Healthy Buckeyes
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Healthy buckeyes are vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and flourless! They’re made with only 7 ingredients including peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and chocolate chips. It’s a quick and easy no-bake snack that doubles as a dessert. If you’re a chocolate peanut butter lover, you will adore these vegan buckeye balls!
Why you’ll love this healthy buckeyes recipe
What is a buckeye ball?
A buckeye is a soft peanut butter ball dipped in melted chocolate. It’s a delicious, salty-sweet chocolate peanut butter dessert! In particular, this healthy buckeyes recipe is made with a handful of wholesome ingredients – like peanut butter, almond flour or coconut flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
Why are they called buckeye balls?
Since these chocolate peanut butter balls resemble the nut of an Ohio buckeye tree, they’re commonly called “buckeyes.” You’ll notice the similarity in appearance, with the chocolate coating mimicking the shiny brown seed. The top area is left uncoated so a bit of the peanut butter ball shows. This specifically resembles the hilum, which is where the nut was attached to the tree.
One thing I love about buckeye balls is how EASY they are to make! There’s no baking, no oven, and no fancy tools needed. We’ll simply combine the ingredients in a bowl, roll the dough into balls, then dip them in melted chocolate. It’s quick, simple, and ready in well under 30 minutes.
Furthermore, these vegan buckeyes are easily customizable. You can swap almond flour with coconut flour, maple syrup with honey, and even choose your favorite nut butter. Try it with almond butter, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version!
These healthy buckeyes are:
- Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free
- Soft, chewy, sweet and salty
- Made with only 7 ingredients
- Grain-free and flourless
- Refined sugar-free // sweetened with maple syrup
- A quick and easy no-bake dessert
- Taste like peanut butter cups!
What are vegan buckeyes made of?
- Peanut butter: This recipe works best with a natural peanut butter that has a drippier consistency, rather than a super thick one. Be sure to use a creamy variety, not crunchy.
- Almond flour or coconut flour: Since these buckeyes are flourless, we’ll use a healthy flour alternative like almond flour or coconut flour. These “flours” are simply finely-ground almonds and coconut. There are no grains in them.
- Maple syrup or honey: These buckeyes contain no refined sugar. Real maple syrup (or honey) adds natural sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: Use your favorite chocolate chips. If you’d like to keep the buckeyes refined sugar-free, I recommend using stevia-sweetened chocolate chips. Alternatively, you can use monk fruit chocolate chips.
- Coconut oil: Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil helps soften the melted chocolate layer. This ensures the chocolate doesn’t break into pieces when you bite into it. Additionally, it thins the consistency which makes it easier to coat the buckeye balls.
- Vanilla extract: Add a dash of vanilla to sweeten the peanut butter balls.
- Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor. I like to add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the buckeyes to elevate the appearance.
How to make healthy buckeyes with peanut butter
For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
First, line a baking sheet or cutting board with parchment paper. Set aside.
Tips for making the best vegan buckeyes candy
How to substitute peanut butter: While buckeyes are traditionally made with creamy peanut butter, you can replace it with another nut butter. Try it with almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer those instead.
How to make them nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a delicious nut-free buckeyes recipe. Both of these options are seed butters, so they’re more allergen-friendly.
Don’t skip the coconut oil. Although you can make these buckeyes without coconut oil, I don’t recommend skipping it. Coconut oil helps soften the melted chocolate, which makes it easier to coat the buckeyes. Additionally, it prevents the chocolate from breaking into little pieces once you bite into it.
Add flaky sea salt on top. For added flavor and decoration, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top. This really enhances the appearance and creates a tasty, salty-sweet treat!
How to store peanut butter buckeye balls
Store these vegan buckeyes in a sealed container inside the refrigerator. Enjoy within one week. If you would like to saving them longterm, store in the freezer and enjoy within 3 months.
More chocolate peanut butter snacks
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Protein Truffles
If you try these Healthy Buckeyes, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!
Print
Healthy Buckeyes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Mix, No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This healthy buckeyes recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free! They’re made with peanut butter, almond flour or coconut flour, maple syrup or honey, and chocolate chips. These buckeye balls double as an easy no-bake dessert and snack. They’re great for kids, adults, and chocolate peanut butter lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup almond flour or coconut flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add peanut butter, almond flour/coconut flour, maple syrup/honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix together until evenly combined. Since every brand of peanut butter has a different consistency, you may need to adjust the recipe according to the brand you use. If the mixture is too wet, add more almond flour/coconut flour. If the mixture is too dry, add more maple syrup/honey.
- Using clean hands, scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Transfer to the baking sheet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted.
- Using a toothpick or fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat nearly the entire surface. Transfer to the baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Chill buckeyes in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Enjoy!
Notes
- How to store: Store buckeyes in a sealed container inside the refrigerator. Enjoy within one week. If saving longterm, store in the freezer and enjoy within 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 169
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
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