Buttery Buckeye Graham Crackers Recipe: Sweet Ohio Treats

Chocolate and peanut butter create magic in this classic buckeye graham crackers recipe that brings sweet nostalgia to your dessert table.

Everyone loves these no-bake treats that combine creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate coating.

The crisp graham cracker base provides the perfect crunch for this decadent dessert.

Midwestern bakers have perfected this simple yet irresistible confection over generations.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smooth peanut butter and silky chocolate that melts in your mouth.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, making it an ideal treat for spontaneous gatherings.

Prepare to indulge in a delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Buckeye Graham Crackers

• This recipe breaks down complex steps into easy, manageable actions that even novice bakers can follow with confidence.
• Combines the beloved flavors of buckeye candies and graham crackers, making it a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Requires only basic tools like a microwave, mixing bowl, and baking sheet, making it accessible for cooks with limited kitchen resources.
• Offers flexibility to adjust sweetness or texture by adding extra powdered sugar or experimenting with different chocolate types, allowing personal creativity in the kitchen.

What’s in Buckeye Graham Crackers

• Graham Crackers: Classic sweet crackers that provide a crunchy foundation for this dessert.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy spread that creates a rich and smooth filling for the graham crackers.
• Butter: Softened dairy product that helps bind the peanut butter filling and adds richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar that sweetens and helps stabilize the peanut butter mixture.

• Chocolate Chips, Vegetable Oil: Combination that creates a smooth, glossy chocolate coating for dipping the crackers.
• Peanut Butter Chips, Vegetable Oil: Melted mixture used for decorative drizzling over the chocolate-coated graham crackers.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the peanut butter filling.

How to Make Buckeye Graham Crackers

Step 1: Prepare Graham Cracker Base

Break each graham cracker sheet into halves, creating perfect squares.

Arrange the squares in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking during preparation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

• Creamy peanut butter
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and easy to manipulate.

If the consistency feels too sticky, incorporate additional powdered sugar to achieve the right texture.

Step 3: Shape Peanut Butter Layers

Form the peanut butter mixture into small, uniform balls.

Gently place one ball on each graham cracker square.

Press and spread the ball carefully, ensuring an even layer that covers the entire cracker surface without becoming too thick.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Coating

• Chocolate chips
• Vegetable oil

Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle.

Continue until the chocolate transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid.

Alternatively, use a double boiler for melting.

Step 5: Chocolate Dipping Technique

Use forks or tongs to fully submerge each peanut butter-topped graham cracker into the melted chocolate.

Allow excess chocolate to drip off before returning the coated cracker to the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Decorative Peanut Butter Drizzle

• Peanut butter chips
• Vegetable oil

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Artfully drizzle the melted peanut butter mixture over the chocolate-covered graham crackers.

Step 7: Chill and Solidify

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator.

Allow the buckeye graham crackers to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes or until the chocolate completely sets.

Once firm, the treats are ready to serve and enjoy.

Tips for Buckeye Graham Crackers

• Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending of ingredients.
• Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or powdered sugar when rolling peanut butter balls to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
• Always stir chocolate between microwave intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
• Use a fork or dipping tool to fully submerge graham crackers, allowing excess chocolate to drip off for a clean, thin chocolate layer.
• Use a small spoon or piping bag to create elegant, controlled peanut butter drizzles across chocolate-coated graham crackers for a professional finishing touch.

Saving and Reheating Buckeye Crackers

• Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain chocolate's firm texture and prevent melting.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight or heat. Consume within 2 days for best taste and texture. Ideal temperature is around 65-70°F.
• Let chilled treats sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps soften chocolate slightly and brings out richer flavor profile.

Buckeye Cracker Pairing Suggestions

• Pair Perfectly with Sweet Sidekicks: Creamy vanilla milkshake that complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Enhance with Cool Beverages: Chilled cold brew coffee with a hint of caramel, balancing the sweetness of the buckeye graham crackers and cutting through their decadent texture.
• Match with Nutty Companions: Roasted almond cluster or praline pecans that echo the peanut butter notes and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Complement with Dessert Wine: Moscato d'Asti, a light and sweet sparkling wine that highlights the chocolate's richness while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dense peanut butter filling.

Flavor Swaps for Buckeye Crackers

• Gluten-Free Graham Crackers: Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free digestive biscuits for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Buckeyes: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute powdered sugar with organic powdered sugar alternative for a plant-based version.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies, creating a different nutty flavor profile while maintaining the recipe's core technique.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar-free powdered sweetener and dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content, making it more suitable for diabetic or low-carb diets.

FAQs

• What are buckeye graham crackers?

Buckeye graham crackers are a delicious dessert inspired by the classic buckeye candy, featuring graham crackers topped with peanut butter filling and coated in chocolate, creating a sweet and creamy treat.

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth filling, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture. Just ensure it’s soft enough to mix well with the other ingredients.

• How do I prevent the peanut butter filling from being too sticky?

Add a little extra powdered sugar gradually until the mixture becomes easier to handle. The key is to create a consistency that’s firm enough to shape but not too dry.

• Is there a way to make these without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt chocolate and peanut butter chips using a double boiler method. Simply place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until the ingredients are smooth and melted.

Buckeye Graham Crackers Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Buckeye Graham Crackers elevate classic dessert flavors with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Sweet Ohio-inspired treats promise delightful layers of nostalgic comfort that satisfy chocolate and peanut butter cravings in one irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 graham cracker sheets, broken in half
• 1.5 cups (340 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 0.5 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) butter
• 3.5 cups (420 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (170 grams) peanut butter chips

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (300 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by dividing graham cracker sheets into uniform squares, arranging them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent adhesion.
2. Create a creamy peanut butter mixture by blending softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, consistent texture. Adjust sugar quantity if the mixture feels overly sticky.
3. Craft uniform peanut butter portions by rolling into 1-inch spheres, then delicately positioning and flattening one ball onto each graham cracker square, ensuring complete coverage with an even layer.
4. Liquefy chocolate chips with vegetable oil using microwave technique, stirring every 30 seconds until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency. Alternatively, utilize double boiler method for melting.
5. Immerse each peanut butter-topped graham cracker completely in melted chocolate, allowing excess to cascade off using forks or tongs, then carefully repositioning on parchment-lined sheet.
6. Generate a decorative accent by melting peanut butter chips with vegetable oil, creating a smooth drizzle to embellish chocolate-coated crackers.
7. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes at 40°F until chocolate solidifies completely, transforming the treats into delectable buckeye graham crackers ready for consumption.

Notes

• Customize peanut butter filling by adjusting sugar levels for desired sweetness and texture, ensuring a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Create gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham crackers or substituting with almond flour or rice crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prevent chocolate from seizing by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding water contact during melting process, ensuring a glossy, smooth coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg