There's something irresistible about Buckeye Bars—the creamy peanut butter layer and rich chocolate topping bring the iconic taste of Ohio’s beloved Buckeyes into easy-to-make, sliceable form. These bars are perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or just keeping in the fridge for a decadent treat when cravings hit.

I stumbled upon this recipe while looking for a no-bake option for a friend’s party. It was a hit, and now these Buckeye Bars make an appearance in my home for every holiday season. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious bars that will soon be your favorite sweet treat, too!

Why You'll Love These Buckeye Bars

Get ready to fall head over heels for these easy, no-bake Buckeye Bars. They’re rich, satisfying, and offer the classic Buckeye flavor without the need to individually roll each one.

First, these bars are incredibly simple to make. No baking required—just mix, layer, and chill! This makes them ideal for hot summer days or anytime you want a quick dessert without turning on the oven.

They’re also perfect for feeding a crowd. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a generous pan of Buckeye Bars that can be sliced into plenty of servings. This makes them great for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

And best of all, they’re customizable. Love an extra-thick chocolate layer? Want to make them gluten-free? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.

If you’re looking for a treat that combines classic flavors with a foolproof recipe, these Buckeye Bars are your answer.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Buckeye Bars recipe has been selected to create the ultimate balance of creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter is best here for that smooth, rich filling. Use a no-stir peanut butter for the best consistency, as natural, oil-separated varieties can make the bars greasy.
Butter: Adds richness to the peanut butter layer and helps hold everything together. Room-temperature, unsalted butter works best, but you can use salted butter for a hint of salty contrast.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer, creating a consistency that’s easy to slice and holds up well.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add a bit of structure to the peanut butter base and prevent it from becoming too sticky. You can use gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for the topping, balancing the sweetness of the peanut butter layer. If you love dark chocolate, feel free to substitute for a slightly more intense flavor.
Coconut Oil (or Butter): Adding a bit of coconut oil or butter to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and gives it a glossy finish. If you’re not a fan of coconut, butter works just as well.

You won’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and an 8x8-inch baking dish. Lining the pan with parchment paper will make it much easier to remove the bars once they’re set.

How To Make These Buckeye Bars

Making Buckeye Bars is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your bars turn out perfect every time.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, ½ cup of softened butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Stir in 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs until everything is well combined. This mixture should hold together well and form a thick, slightly sticky dough. Press this into an even layer in the bottom of your lined 8x8-inch pan.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1 to 1 ½ minutes.
Pour the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to smooth out any air bubbles.
Chill: Place the pan in the fridge and allow it to chill for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes instead.
Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. For clean cuts, warm the knife under hot water, then dry it before slicing.

These Buckeye Bars are ready to enjoy as soon as they’re set. Just be warned—they’ll disappear quickly!

Storage Options

Buckeye Bars are a great make-ahead dessert, and they store beautifully.

In the Fridge: Store your Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This keeps the chocolate nice and firm, and they’ll taste just as delicious as the day you made them.
In the Freezer: If you want to save them for later, these bars freeze well too! Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers in an airtight container to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

To serve, you can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Buckeye Bars is their versatility! Here are some variations to make them your own:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
Nut-Free: If you need a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Extra Thick Chocolate Layer: For serious chocolate lovers, double the amount of chocolate chips for an extra-thick topping. This is especially good if you’re using a dark or bittersweet chocolate for a rich flavor.
Healthier Twist: Swap out half of the powdered sugar for a natural sweetener like powdered monk fruit or stevia blend. You can also use dark chocolate for a lower-sugar option.
Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra-special finish.

Experimenting with these variations is half the fun, so feel free to try different combinations to find your favorite version of Buckeye Bars.

There you have it—classic Buckeye Bars made easy! Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to satisfy every time. Enjoy!