Graham crackers, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate unite in this easy, no-bake treat—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
You know those lazy Sunday afternoons when the craving for something sweet hits, but the thought of preheating the oven feels like a Herculean task? That was me last weekend. I was reminiscing about my grandma’s famous Buckeye candies—those delightful peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate that she’d make every holiday season. The nostalgia was real.
But here’s the twist: I wanted that same rich, peanut buttery goodness without the fuss. As I scanned my pantry, my eyes landed on a box of graham crackers. Lightbulb moment! Why not combine the essence of Buckeyes with the crunch of graham crackers? A few experiments (and a messy kitchen) later, these No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers were born. They’ve since become my go-to treat for impromptu gatherings or when I need a quick dessert fix.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers Recipe?
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No Oven Required: Perfect for those hot days or when you’re short on time.
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Crunch Meets Creamy: The graham cracker adds a delightful crunch that complements the smooth peanut butter filling.
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Kid-Friendly: Simple enough for little hands to help with—just be prepared for some chocolatey fingers!
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Versatile: Great for parties, potlucks, or a midnight snack.
Ingredient Notes:
Before we dive in, let’s chat about the ingredients:
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Creamy Peanut Butter: Stick with the classic creamy variety for that smooth texture. Natural peanut butter can be a bit oily and may not set as well.
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Butter: Unsalted and softened. It helps bind the filling and adds richness.
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Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it structure.
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Graham Crackers: The base of our treat. Honey-flavored ones add an extra layer of sweetness.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They melt smoothly and balance the sweetness of the filling.
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Shortening or Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate achieve that glossy finish and makes dipping easier.
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Peanut Butter Chips (for drizzle): Optional, but they add a decorative touch and an extra punch of peanut butter flavor.
How To Make No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers?
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and place wire racks on top. This setup allows excess chocolate to drip off, ensuring a clean finish.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Mix until smooth and well-blended. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture is thick and holds its shape.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Break the graham crackers in half, creating squares. Take a small portion of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball. Place it on a graham cracker square and gently press it down, spreading it to cover the surface evenly. Repeat for all the graham crackers.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the shortening or coconut oil. Stir continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid melting the peanut butter layer during dipping.
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Step 5: Dip in Chocolate
Holding the graham cracker by the edges, dip the peanut butter side into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it chocolate-side up on the wire rack.
Step 6: Add the Drizzle
In a separate bowl, melt the peanut butter chips with a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil. Once smooth, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle over the chocolate-coated graham crackers.
Step 7: Set and Enjoy
Allow the treats to set at room temperature for 2-3 hours. If you’re impatient (like me), pop them in the fridge for about an hour. Once the chocolate is firm, they’re ready to devour!
Storage Options:
Store these delights in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’re planning ahead, they freeze well too—just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Variations and Substitutions:
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
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Chocolate Choices: Try dark chocolate for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
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Add-Ins: Mix in crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling for added texture.
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Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free graham crackers to accommodate dietary needs.
What to Serve with No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers?
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With Coffee: The bitterness of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty flavors.
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Dessert Platter: Include them in a dessert spread alongside fruits and other treats.
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Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative boxes for a homemade gift.
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Midnight Snack: Let’s be honest, they’re perfect for those late-night cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! It’ll add a bit of texture to the filling.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Ensure no water gets into the chocolate while melting, and melt it slowly over low heat.
Can I skip the peanut butter drizzle?
Of course! It’s decorative, so feel free to omit or get creative with other toppings.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers as much as I do. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Share your thoughts, tweaks, or any fun stories in the comments below. Happy no-baking!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 c Butter softened
- 2 1/2 c Powdered Sugar
- 12 Graham Crackers approximately 1 1/2 sleeves, or half a regular-sized box
- 3 c Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 tbsp Shortening or coconut oil
For the Peanut Butter Drizzle:
- 1/2 c Peanut Butter Chips
- 1 tsp Shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare two pans with parchment paper and place wire racks on top.
- In a big bowl, mix peanut butter and butter until creamy.
- Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Form the mixture into balls and press onto half a graham cracker, spreading to the edges.
- Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a saucepan over low-medium heat until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Dip the peanut butter side of graham crackers into the chocolate, then place on the wire rack.
- Melt peanut butter chips and shortening for the drizzle, then spoon over the graham crackers.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature for 2-3 hours or in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Enjoy your No-Bake Buckeye Graham Crackers!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
