Buckeye Bars have been a family favorite in my house ever since I first discovered them. If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this no-bake treat is bound to win you over. These bars are inspired by the iconic buckeye candies but are much easier to make and come in bar form for effortless serving. Every time I make these, they disappear in minutes—proof of just how irresistible they are!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet the flavor payoff is tremendous. With layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, Buckeye Bars are a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing treats for a bake sale, or just indulging at home, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Perfect for when you want something quick and easy.
- Rich and decadent: The perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Kid-friendly: A treat the whole family will love.
- Great for sharing: Makes enough to serve a crowd.
- Minimal ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together beautifully.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup peanut butter (for the chocolate layer)
Directions
- Make the Peanut Butter Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 ½ cups peanut butter. Stir until fully blended and smooth.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and ¼ cup peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once chilled, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the Buckeye Bars chilled or at room temperature. For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then wiped dry before slicing.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Helpful Notes
- For a sweeter base, use graham cracker crumbs made from honey-flavored graham crackers.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet-and-salty flavor twist.
FAQs
- Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not too oily to maintain the right consistency. - How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking when slicing?
Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting. A warm knife will also help prevent cracking. - Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter topping if that’s your preference. - Are there any substitutions for graham cracker crumbs?
Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies work well as substitutes. - Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Buckeye Bars are great for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Buckeye Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. They’re so simple to make, yet they look and taste like something you’d get from a fancy bakery. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a little treat to keep in the fridge for snacking, these bars never fail to impress.
I love how versatile this recipe is—you can easily tweak it to your liking, but the classic version is hard to beat. With their perfect layers and incredible flavor, Buckeye Bars are a treat that you’ll find yourself craving time and time again. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing delights!
Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup peanut butter for the chocolate layer
Instructions
Make the Peanut Butter Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 ½ cups peanut butter. Stir until fully blended and smooth.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the Chocolate Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and ¼ cup peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
Cut and Serve:
- Once chilled, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- For a sweeter base, use graham cracker crumbs made from honey-flavored graham crackers.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet-and-salty flavor twist.
