Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – No baking required, making it a quick and simple dessert.
- Rich & Creamy – The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a decadent texture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holidays, or as a sweet treat for the family.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, use different types of chocolate, or add toppings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer for future enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Directions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer – In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Press into a Pan – Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Evenly spread the peanut butter mixture into the pan and smooth the top.
- Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Spread the Chocolate – Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Chill – Refrigerate for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
- Cut into Bars – Once fully set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 16 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Variations
- Use Dark Chocolate – Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Salted Version – Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
- White Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for extra sweetness.
- Nut-Free Option – Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer – Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room Temperature – If left out, they may soften too much, so it’s best to keep them chilled.
FAQs
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well before using, as natural peanut butter tends to separate.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even finely ground oats.
Do I need to use coconut oil in the chocolate?
No, but it helps make the chocolate smoother and easier to cut.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients for a larger batch.
How do I make the bars firmer?
Increase the amount of powdered sugar or graham cracker crumbs to make them more solid.
Can I add extra mix-ins?
Yes, you can mix in crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter layer.
Are Buckeye Bars gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free graham crackers, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a balanced sweetness. Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate to make these bars completely dairy-free.
Conclusion
Buckeye Bars are a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious treat that combines the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try out different variations and enjoy this simple yet indulgent dessert!
Buckeye Bars Recipe
These Buckeye Bars are a rich and decadent no-bake dessert inspired by classic buckeye candies! Featuring a smooth and creamy peanut butter layer topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, these bars are the perfect treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. They’re easy to make and great for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a quick sweet fix!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time: 1 hour)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
- Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Let bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to prevent cracking.
- For a twist, use dark chocolate or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.