Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 3 1/2 cups powdered confectioners sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks (12 ounces); 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil

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Introduction

No bake peanut butter buckeye bars are a delicious and simple treat that combine creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. These bars require no oven time and come together quickly, making them perfect for a sweet snack or dessert anytime.

A stack of three thick rectangular bars is shown, each with two layers: a bottom creamy light brown layer with a slightly crumbly texture and a smooth, glossy dark chocolate layer on top. The bars are placed on crumpled white parchment paper, resting on a white marbled surface. Around the bars, a few dark chocolate chips are scattered. In the blurry background, more stacked bars and a tall glass of milk are visible. The scene is brightly lit, focusing clearly on the stacked bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (softened)
2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 1/2 cups powdered confectioners sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips or chunks (12 ounces)
1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Place 1/2 cup of butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer until smooth. The dough will be very thick and a little crumbly.
Step 2: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the peanut butter dough into the pan. Press the dough firmly into the dish.
Step 3: Add chocolate chips and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until smooth, about a minute and a half total.
Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the bars and spread evenly. Let sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set, about 30 to 60 minutes. Carefully remove the bars from the pan by pulling up on the excess parchment paper, then transfer to a cutting board. Slice with a sharp knife.
Step 5: Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier texture, stir in chopped peanuts into the peanut butter mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet topping.
Substitute coconut oil for butter to make the bars dairy-free.
If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more softened peanut butter to help it hold together better.

Storage

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To soften slightly before serving, let sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows several rectangular bars with two clear layers. The bottom layer is thick, light tan in color, and looks soft and crumbly. The top layer is a smooth, dark brown chocolate coating that is slightly cracked in places. The bars are cut evenly and sit on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Dark chocolate chips are scattered around the bars. In the background, there is a blurred white round plate holding more bars and a white container. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but it will add texture to the bars. The dough may be a bit less smooth, but still delicious.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration helps the bars set properly and maintain their shape, especially because of the chocolate topping. They can be stored at room temperature for a day if needed, but refrigeration is recommended for best results.