Buckeye Bars: The Easiest No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert

If you love the classic flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these Buckeye Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. Inspired by traditional buckeye candies, these bars feature a thick, creamy peanut butter layer topped with smooth melted chocolate — all in an easy, no-bake form. They’re rich, indulgent, and incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for holidays, potlucks, parties, or anytime a sweet craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love Buckeye Bars

Buckeye Bars have everything people love about the original buckeye candy — but without the rolling, dipping, and waiting. Instead of shaping individual balls, you simply press the peanut butter mixture into a pan and pour melted chocolate on top. That means less work, less mess, and faster results.

Here’s why these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

No baking required
Only a few pantry ingredients
Perfect make-ahead dessert
Portable and easy to slice
Ideal for chocolate and peanut butter lovers

They’re sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of rich — especially when served chilled.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter (for a smooth, glossy finish)

These simple ingredients create layers of pure dessert perfection.

How to Make Buckeye Bars

Prepare the Peanut Butter Base:
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and thick.
Press Into the Pan:
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom, smoothing the top.
Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth.
Add the Chocolate Layer:
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and Serve:
Lift the bars from the pan, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use dark chocolate for a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.
Swirl in white chocolate for a marbled look.
Make them thicker by using a smaller pan.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Buckeye Bars are the perfect solution when you want a rich, impressive dessert without turning on the oven. With their creamy peanut butter base and silky chocolate topping, they deliver the iconic buckeye flavor in every bite — with half the effort. Whether you’re making them for a holiday tray, a bake sale, or a weeknight treat, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.