Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies

Three layer vegan cashew butter buckeye brownies that are vegan, grain-free, and refined sugar-free with almond flour, cashew butter, and dark chocolate. 

Last night I observed a yoga class for yoga teacher training!

Between training weekends, we have to show up on our mat but also observe others teach, too, to see the teaching experience from a new perspective.

I sat cross-legged in the back of the room, taking notes on a spiral notepad while I watched the room breathe and flow.

It’s hard not to get a bit of FOMO watching the transformation happening around the room.

The audible inhales and exhales made my own chest rise and fall with synchronicity.

But then I had a similar transformation in my kitchen yesterday, one that I’m excited to share with you today.

These Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies are three layers of deliciousness that you need in your life.

They’re vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free with just 9 simple ingredients!

You don’t just have to observe this post friends, you get to participate.

Let’s layer up!

I was at a friend’s house last weekend when she first showed me Buckeye Brownie picture on her phone over our spaghetti squash dinner and wine.

Those layers, though.

I was in love.

Have you ever had actual Buckeyes, the confection?

Basically it’s a fudge-y sweet peanut butter ball half covered in chocolate.

I don’t know if I’ve ever had an ACTUAL buckeye, guys, so if you haven’t either, that’s quite alright.

These Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies require no prerequisite to enjoyment.

So where do you begin to make this triple threat happen?

I’m so glad you asked.

We start with a basic vegan brownie, and I say basic in the loosest most loving way possible, because these brownies are actually incredible.

I’m not encouraging you to skip the other two layers and call it a brownie night, but if you simply had to stop the recipe here you’d be pretty satisfied with the gooey chocolate results.

But let’s continue, shall we?

The brownies are made grain-free with an almond flour base naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and unrefined coconut sugar.

Cashew butter acts as an oil replacement to make them extra fudge-y and gooey.

They bake in 20 minutes and then you’re on to the next one (layer).

Next., we make our “buckeye” layer with just 2-ingredients: cashew butter and maple syrup.

Traditionally, the candy uses a peanut butter base, but I decided to go with cashew butter instead.

I used roasted cashew butter in my version!

I think this yields a nice roasted taste with depth of flavor, but any cashew butter will work.

Try to find one without any added oils or sugars.

The maple syrup slightly sweetens and thickens the cashew butter, making it sticky sweet and thick for spreading across the brownie layer.

I like to spread the buckeye layer over the brownie layer while it’s still warm.

The warm brownies will soften the cashew butter slightly, making it easier to spread!

OK, two down, one to go.

You’re so close to buckeye brownie bliss.

The last layer is– you guessed it– more chocolate.

I used Hu Kitchen Baking Gems in this recipe to create a super simple 2-ingredient chocolate ganache to seal the deal.

You just need one package of Gems and a few tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk.

Heat them slowly on the stovetop over low heat, then stir in the plant milk to create a fluffy spreadable chocolate ganache.

Spread this over the cashew butter layer and try not the lick the spatula between brush strokes.

At this point, I like to transfer my baking dish to the freezer for 20-30 minutes to harden.

This will make the Buckeye Brownies easier to slice when it’s time to serve.

These Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies are perfect for a next level brownie to bake, layer, and share.

I always tend to smear nut butter over all of my desserts, so I love that these Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies save me the trouble of grabbing the cashew butter jar.

They’re moist, decadent, chocolate-y, and nut-buttery.

I sliced my brownies into a generous nine squares for photographing, but these brownies are rich, friends, so slice accordingly!

Brownies will keep in the freezer, so make a pan and stash them for whenever you’re craving a square of something sweet.

If you don’t have cashew butter, try subbing peanut butter or your favorite nut butter for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy!

If you make these Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies let me know!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review so I can use your feedback to create more yums.

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your creations.

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipe like this one to make later.

For more healthier brownies, try my 1-Bowl Butternut Brownies, Black Sesame Butter Brownies, and Super Fudgey Vegan Brownies.

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XO Lauren

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