Buckeye Graham Crackers Recipe

If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, then you’re in for a treat! These Buckeye Graham Crackers take the rich, nutty flavor of traditional buckeyes and give them a crunchy twist with graham crackers as the base. Each square is a perfect balance of smooth peanut butter filling, a crisp graham cracker, and a decadent chocolate coating with a drizzle of peanut butter. They’re the ultimate no-bake treat that’s super easy to put together but looks impressive enough for any dessert table.

I first stumbled upon this idea while making buckeyes with a friend. We had some graham crackers left over from another recipe, and on a whim, we decided to use them as a base. That turned out to be one of the best dessert experiments ever! Not only did the graham crackers add a lovely crunch, but they also made it much easier to assemble and serve. Now, these little treats are a staple in my house around the holidays and for any occasion that calls for something sweet and indulgent.

this RECIPE

A little background on the “buckeye” treat

The original buckeye candy is a beloved Midwestern treat, especially popular in Ohio (the Buckeye State). Traditional buckeyes are simply peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, leaving just a small part of the peanut butter filling exposed, which makes them resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate has been a classic for decades, and this recipe adds a fun twist by using graham crackers as a base. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy that buckeye flavor with a bit of crunch!

Key ingredients for buckeye graham crackers

• Graham crackers: These form the base of the treat, adding a crisp texture that balances the creamy peanut butter. If you’re out of graham crackers, you can substitute with digestive biscuits, though they’ll be a bit sweeter.
• Creamy peanut butter: This is the star of the show, giving the filling that rich, nutty flavor. If you prefer a bit of texture, you could use crunchy peanut butter, but keep in mind it’ll change the consistency of the filling slightly.
• Butter: Butter helps bind the filling and adds a rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened before mixing, so it combines smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling. You could reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet filling, though it may be a bit softer.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These create a nice, glossy chocolate coating. Semi-sweet gives a perfect balance without being too sugary. If you like darker chocolate, you can use bittersweet chocolate chips instead.
• Vegetable oil: Added to the chocolate and peanut butter chips to help with melting, and it gives a smooth, shiny finish.
• Peanut butter chips: These are used for a decorative drizzle that gives an extra pop of peanut butter flavor on top. They’re optional, but they add a nice touch.

Kitchen gear you’ll need

To make these treats, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic tools you probably already have in your kitchen.

• Baking sheet: You’ll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to arrange and set the graham crackers. This makes it easy to transfer the treats to the fridge later.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is ideal for combining the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. If you have an electric mixer, it can help make the process quicker, but a sturdy spatula will work too.
• Microwave-safe bowls: You’ll need these for melting the chocolate and peanut butter chips. If you don’t have a microwave, a double boiler works just as well.
• Spoon or spatula: For mixing the filling and spreading it onto the graham crackers.
• Forks or tongs: These will help you dip and coat the graham crackers in melted chocolate without making too much of a mess.

Step-by-step: making buckeye graham crackers

1. Prep the graham crackers
   Start by breaking each graham cracker sheet in half so you have squares. Lay them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will keep them from sticking as you work with them.
2. Make the peanut butter filling
   In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s completely smooth and easy to work with. If you find it’s too sticky, you can add a little extra powdered sugar until it’s manageable.
3. Shape the filling
   Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Place one ball onto each graham cracker square and gently flatten it to spread it out to the edges of the cracker. You want a nice, even layer of peanut butter filling that’s not too thick but covers the cracker completely.
4. Melt the chocolate
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler instead.
5. Coat the graham crackers
   Using forks or tongs, dip each graham cracker (with the peanut butter filling) into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then place it back on the lined baking sheet.
6. Add the peanut butter drizzle
   In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter chips and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted peanut butter mixture over the chocolate-coated graham crackers for a decorative finish.
7. Chill to set
   Place the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once they’re firm, your buckeye graham crackers are ready to enjoy!

Fun variations to try

• Crunchy peanut butter: For a bit more texture, try using crunchy peanut butter in the filling. It adds a satisfying bite!
• Dark chocolate: If you’re a fan of bittersweet flavors, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate. It pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and makes the treats a little less sweet.
• White chocolate drizzle: Instead of the peanut butter chips, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a contrasting color and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers if you need a gluten-free treat. They’re widely available and work just as well in this recipe.
• Holiday sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of festive colored sugar or mini chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter drizzle to make them extra special for holidays or events.

Serving suggestions and presentation ideas

For a fun presentation, serve these buckeye graham crackers on a wooden board or a decorative plate lined with parchment paper. If you’re hosting a gathering, you could place them in small cupcake liners to keep them tidy and easy to pick up. These treats are rich, so a little goes a long way—consider setting out a small stack for each guest and refilling as needed.

Drink pairings

These buckeye graham crackers pair wonderfully with warm or cold drinks, depending on the season. Here are a few ideas:

• Milk: You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk. It’s the classic pairing for anything peanut butter and chocolate!
• Hot cocoa: For a cozy winter treat, serve these with a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. The chocolate-on-chocolate combo is heavenly.
• Iced coffee: A lightly sweetened iced coffee or cold brew balances the richness of the graham crackers perfectly.
• Vanilla chai: The warm spices in chai are a lovely complement to the sweet and salty flavors in these treats.
• Sparkling water with a splash of orange: If you’re looking for something refreshing, try sparkling water with a hint of citrus. It’s light and won’t compete with the dessert’s flavors.

Storage and reheating tips

Store these buckeye graham crackers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long! If you’d like to enjoy them at room temperature, just let them sit out for about 10 minutes before eating to take the chill off.

They also freeze well! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes 24 buckeye graham crackers, but it’s easy to adjust based on how many you need. If you want to make a smaller batch, simply cut all the ingredients in half. For larger batches, you can double or triple the ingredients, but be sure to work in batches when melting the chocolate to keep it smooth and easy to work with.

Troubleshooting tips

• Chocolate not melting smoothly: If the chocolate seizes or becomes grainy, add a little more vegetable oil and keep stirring. Sometimes chocolate can get fussy, especially if it gets too hot too fast.
• Peanut butter filling too sticky: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches a manageable consistency.
• Graham crackers breaking: Be gentle when spreading the peanut butter mixture. If they’re breaking, try using slightly thicker peanut butter balls that don’t require as much spreading.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Natural peanut butter can make the filling a bit oily, but it can work if you mix it well. You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to get the right consistency.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Yes! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate would work. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate will make these sweeter, and dark chocolate will be less sweet.

Q: How long do these take to set?
A: About 30 minutes in the fridge, but you can leave them longer if needed. Just make sure the chocolate is fully set before serving.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These are great for making ahead, as they keep well in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for longer storage.

Q: What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
A: Coconut oil works well for melting chocolate, and it will give a slight coconut flavor. Alternatively, shortening can also help the chocolate melt smoothly.

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