The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (2024)

Spread the love

This buckeye bars recipe helps you make a perfect treat that includes everyone’s favorite flavor combination. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a single person in my life who doesn’t absolutely love peanut butter and chocolate together.

Jump to Recipe

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (1)

I feel like every time I’ve seen someone pull out Reese’s peanut butter cups, they’re gone within a matter of seconds.Get ready to watch the same thing happen as soon as you make these peanut butter buckeye bars.

With a thick layer of a sweet peanut butter mixture, accompanied by another thick layer of chocolate, I doubt these bars will last you through the week, especially if you have kids or extended family over.

I definitely advise you to make a double batch for larger crowds too! Follow along with this easy recipe to find out just how to make it!

Since you are here and most likely love peanut butter recipes, check out thisEdible Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe, this Frugal No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, or these Easy Peanut butter Oreo Bars!

This is the Best Buckeye Bars Recipe!

This recipe stands out for multiple reasons that make it worthy of giving it a try. Aside from the irresistible nutty flavor combination that was already mentioned, this no-bake dessert only requires little effort with a recipe that is extremely easy to follow which includes not even touching an oven.

Additionally, they’re ultra customizable and great for making ahead of time, which makes them an easy way to be ready for any special occasion.

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (2)

Ingredients for this Buckeye Bars Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

  • Creamy Peanut Butter:Creamy peanut butter was chosen for this recipe so that the bars have a velvety smooth texture. If you’re craving a little crunch, by all means switch this out and use crunchy peanut butter instead.
  • Butter:Peanut butter can be a little too thick on its own. Mixing butter with it softens it up. You will also leave some aside to smooth out the chocolate as well
  • Salt:Salt with peanuts is already a great flavor by itself, but the salt more importantly balances out the sweetness of the chocolate
  • Vanilla Extract:Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate and also helps the overall taste of the bars.
  • Powdered sugar:The addition of powdered sugar will add sweetness to the peanut butter layer making it absolutely irresistible.
  • Chocolate:Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the perfectly balanced middle between sweetness and bitterness.
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (3)

How to Make this Easy Buckeye Bars Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the full step-by-step instructions!

Peanut Butter Layer:

  1. Line a square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and the softened butter together until a smooth mixture forms. For ease and quickness, use an electric mixer instead of a whisk or wooden spoon.
  3. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue mixing. Then add in the vanilla extract and the salt and mix again until combined. The mixture will be slightly crumbly.
  4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer.

Chocolate Layer:

  1. Combine chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stirring in between each time.
  2. Pour the melted chocolate mixture on top of the peanut butter layer and spread it around with an offset spatula to cover the whole top of the peanut butter base.
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (7)
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (8)
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (9)

Finishing Prep:

  1. Allow the bars to set in the fridge for 10-20 minutes or until the chocolate is no longer melted.
  2. Using a sharp knife, slice your buckeye base into bar form and enjoy your peanut butter treats!

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

  • This is a no-bake recipe which no waiting around for a slow oven to preheat, and you can allow kids to make it without having to worry about them.
  • This is the best thing to satisfy a peanut butter craving!
  • This no-bake peanut butter bars recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients that are easily attainable.
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (10)

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to Store these Buckeye Bars?

To store, simply put them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, they should be good for a few weeks.

How to Freeze Them?

For freezing, the absolute best thing to do would be wrapping each square in plastic wrap first and then placing them in the airtight container. This would help prevent freezer burn and keep them fresher for longer, up to multiple months.

If you don’t want to put in that amount of effort or don’t need them to stay fresh for that long, flash-freeze them by putting them on a baking sheet with a little space in between each square and leave them in the freezer for an hour.

Once they’re frozen, store them all together in the airtight container and leave them in the freezer until you’re ready to use again.

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (11)

Ingredient Substitutions and Flavor Variations for the Buckeye Bars Recipe

  • Instead of Semi-Sweet Chocolate:Use dark chocolate chips or bars for less sweetness, or milk chocolate chipsfor more sweetness. White chocolate would also be a fun variation if you’re a fan of it.
  • Instead of Peanut Butter:​ Almond butter, or any other of your favorite nut butter would be a great switch. Depending on how smooth or oily your nut butter is, you might have to add a little bit more or less powdered sugar to get the desired consistency.
  • Adding Graham Crackers:Add graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture for a fun and nostalgic childhood flavor.

How to Cut the Bars Without Cracking the Chocolate?

Alright everybody, here’s the secret:

First thing is to have the chocolate be set and solidified, a little colder than room temperature, but not rock hard cold. The 10-20 minutes refrigeration period that’s in the recipe is perfect.

Second and most importantly, you want to fill up a tall glass with warm water and place a sharp knife in it. After a minute or two, pull the knife out of the water, dry it carefully with a paper towel and begin slicing. Dip it back in the water and dry it off again repeatedly between slices. It should glide through the chocolate with ease.

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (12)

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (13)

Buckeye Bars Recipe

This delicious Buckeye bar recipe is made with a delicious sweet peanut butter layer and a thick chocolate layer.

5 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chill 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 473 Calories

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Layer

Chocolate layer

  • 12 oz chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.

  • In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and the softened butter together with an electric hand mixer until a smooth mixture forms. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix. Add in the vanilla extract and the salt and mix again until combined.

    2 cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup butter, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 & ½ cup powdered sugar

  • Press the mixture into the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer.

  • Add the chopped-up chocolate and butter to a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stirring in between each time.

    12 oz chocolate, 3 tablespoons butter

  • Pour the melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter layer and gently spread it to cover the whole top of the peanut butter bar.

  • Allow the bars to set in the fridge for 10-20 minutes or until the chocolate is no longer melted.

  • Using a sharp warmed up knife, slice your bars and enjoy! (Read the notes for tips)

Notes

How to Cut the Bars Without Cracking the Chocolate?

Alright everybody, here’s the secret:

First thing is to have the chocolate be set and solidified, a little colder than room temperature, but not rock hard cold. The 10-20 minutes refrigeration period that’s in the recipe is perfect.

Second and most importantly, you want to fill up a tall glass with warm water and place a sharp knife in it. After a minute or two, pull the knife out of the water, dry it carefully with a paper towel and begin slicing. Dip it back in the water and dry it off again repeatedly between slices. It should glide through the chocolate with ease.

Nutrition

Calories: 473CaloriesCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 8gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 277mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 243IUCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Buckeye Bars, Buckeye Bars Recipe, Easy Buckeye Bars, easy Buckeye Bars Recipe

Tried this recipe?Follow us and tag us on Instagram! @chahinez_tbt

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (14)

Shop this recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you I will get a small percentage of every purchase you make!

If you enjoyed this Buckeye Bars recipe, make sure to pin it for later!

The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (15)
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (16)
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (17)
The Best Buckeye Bars Recipe No-Bake (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Buckeye dough so sticky? ›

Why are my buckeyes sticky? This could be because it's a very humid day or the brand of the ingredients. To fix this, add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time until it is firm and dry enough to roll between your palms.

What are Buckeye cookies made of? ›

If you love buckeye candy, then you need to try my buckeye cookies! Just like the candy, these chewy chocolate cookies are made with a creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating.

Does Ghirardelli make peanut butter squares? ›

Great product Ghirardelli Love everything Ghirardelli makes. The peanut butter chocolates are no exception. These are great.

What can I add to dough to make it less sticky? ›

If your dough is too sticky and it's impossible to work with you can add some extra flour, just a little at a time. Make sure you weigh the extra flour you add and then you'll be able to adjust the recipe correctly the next time you bake.

What happens if dough is too sticky? ›

You could have possibly have added too much liquid or too much sugar. I always test my dough by touching it and if it is sticky or tacky then I add a little bit of flour until it doesn't feel that way anymore and then you're good to go .

Why are my buckeyes soft? ›

Not chilling the peanut butter balls long enough.

Not giving the peanut butter ample time to chill and firm up in the fridge is one of the top reasons buckeyes get a bad reputation for being so messy to make.

Can you eat cooked buckeyes? ›

Removing the shell and roasting the nut neutralizes its harmful tannic acid content and makes for a protein-packed snack. If not prepared properly though, buckeye nuts are toxic to humans, causing symptoms including weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, and death.

Can you leave buckeyes out? ›

How to Store Buckeyes. Buckeyes are fine to sit out at room temperature on holiday cookie plates for up to 24 hours, though if you're keeping them around for longer than that, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Buckeyes also freeze super well.

Does Disney own Ghirardelli? ›

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is an American confectioner, wholly owned by Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli. The company was founded by and is named after Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli, who, after working in South America, moved to California.

Does See's Candy use Ghirardelli chocolate? ›

Greg D'Alesandre: A lot of people know See's Candy. They use Guittard chocolate.

What's special about Ghirardelli Square? ›

Ghirardelli Square, considered the first successful adaptive reuse project in the country, has a history that spans more than a century and covers three continents. This specialty retail and dining complex, housing shops and restaurants, was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli.

How do you keep buckeyes from sweating? ›

SHORTENING added to the chocolate is the big secret ingredient for buckeyes. This helps stabilize the chocolate so that it dips nicely, and helps prevent the chocolate from weeping and sweating once it's hardened. Traditionally, people added paraffin wax to the chocolate to achieve this.

How do you make peanut butter less sticky? ›

The trick is to mix it with something else such as,
  1. Powdered Milk.
  2. Oatmeal.
  3. Powdered sugar.
  4. Graham Crackers.
  5. Rice Crispies.
Jan 15, 2018

What does tacky dough feel like? ›

TACKY: Although pressing your hand on the dough is still causing it to stick, it easily releases without leaving much if any dough on your hand. Be careful not to go too far, a little sticky is good, you do not usually want it to be completely non-sticky. That would mean your dough is too dry.

Does gluten make dough sticky? ›

The other two breads had the same quantities of ingredients except the gluten which was only used in this recipe. Adding the gluten made the dough much more workable and less sticky.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 6368

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.