No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

Introduction

No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are a creamy, chocolatey treat that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. With a rich peanut butter base topped with smooth melted chocolate, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 2 cups (480 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 3 ½ cups (420 grams) powdered confectioners sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 cups (360 grams) chocolate chips or chunks
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter or coconut oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth but thick and slightly crumbly.
2. Step 2: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
3. Step 3: Place the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, about 1.5 minutes total.
4. Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until the chocolate sets but is not fully hard.
6. Step 6: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares with a sharp knife.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the cut bars for at least 1 hour before serving to firm up completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality peanut butter without added oils for the best texture and flavor.
• Substitute coconut oil for butter in the chocolate layer for a dairy-free version.
• For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before the chocolate sets.
• Avoid brands of butter with higher water content to maintain a stable peanut butter layer—Great Value and Aldi brands have worked well.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 4 months and thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. When reheating, let them come to room temperature to soften slightly for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used, but it will add texture to the bars. If you prefer a smoother bar, stick with creamy peanut butter.

Why won’t my chocolate layer set properly?

If the chocolate doesn’t set, it may be too warm or mixed with ingredients that prevent firming. Make sure to use real chocolate chips and allow sufficient cooling time at room temperature. Avoid stirring the chocolate too vigorously after melting.

No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat featuring a creamy peanut butter base topped with a rich layer of melted chocolate. These bars require no baking and set quickly in the refrigerator, making them perfect for candy lovers seeking a simple yet indulgent dessert or snack.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 26 large squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Layer

• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 2 cups (480 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 3 ½ cups (420 grams) powdered confectioners sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7 ml) vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer

• 2 cups (360 grams) chocolate chips or chunks (12 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter or coconut oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Place ½ cup softened butter, 2 cups creamy peanut butter, 3 ½ cups powdered confectioners sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer until smooth. The mixture will be very thick and slightly crumbly.
2. Form Base in Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the peanut butter dough into the pan and press it firmly and evenly into the dish to form the base layer.
3. Melt Chocolate Layer: Place 2 cups chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, about 1.5 minutes total.
4. Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base and gently spread it out to cover the surface completely.
5. Set Bars: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until the chocolate has mostly set but is not fully hardened to avoid cracking during cutting.
6. Refrigerate: Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to fully chill and set before serving.
7. Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 26 large squares with a sharp knife and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Freeze individual portions for up to 4 months; thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
• Cutting Tip: For best results, cut the bars when the chocolate is set but not fully hardened to prevent cracking.
• Butter Recommendation: Due to higher water content in some butter brands like Land O’Lakes, which can soften the peanut butter layer and affect texture, brands such as Great Value and Aldi butter are preferred for this recipe.

Keywords: peanut butter bars, no bake dessert, buckeye bars, easy candy, peanut butter chocolate bars, no bake treat, peanut butter dessert