mixture. This adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Sweet-Salty Twist: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the chocolate layer just before chilling. This enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Feel free to experiment – these bars are forgiving and delicious, no matter how you tweak them. Enjoy crafting your own version of this easy, no-bake treat!

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