No Bake Buckeye Bars

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

No-bake dessert bars combining chocolate and peanut butter flavors in three layers. Perfect for make-ahead treats.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:28 GMT
A close-up of two stacked chocolate-covered peanut butter bars with chocolate chips scattered around on a dark surface. Pin it
A close-up of two stacked chocolate-covered peanut butter bars with chocolate chips scattered around on a dark surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

I've been making these No-Bake Buckeye Bars for years and they never fail to disappear quickly. That dreamy combo of chocolate crust creamy peanut butter filling and rich ganache just makes everyone smile. Best part? No need to turn on the oven perfect for those warm summer days.

Why These Are Special

The magic happens when that smooth peanut butter filling meets dark chocolate. I love how easy these are to whip up when you need something impressive but don't want to fuss with baking. They've become my go-to for potlucks and parties everyone always asks for the recipe.

What You'll Need

  • Graham Crackers: I use chocolate ones for extra richness.
  • Butter: Makes our crust hold together beautifully.
  • Peanut Butter: The star that makes everything amazing.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds such lovely creaminess.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes everything perfectly sweet.
  • Heavy Cream: Whips up light and fluffy.
  • Chocolate Chips: For that gorgeous ganache top.
Two layers of chocolate-covered dessert bars with a creamy peanut butter filling are stacked on parchment paper, surrounded by chocolate chips. Pin it
Two layers of chocolate-covered dessert bars with a creamy peanut butter filling are stacked on parchment paper, surrounded by chocolate chips. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Make Magic

Start With The Base
Mix those crushed crackers with melted butter press into your pan that's your perfect crust.
Create The Filling
Beat together peanut butter cream cheese sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Fold in whipped cream oh so gently spread it all over your crust.
Give It Time
Let everything chill and set up at least 5 hours overnight is even better.
Top It Off
Pour that beautiful ganache over top spread it smooth back to the fridge it goes.
Make It Pretty
Drizzle with melted peanut butter if you're feeling fancy slice and serve.

My Best Tips

Press that crust down really well I use the bottom of a glass for perfect results. Patience is key here let each layer set completely before adding the next. Want those clean cuts? Run your knife under hot water wipe it dry between slices works like a charm.

Ways To Serve

These bars are lovely straight from the fridge when they're creamy or try them frozen for a firmer treat. Pour a cold glass of milk or brew some coffee to go alongside. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I'm feeling extra indulgent.

A close-up of stacked chocolate and peanut butter dessert bars garnished with chocolate chips on a dark tray. Pin it
A close-up of stacked chocolate and peanut butter dessert bars garnished with chocolate chips on a dark tray. | cookingwithcasey.com

Keep Them Fresh

They'll stay perfect in the fridge for five days if they last that long in your house. Want to freeze some? Layer them with parchment pop them in a container they'll keep for three months. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them soften up a bit.

Quick Answers

Want to switch up the crust? Try Oreos or shortbread cookies. No heavy cream on hand? Half-and-half works in a pinch. Need them nut-free? Sunflower butter makes a great substitute tastes amazing too.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I mix chopped nuts into the filling for extra crunch. A swirl of caramel in that ganache looks beautiful. Try adding banana slices or a sprinkle of sea salt on top creates such wonderful flavors.

Pure Indulgence

These Buckeye Bars bring together everything we love about chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you're serving them at a party or treating yourself to something special they never disappoint. One bite and you'll see why they've become our family's favorite no-bake treat.

A close-up of two layered dessert bars with a chocolate ganache topping, peanut butter filling, and a crumb crust, surrounded by chocolate chips. Pin it
A close-up of two layered dessert bars with a chocolate ganache topping, peanut butter filling, and a crumb crust, surrounded by chocolate chips. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, freeze up to 3 months. Serve frozen or thawed in fridge. Cut before freezing for easy portions.

→ Why won't my ganache set?

Let ganache cool to room temperature before adding. Make sure bars are very cold when adding ganache.

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Regular creamy peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter may separate and affect texture.

→ How long do these keep?

Store in fridge up to 1 week or freezer up to 3 months. Keep covered to prevent drying.

→ Can I use different cookies for crust?

Regular graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies work well. Adjust butter if needed for proper texture.

Conclusion

No-bake buckeye bars offer a delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

These easy-to-prepare dessert bars feature three distinct layers: a chocolatey graham cracker base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining or a sweet treat any time.

No Bake Buckeye Bars

Three-layer bars featuring chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache topping.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs.
02 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
03 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter.
04 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
05 1 cup powdered sugar.
06 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
07 1 cup heavy cream.
08 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
09 1/4 cup heavy cream for ganache.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix graham crumbs and butter, press in pan. Chill 30-60 minutes.

Step 02

Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.

Step 03

Spread filling over crust, freeze 5 hours.

Step 04

Pour hot cream over chips, let stand, then stir until smooth.

Step 05

Add room temp ganache, chill until set. Cut into squares.

Notes

  1. Can serve chilled or frozen.
  2. Keeps in freezer 3 months.
  3. Can garnish with melted peanut butter.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8 or 9 inch square pan.
  • Mixer.
  • Food processor.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Peanuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 393
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein: 6 g