Buckeye Dip

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Buckeye Dip is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, loaded with mini chocolate chips and topped with a crackly chocolate shell to mimic the flavor of classic buckeye candies!

Love buckeye inspired recipes as much as I do? Check out my Buckeye Rice Krispie Treats, Buckeye Pretzel Bites, Buckeye Graham Crackers, and Buckeye Brownie Bites too!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Buckeye Dip is a rich, creamy dessert dip inspired by buckeye candies — chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls popular in the Midwest (especially Ohio). This dip mimics that same chocolate-peanut butter combo, but in a soft, scoopable form perfect for parties, holidays, and anytime snacking.

If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo (and let’s be honest — who isn’t?), then Buckeye Dip needs to be on your dessert radar immediately. Inspired by the iconic Ohio-born buckeye candy, this creamy, rich, and ridiculously easy-to-make dip takes all the best parts of a peanut butter cup and turns them into a crowd-pleasing party favorite.

Tailgates, birthday parties, holidays, movie nights, baby showers — you name it. Buckeye Dip is versatile, portable, and loved by all ages. It’s also a great “make-ahead” dessert that gets even better after a little time chilling in the fridge.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• Cream cheese- softened
• Creamy peanut butter 
• Powdered sugar 
• Vanilla extract 
• Cool whip- thawed
• Mini chocolate chips 
• Chocolate magic shell 

Named after the classic buckeye candy — round peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree — this dip transforms the iconic treat into a creamy, scoopable dessert. Instead of rolling individual candies, you get the same flavor in a far easier (and arguably more fun) format.

The base of this Buckeye Dip is essentially a whipped peanut butter and cream cheese base, sweetened and studded with mini chocolate chips. It tastes like the inside of a peanut butter cup — soft, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet — but with a scoopable texture perfect for dipping!

Adding a magic shell topping takes this indulgent treat to the next level — and it’s something every dessert lover should try at least once. The rich, peanut buttery base is delicious on its own, but when you pour chocolate magic shell over the top and let it harden into a glossy, crackly layer? You’ve just turned a simple dip into a show-stopping dessert that’s both fun and unforgettable.

How to make the best Buckeye Dip:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix until fluffy and well combined.
• Fold in the thawed Cool Whip, then fold in the mini chocolate chips until just combined. 
• Transfer the dip into a 9-inch pie plate and spread it into an even layer. Pour the magic shell over the top, then spread to fully cover the surface of the dip.
• Transfer to the fridge for 45 minutes before serving to allow the chocolate to set. Serve chilled with graham crackers, pretzels, nilla wafers, or apple slices for dipping!

There’s a reason peanut butter and chocolate is one of the most beloved flavor duos of all time. It’s rich, balanced, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, and deeply satisfying. Buckeye Dip captures that magic perfectly, with a creamy base that mimics the filling of a Reese’s cup, and mini chocolate chips for texture and indulgence in every bite.

Let’s face it — no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen for a dessert that’s devoured in five minutes. Buckeye Dip comes together in one bowl, no baking required, and it takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish (minus the chilling time). It’s the perfect last-minute recipe for unexpected guests, spontaneous gatherings, or a late-night treat.

The contrast in textures is one of the best parts. The creamy, fluffy dip melts in your mouth, while the hardened chocolate topping gives you that satisfying snap with every bite — like breaking into a peanut butter truffle. It adds a dramatic flair that makes this dessert feel extra special, whether you’re serving it at a party, holiday gathering, or just treating yourself on a quiet night in.

My top tips:

• ELECTRIC MIXER: I do recommend bringing out your electric mixer for the base of this dip because it makes combining the ingredients a breeze and whips a lot of air into the ingredients making them extra light and fluffy!
• SOFTENED CREAM CHEESE: It’s important you’re using softened cream cheese so that it will incorporate smoothly into the other ingredients. If you don’t want to wait for a block of cream cheese to soften, you can use whipped cream cheese from the tub instead.
• COOL WHIP: Using frozen whipped topping adds even more ease and convenience to this already easy recipe! Rather than taking the time to whip heavy cream, just make sure your whipped topping is fully thawed before use.
• SERVING BOWL: I like serving this dip in something wide and shallow, like a pie plate, so that there’s more surface area for the chocolate magic shell in every bite!
• MAGIC SHELL: If you don’t have chocolate magic shell on hand (the kind that hardens on cold desserts like ice cream), you can make your own by melting 2 cups of chocolate chips with 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil in the microwave (30-second bursts, stirring in between) or over a double boiler.
• STORING: Store any leftover dip in the fridge for 3-4 days! 

Looking for more chocolate and peanut butter treats? Check these out!

• Reese’s Brownie Bites 
• Peanut Butter Pretzel Nachos 
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Bugles 
• Peanut Butter Dipped Oreos
• Nutter Butter Truffles
• Snickers Cookies
• Avalanche Cookies 
• Butterfinger Puppy Chow
• No Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms 
• Peanut Butter Popcorn

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