Ultimate No-Bake Buckeye Graham Cracker Bars
Make these simple, no-bake bars that combine peanut butter, chocolate, and graham crackers for a rich, satisfying treat inspired by Buckeye candy.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 3 hr 20 min
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until fully combined. The mixture will be thick.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares before serving.
Notes
- For cleaner cuts, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing.
- You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 35