Buckeye Pie Recipe – The Best No-Bake Dessert (2025)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to wow a crowd, look no further than Buckeye Pie. This indulgent treat combines a creamy peanut butter filling with a crunchy Oreo crust and a luscious chocolate ganache topping—bringing the iconic flavors of Buckeye candy into a dreamy pie format. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, birthday bash, or just need a sweet fix, Buckeye Pie delivers in taste, texture, and simplicity. Check out our easy no-bake pumpkin pie bites if you’re looking for more effortless dessert ideas.

JUMP TO

What Is Buckeye Pie?

Origins of the Buckeye Flavor Combo

The name “Buckeye” originates from Ohio’s famous buckeye tree and the beloved candy that mimics its look. Traditional Buckeyes are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, leaving a small circle of the peanut butter exposed—just like the nut. Buckeye Pie takes that same flavor inspiration and transforms it into an irresistible pie that’s even easier to serve.

How Buckeye Pie Differs from Buckeye Candies

While the candies require hand-rolling and dipping, Buckeye Pie simplifies the entire process. With a press-in crust, a whipped filling, and a smooth chocolate topping, you get all the flavor without the extra effort. Plus, slicing a pie is far more convenient for parties and potlucks.

Why This Dessert Has Gained Viral Popularity

Its popularity stems from a winning combination: nostalgia, no-bake convenience, and that dreamy peanut butter-chocolate blend. As more people search for no bake chocolate peanut butter pie recipes that are simple yet crowd-pleasing, Buckeye Pie has taken over food blogs and Pinterest boards. It’s creamy, rich, and layered to perfection—without ever turning on your oven.

Looking for inspiration? Try our chocolate chip pumpkin bread for another fan-favorite treat that combines bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients for the Perfect Buckeye Pie

When it comes to Buckeye Pie, the magic lies in the balance between crunchy, creamy, and rich. Using the right ingredients makes all the difference—so let’s break down what you need and why it matters.

Choosing the Right Peanut Butter

Not all peanut butter is created equal. For the creamiest, smoothest filling, always use regular processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, though great for toast, tends to separate and can lead to a grainy or oily texture in no-bake pies. The key is consistency—smooth, emulsified peanut butter blends seamlessly with cream cheese and sugar to form that classic Buckeye taste.

Want to explore more no-bake dessert ideas? Don’t miss our easy lemon blueberry delight, another chilled treat with incredible flavor.

Best Crust Options: Oreo vs. Graham Cracker

For a true Buckeye Pie, an Oreo cookie crust is the top choice. It adds rich chocolate depth and balances the sweet-salty filling. Here’s a quick look at your options:

Crust Type	Flavor Profile	Texture	Best For
Oreo Crust	Deep chocolate, sweet	Firm, crunchy	Buckeye Pie, mousse pies
Graham Cracker	Mildly sweet, buttery	Crumbly	Cheesecakes, citrus pies
Pretzel Crust	Salty, snappy	Crunchy, dry	Peanut butter pies with caramel

For a creative twist, try a pretzel crust to introduce a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Check out our salted caramel apple bars if you enjoy that sweet-salty combo.

Essential Ingredients for the Chocolate Ganache Layer

This isn’t just any chocolate topping—it’s ganache. To get it just right:

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal. They melt smoothly and balance the sweetness of the filling.
Heavy cream adds that silky texture, making the topping easy to slice without cracking.
Vanilla extract gives the ganache extra depth and rounds out the flavor.

Heat the chocolate and cream gently, stir until smooth, and let it cool just enough so it spreads easily but doesn’t melt the filling underneath.

Substitutions and Add-Ins to Make It Your Own

Want to get a little creative? Here are some fun variations you can try:

Add crushed Reese’s cups into the filling for extra bursts of peanut butter chocolate.
Mix in chopped peanuts for a bit of texture.
Top with whipped cream and crushed Oreos for bakery-style flair.
Swap the crust for gluten-free cookies to make it suitable for dietary needs.

Prefer fruit in your pies? Discover great ideas like our apple cinnamon sheet cake for a seasonal spin on classic desserts.

How to Make Buckeye Pie (Step-by-Step)

This pie is deceptively simple—just a few steps, no baking, and you’re ready to impress. Here’s how to bring it together.

Preparing the No-Bake Oreo Crust

Start with 25 crushed Oreos (filling included) and mix them with melted butter. Press into a pie pan using a rubber spatula or the bottom of a glass to get that firm, even layer. Freeze for 15 minutes so it holds its shape.

Making the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Blend room-temperature cream cheese and peanut butter until silky smooth. Add superfine sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy. The goal? A mousse-like texture that’s thick yet airy.

Creating the Rich Chocolate Topping

Melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. Once fully smooth, let it cool slightly so it spreads without melting the filling. Pour over the pie and spread with an offset spatula for a clean, glossy finish.

Don’t miss our layered pumpkin cheesecake if you love multi-texture desserts!

Tips for Chilling and Serving

Chill the pie in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing. For clean cuts:

Wipe the knife between each slice
Use a hot knife for smoother edges
Serve with whipped cream or extra drizzle of melted peanut butter

This recipe is also a great fit for holiday make-ahead desserts—just cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Buckeye Pie

Making a great Buckeye Pie is easy—but making an unforgettable one is all about the details. These tips help guarantee flawless texture, flavor, and presentation.

How to Avoid a Runny Filling

Always use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly.
Whip the filling until it’s fluffy, not just mixed.
Don’t skip the chilling step—this sets the pie properly.

Garnish Ideas for a Bakery-Worthy Finish

Visual appeal matters! Top your pie with:

Crushed Oreos around the rim
Peanut butter drizzle in zig-zag motion
Mini Reese’s cups or chopped peanuts
Dollops of whipped cream at each slice point

Want another showstopper dessert? Don’t miss our pumpkin spice cupcakes with tangy frosting—perfect for fall tables.

How Long to Chill for the Best Texture

Minimum: 1 hour in the fridge
Ideal: 2+ hours for a firm slice
Overnight: Best for serving clean-cut pieces the next day

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Instructions

How Long Buckeye Pie Lasts in the Fridge

Cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing and Thawing Tips

Buckeye Pie freezes beautifully. Just follow these steps:

Wrap pie in plastic wrap
Add a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn
Freeze for up to 3 months
Thaw in fridge overnight before serving

Bonus tip: Slice before freezing, then wrap individual slices for grab-and-go treats.

Looking for more prep-ahead desserts? Check out our thanksgiving piecaken recipe—it’s the ultimate mashup treat.

Ideal for Holidays, Potlucks, and Meal Prepping

Since it’s no-bake and can be made ahead, Buckeye Pie is a go-to dessert for:

Thanksgiving and Christmas
Summer barbecues
Potluck dinners
Birthday parties

Buckeye Pie Variations to Try

Buckeye Banana Pie

Add a thin layer of banana slices between the crust and peanut butter filling. The result? A flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and unique.

Buckeye Pie with Pretzel Crust

Swapping the Oreo crust for crushed pretzels adds a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet filling. A hit for anyone who loves sweet-and-salty combos.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Buckeye Pie Options

Use gluten-free Oreos or nut-based crusts
Swap dairy cream cheese and heavy cream for coconut cream and vegan cream cheese
Choose dairy-free chocolate chips

Need more allergy-friendly treats? Try our healthy pumpkin mousse for a light, creamy option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buckeye Pie

How long should Buckeye Pie chill before serving?

At least 1 hour in the fridge, but 2–4 hours (or overnight) is best for clean slicing.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Technically yes, but creamy peanut butter delivers better texture. Crunchy peanut butter can make the filling lumpy and less smooth.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a hot knife (run it under hot water, then dry), and wipe clean after every slice.

Can I make Buckeye Pie ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

What’s the difference between Buckeye Pie and Reese’s Pie?

Reese’s Pie often includes chopped Reese’s or more chocolate elements in the filling, while Buckeye Pie stays closer to the traditional peanut butter ball flavor profile.

Conclusion: Why Buckeye Pie Is the Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed

Buckeye Pie combines nostalgic flavors, no-bake ease, and decadent layers into a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or as a summer treat, this pie brings smiles with every slice. With endless variations and make-ahead convenience, it’s a must-add to your dessert rotation.

Discover great ideas like our easy pumpkin spice poke cake if you love dessert simplicity with bold flavors.

Table of Contents