There's something irresistibly satisfying about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars deliver that perfect pairing with hardly any effort. Rich and creamy peanut butter forms a smooth base, topped with a decadent layer of chocolate, creating a treat that tastes just like the classic buckeye candies—but with a no-fuss, bar-style twist.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for an easy dessert to make with my kids, and it quickly became a family favorite. With no baking required and only a few ingredients, it's ideal for when you need something sweet without turning on the oven.

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

If you love peanut butter and chocolate, these bars will be an instant hit. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. You only need one bowl, a few simple ingredients, and less than 20 minutes of active time. Perfect for a last-minute treat or a dessert for a crowd!

Second, they’re no-bake, so there’s no need to preheat the oven or deal with the fuss of baking. This makes them a fantastic option for summer or any time you want to skip the extra heat in the kitchen.

These bars are also highly portable, which makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, or school treats. Just cut them into squares and arrange them in a container—they’re easy to serve and easy to enjoy!

Finally, they’re irresistibly delicious. The creamy peanut butter filling pairs with a rich chocolate top layer to create the ultimate sweet-salty treat. Once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one square!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars is in their simplicity. Just a few basic ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s as impressive as it is easy.

Peanut Butter: For that classic buckeye flavor, use creamy peanut butter. Opt for a traditional, non-natural peanut butter for the smoothest texture and to avoid any separation.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is combined with the peanut butter to create a rich, creamy filling that holds together beautifully. You’ll want it at room temperature to ensure a smooth blend.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the peanut butter mixture and gives it a firm, fudge-like texture. Using powdered sugar helps the filling stay smooth and doesn’t leave any grainy texture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best for this recipe, giving you that deep, rich chocolate flavor that pairs so well with peanut butter.
Coconut Oil or Butter: Adding a small amount of coconut oil or extra butter to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and creates a glossy, professional-looking finish on top of your bars.

No special equipment is required beyond a microwave-safe bowl and a baking pan. A rubber spatula also comes in handy for spreading the peanut butter mixture evenly.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Creating these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until smooth and well combined. The mixture should hold together well when pressed.
Form the Base: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly in the pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil or a small amount of extra butter. Microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Add the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the entire surface. Give the pan a gentle shake to level out the chocolate layer, creating a smooth top.
Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm. This will ensure the layers are set and make cutting easier.

After chilling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles, and they’re ready to serve!

Storage Options

These bars are easy to store and actually taste even better after a day or two! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This keeps them firm and preserves their flavor.
Freezer: You can also freeze these bars if you want to make them in advance. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.

To serve, allow frozen bars to thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. The chocolate layer may sweat slightly as it defrosts, but it won’t affect the taste.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas for putting your own spin on these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars:

Nut Butter Alternatives: Not a peanut butter fan? Try almond butter or cashew butter for a delicious twist. Keep in mind, natural nut butters may be a bit oilier, so you might need to add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a milk chocolate layer can change up the flavor.
Add a Crunch: Mix in some crushed graham crackers, rice cereal, or chopped nuts into the peanut butter layer for added texture.
Healthier Option: For a slightly healthier version, substitute half of the powdered sugar with a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though it will make the texture softer.

With these easy variations, you can make this dessert perfect for any occasion or dietary preference. Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities!