If you love the classic Ohio Buckeye candies — those little peanut-butter balls dipped in chocolate — then you are going to fall head-over-spoon for these Buckeye Bars. They deliver everything you love about the original candy, but in a rich, thick, easy-to-slice bar that requires no rolling, no dipping, and absolutely no fuss.

These bars feature three iconic elements:
✔ A soft, creamy, sweetened peanut-butter base
✔ A silky smooth chocolate topping
✔ A perfectly balanced candy-like finish with no baking required

They come together in minutes and chill into perfect dessert bars that slice beautifully for parties, holidays, gifting, or midnight fridge raids.

Let’s get into it — the full recipe, expert tips, variations, and complete JSON structure you need.

Why These Buckeye Bars Are the Best

1. No-bake dessert perfection

You don’t need an oven, just a microwave or stovetop for melting chocolate.

2. Thick, creamy peanut-butter layer

Rich, sweet, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth.

3. Clean, glossy chocolate top

With just enough firmness to slice beautifully but still soft when you bite into it.

4. Perfect for parties & holidays

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

5. 10 minutes of prep

Most of the time is chilling.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Layer

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer

• 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for glossy chocolate)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan.

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment.

2. Make the peanut butter base.

Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until thick.

3. Press into the pan.

Spread peanut butter mixture into the pan and smooth the top.

4. Make the chocolate topping.

Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter (and coconut oil if using) until smooth.

5. Pour and spread.

Pour chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.

6. Chill.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until fully set.

7. Slice & serve.

Use a warm knife to cut clean squares.

The Best Buckeye Bars

A rich, creamy no-bake peanut butter bar topped with smooth chocolate—an easy, irresistible twist on classic buckeye candies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert, No-Bake

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Peanut Butter Layer

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer

• 2 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp coconut oil optional for glossy finish

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• 8×8 or 9×9 pan

Method

 

1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until thick.
4. Press mixture into the prepared pan.
5. Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter (and coconut oil) until smooth.
6. Spread chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
7. Chill for 2 hours or until firm.
8. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use creamy peanut butter for best texture; store chilled for clean slices.

Expert Tips

1. Use creamy peanut butter

Natural peanut butters separate and don’t firm as well.

2. Handle the chocolate gently

Don’t overheat or it may seize.

3. Want perfect slices?

Warm your knife under hot water, wipe, and slice.

4. Make thicker bars

Use an 8×8 pan.

5. Want a salt kick?

Sprinkle flaky salt on top before chilling.

Delicious Variations

Buckeye Pretzel Bars

Add a layer of crushed pretzels under the peanut butter.

Crunchy Buckeye Bars

Use crunchy peanut butter or add crushed peanuts.

Buckeye Rice Krispie Bars

Stir 2 cups Rice Krispies into the peanut butter mixture.

Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Add chopped mini peanut butter cups on top.

Storage

Refrigerator:

Up to 1 week.

Freezer:

Up to 3 months — thaw before slicing.