No Bake Buckeye Bars

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

These quick bars combine chocolate and peanut butter into layered treats. Amazing for prepping ahead.
Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 19:03:30 GMT
Two layered chocolate peanut butter bars stacked with chocolate chips around on a dark surface. Save
Two layered chocolate peanut butter bars stacked with chocolate chips around on a dark surface. | recipesbyhannah.com

I keep coming back to these No-Bake Buckeye Bars because they're always gone in a snap. When that chocolatey bottom, fluffy peanut butter center, and rich ganache come together, people can't help but grin. And honestly, you don't need to touch your oven—so they're perfect for sunny afternoons when it's just too hot.

What Makes Them Awesome

There's something special when dark chocolate mixes with velvety peanut butter in these bars. They're a breeze to make and don't need any baking, which is great when I want something that looks fancy but is low effort. At get-togethers, folks always ask how to make them.

Gather What You’ll Use

  • Cream Cheese: Gives a lovely, smooth richness.
  • Butter: Holds that crumb layer together just right.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melt for a shiny ganache on top.
  • Powdered Sugar: The way to keep everything sweet and light.
  • Peanut Butter: The reason everyone's obsessed.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped up, it turns so dreamy.
  • Graham Crackers: Chocolate flavor amps up the base.
Chocolatey peanut butter layered bars sit stacked on parchment with extra chocolate chips scattered around. Save
Chocolatey peanut butter layered bars sit stacked on parchment with extra chocolate chips scattered around. | recipesbyhannah.com

Time To Whip It Up

Make It Fancy
Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top if you like, then slice up and serve to friends.
Set It Up
Chill the whole pan for at least five hours, or leave it all night so it really firms up.
Add The Chocolate
Spread that thick ganache across the filling, get it nice and even, and pop it back in the fridge.
Mix Your Filling
Blend peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream, then layer over your crust.
Build The Base
Press crushed graham crackers and melted butter into your pan, making sure it's tight and even.

Tricks That Help

For a solid crust, I press it down using the bottom of a glass. Let every layer chill fully before you pile on the next—it's worth the wait! For neat squares, heat your knife under the tap and dry it off each time. Makes cutting so much easier.

Fun Ways To Share

I like them straight from the fridge when they're still creamy, but frozen makes them chewy and cold. They go great with iced coffee or a tall glass of milk. If I'm feeling wild, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes them up a notch.

Stacked bar treats with chocolate and peanut butter layers, showered in chocolate chips, resting on a dark platter. Save
Stacked bar treats with chocolate and peanut butter layers, showered in chocolate chips, resting on a dark platter. | recipesbyhannah.com

Staying Tasty

These will chill happily in the fridge up to five days—if they don't get eaten first. For longer, you can stack them with parchment in a container and stash them in the freezer for up to three months. Enjoy them super cold or let them come to room temp for a bit.

Speedy Fixes

Bored of the usual crust? Switch to Oreo or shortbread cookies. If you're out of heavy cream, just use half-and-half instead. For nut allergies, swap in sunflower butter—tastes just as good.

Put Your Spin On It

I sometimes add chopped nuts to the filling for a little bite. Swirling through some caramel on top makes it fancy. Banana slices or flaky sea salt sprinkled up top? Game changer.

Total Bliss

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will go wild for these bars. Whether you bring them to a hangout or just keep some for yourself, they're a solid crowd-pleaser. Once you taste one, you'll see why my family won't let me stop making them.

Two bars with a chocolate top, creamy peanut butter center, and cookie crumb base, surrounded by chocolate chips close up. Save
Two bars with a chocolate top, creamy peanut butter center, and cookie crumb base, surrounded by chocolate chips close up. | recipesbyhannah.com

Wrap-Up

No-bake buckeye bars mix smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate.

They're easy to prepare with three tasty layers: a chocolate cracker base, creamy peanut butter filling, and thick ganache on top. Perfect for entertaining or a quick family dessert.

Recipe FAQs

→ Is freezing these okay?

Absolutely! They keep in the freezer for up to three months. You can cut before freezing for easy snacks.

→ My ganache didn't firm up—why?

It may be that your ganache was still warm. Let it cool well before adding it, and ensure the bars are cold first.

→ Can I use homemade peanut butter?

Regular peanut butter gives the best results since it doesn’t separate. Natural might affect taste and thickness.

→ How long do they stay fresh?

These bars last a week in the fridge or three months in a freezer. Keep them in an airtight container to stay moist.

→ Are other crusts an option?

Sure, chocolate cookies work great as well. You might want to adjust butter for the ideal base texture.

No Bake Buckeye Bars

Three delicious layers: a chocolatey cracker base, smooth peanut butter middle, and ganache top.

Preparation Time
60 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
60 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 bars)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup of powdered sugar.
02 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
03 8 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature.
04 1 cup of chocolate graham crumbs.
05 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream for topping.
06 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
07 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.
08 3/4 cup of smooth peanut butter.
09 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Directions

Step 01

Combine the crumbs and butter, smoosh into a pan. Stick in the fridge for half an hour or more.

Step 02

Whip together peanut butter, vanilla, sugar, and cream cheese. Gently mix in the whipped cream.

Step 03

Spread the mixture over the crust and pop it in the freezer for at least 5 hours.

Step 04

Pour warmed cream over chocolate chips, let it rest for a minute, then stir till silky smooth.

Step 05

Smear the ganache on top once it’s cool, chill until firm, and slice into squares.

Notes

  1. Serve it cold or straight from the freezer.
  2. Stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. Try drizzling melted peanut butter on top for flair.

Required Equipment

  • Square pan (8 or 9 inches).
  • Electric mixer.
  • Processor for food prep.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains peanuts.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 393
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 6 g