Nothing gets better than the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. I have always loved buckeye cookies and now they are made in bar form with a graham cracker crust, fudgy peanut butter cashew filling, and topped with a rich crunchy chocolate topping. This dynamic duo has all the flavors and textures you need in a dessert!
No bake dessert is my favorite way to make treats. There is no baking science or complicated techniquie needed. It often requires minimal prep.
Almost all of my no bake desserts are made in one kitchen blender. Since there is no baking invovled, these recipes do not contain any raw ingredients like all purpose flour or eggs.
What is the Magic about these No Bake Buckeye Bars
An Easy 2-ingredient Graham Cracker Crust
This graham cracker crust has become my staple when it comes to no bake desserts. It is incredibly easy to make. all you need is to blend graham crackers until it turns into a fine powder form. Add in dairy free milk and blend again until they become slightly sticky.
Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of a greased or parchement paper lined dish. Then they are ready to use.
This crust holds its own and doesn’t fall apart. It makes the perfect layer to any no bake desserts.
Maple Syrup sweetened Peanut Butter filling
There is no powdered sugar in this recipe like the traditional buckeye cookies. The only sweetener used in the filling is maple syrup. It adds a rich, caramel-like flavor which elevate the complexity to the flavor profile.
It also helps with the fudgy and gooey texture the cashews and peanut butter create.
You will need a food processor or high speed blender to achieve that ultra smooth consistency.
What Ingredients Do We need for the Buckeye Bars
Graham Cracker is the main ingredient for the crust.
Dairy Free Milk is used to blend with the graham cracker in order to form the crust.
Raw Cashews is the base for the filling. It is my top secret to make the most smooth no bake dessert. And in this recipe, it also ensures the peanut butter flavor isn’t overwhelming. Soaking the raw cashews before using can make the bledning process easier as well as resulting in a ultra smooth texture.
Peanut Butter is the star flavor for buckeyes! I love using smooth peannut butter.
Maple Syrup is the only sweetener for the filling.
Pea Protein Powder (Optional): Sometimes the filing may be too liquidy to form (there are many factors that can cause this), but adding a scoop or 2 of pea protein powder or coconut flour can help absorb the liquid and enable the filling to hold its form.
Chocolate of your choice is the co-star in a good buckeye recipe. Pick your favorite, melt and pour on top of the bars.
Step by Step instruction on how to make Buckeye Bars
First, make the graham cracker crust.
Then let’s get to the peanut butter filling.
Lastly, cut into bars and pour chocolate on top.
Efforless Treats To Store in the Freezer
With the three layers, these buckeye bars look and taste like they came straight out of a gourmet bakery. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of sophistication too!
They are perfect to share with friends and family. No one needs to know how much (little) time you spent on it!
They can be stored in the freezer so you do not have to worry about them go bad.
Simply place them on the kitchen counter for a couple minutes before enjoying. Or you can place them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Making your Own Twist
You know i am all about giving you some options to make my recipes your own.
For these bars, you can add some chopped roasted peanuts on top for an extra crunch! I love the honey roasted peanuts from Trader Joes.
Try using almond butter if peanut butter doesn’t work for your restrictions. I know I know, buckeyes are made of peanut butter. But you will be surprised how beautifully almond butter works in this recipe.
With their three-layer indulgence and efforless prepartion , these no bake Buckeye-Bars will become the new favorite to satisfy your chocolate and peanut butter cravings!
No Bake Buckeye Bars {with Maple Syrup}
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter Smooth
- 2 cups cashews
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut flour or vegan pea protein Optional
Vegan Graham Cracker Crust**
- 18 sheets graham crackers 2 sleeves
- 1/3 cup milk of choice add more if needed to bind the crust mixture
Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup Chocolate Pick your favorite
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine graham crackes and milk to make your crust. blend until a thickened consistency is achieved
- Press the crust into an 8×8 pan. Set aside.
- Next, add cashews, maple syrup and peanut butter in the food processor and pulse until well combined. The texture should be gooey and smooth.
- If the texture appears to be too liquid-y add in the coconut flour or pea protein powder (it helps absorb the extra liquid). Blend again until well combined. *
- Next, press the peanut butter mix on top of the crust, smooth out with hands or a rubber spoon, pour chocolate mix on top and then chill for 3 hours. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
The post No Bake Buckeye Bars {with Maple Syrup} appeared first on Shuangy's Kitchensink.