Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

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If you love the classic combination ofย chocolate and peanut butter, then youโ€™re going to go crazy for these no-bakeย Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars!ย Inspired by the belovedย Buckeye candy, these bars have all the same delicious flavorsโ€”without the hassle of rolling individual balls or dipping them in chocolate. Theyโ€™reย rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect no-bake treat for any occasion.

peanut butter buckeye bars

Growing up, Buckeyes were a staple around the holidaysโ€”there was something so satisfying about biting into that creamy peanut butter center covered in smooth chocolate. But letโ€™s be honest: dipping each one individually can be a lotof work. Thatโ€™s where these Buckeye Bars come in! You get all the same amazing flavors but in an easy-to-make, slice-and-serve bar form.

This recipe goes way back (in fact, I originally published it here in 2013) and was inspired by my late husband, who had a deep love for peanut butter desserts. (He even convinced the lunch ladies in high school to give him extra peanut butter squaresโ€”but thatโ€™s a story for another day!) These bars are now a go-to treat in our house, and Iโ€™m excited to share them with you.

Peanut butter buckeye bars 5

Why you’ll love these no-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars:

  • No-bake and easy to make: any time I hear about a recipe that’s no-bake, it’s music to my ears.
  • Only 6 ingredients: pantry staple ingredients are all you need to make this no-bake recipe!
  • Perfect Texture: a creamy, rich peanut butter layer topped with smooth chocolate.
  • Crowd Pleaser: Great for potlucks, holidays, and anytime peanut butter cravings hit.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Only a few pantry staples are needed to make this recipe:

  • Peanut butter โ€“ Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. (Natural peanut butter isnโ€™t recommended, as it can make the bars too soft.)
  • Butter โ€“ Helps create that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter base.
  • Powdered sugar โ€“ Adds sweetness and structure.
  • Graham cracker crumbs โ€“ Gives the peanut butter layer a little texture and stability.
  • Chocolate chips โ€“ A mix of semisweet or dark chocolate works perfectly.
  • Coconut oil or shortening โ€“ Helps the chocolate layer set up with a smooth, glossy finish.

How to make Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars:

Here’s a brief overview of how to make this simple, easy, no-bake dessert. Full details are below in the recipe card:

  1. Prepare the crust.
  2. Make the peanut butter layer.
  3. Add pretzels and chocolate
  4. Set and serve
Peanut butter buckeye bars collage

Tips for the best buckeye bars!

  • Use a food processor to get extra-fine graham cracker crumbs for a smoother peanut butter layer.
  • Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Chill completely before slicing to get clean edges.
  • Run your knife under hot water before slicing to prevent cracking in the chocolate.

If you try these Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or tag me on social media! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Enjoy!

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Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill and Set: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups creamy Peanut Butter
  • ยฝ cup butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups sifted confectionersโ€™ sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2-3 cups pretzels mini pretzel twists are recommended
  • 10 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shortening

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ยฝ cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
  • โ…“ cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions 

  • Prepare the Crust:ย In a large bowl, mixย 1ยฝ cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar,ย andย 6 tbsp melted butter.Line anย 8×8 panย with parchment or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. Spray with non-stick spray. Press the crust firmly into the pan and refrigerate forย 1 hour.
  • Make the Peanut Butter Layer:ย In a bowl, combineย 2 cups peanut butter, ยฝ cup softened butter, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract,ย andย 3 cups confectioner's sugarย using clean hands or a spoon. Press evenly over the chilled crust.
  • Add Pretzels & Chocolate:ย Arrange aย single layer of pretzelsย over the peanut butter. Crush the remaining pretzels and set aside. Meltย milk chocolate chipsย withย 2 tbsp shorteningย according to package directions. Pour over the bars and sprinkle with crushed pretzels.
  • Set & Serve:ย Refrigerate forย 30 minutes,ย then cut into squares and enjoy!
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Peanut butter buckeye bars 8
Peanut butter buckeye bars

Hi, I’m Ashley & I’m so happy you’re here!

Ashley is the founder of CenterCutCook and a former teacher that now spends her days in the kitchen so that she can share her favorite recipes with you!