A classic recipe turned healthy these protein buckeyes are a dessert you’ll want to sink your teeth into! Thick bites of peanut butter wrapped in a hardened chocolate shell, this buckeye recipe is going to be a staple in your house.
Peanut butter buckeyes are a traditional recipe that no one can refuse. Though the classic recipe is delicious I just decided to make them a bit healthier and packed with protein so that I could indulge in them more often (kind of like my chocolate protein peanut butter cups).
This is the whole premise behind my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide- dessert-like snacks with 17 grams of protein or more. These protein buckeyes can be used as an easy, high-protein snack or more like a dessert to curb your sweet tooth. In fact, they’re one of my favorite bedtime snacks when I just need SOMETHING.
💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: You only need 6 ingredients for the protein buckeyes to come together.
Healthy: The buckeyes are dairy-free, gluten-free, and have XX protein in them.
Versatile: Like the classic recipe there’s lots of ways to adapt and adjust this one to suit your needs.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
- Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed.
- Any nut butter will work if you want to switch it up, but the buckeyes work best with a fresh, natural one. You need the oils or the mixture becomes to thick. I use homemade peanut butter more often than not.
- The protein powder you use will make a difference to the taste and texture of the balls.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
There are a few ways to make peanut butter buckeyes unique. Below are a few of our favorites.
Spinkles: Make them festive by topping the chocolate with colorful sprinkles before placing them in the freezer.
Crunch: Use a chunky peanut butter as the base or toss on some chopped peanuts to top after you dip them.
Caramel: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over top for maximum indulgence.
Expert Tips
Vegan protein powder was used for this buckeye recipe, and it tends to absorb liquid like crazy. So first off, you need to not hate the taste of your protein powder, as it will come through. Second, you may need to adjust the liquids in the peanut butter part to get the perfect texture. You want it slightly dry but still a bit sticky.
You can use whey protein or collagen powder, but you’ll probably need a bit more, as it doesn’t absorb as much. Learn more about how to choose protein powder.
Rolling your hands in oil before portioning the balls is what holds them together, so don’t skip it.
You want the peanut butter buckeyes to be frozen solid before you dip the,m or they fall off the toothpick and don’t hold tight well.
Take care to heat the chocolate chips over low heat and remove them when they’re mostly melted. If you burn the chocolate, it won’t be drippy enough to dip the balls.
How To Make Protein Buckeyes
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter ball ingredients.
Step 2: Mix until combined.
Step 3: Grease your hands and roll the batter into balls. Freeze.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate and coconut oil on low heat. Mix until smooth, then use a toothpick to dip the balls in the chocolate.
Step 5: Return the buckeyes to the freezer to set. toothpick to dip the balls in the chocolate.
How To Store Them
Protein buckeyes can be stored in the fridge in a single layer, covered dish for 3-5 days. Or, you can freeze the buckeyes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you need them.
If chilled, let them come to room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying them.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
FAQs
You can dip the protein buckeyes by scooping them up with a fork, placing them in the melted chocolate, and moving them around. Or, pierce the buckeyes with a cake pop stick and dip them into the chocolate that way.
Natural peanut butter is the best to use for buckeyes, and you need a fresh jar. This helps it mix in with the other ingredients easily so that everything combines.
More Chocolate Peanut Butter Snacks
If you tried this Dairy-Free Protein Buckeyes Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes
Video
Ingredients
For the peanut butter balls
- ½ cup Peanut butter natural
- ¼ cup Vegan protein powder vanilla
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
For the chocolate
- ⅓ cup Dairy-free chocolate chips
- ¾ teaspoons Coconut oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter ball ingredients.
- Mix until everything is sticky, it may look a bit dry.
- Line a cutting board with parchment paper and grease your hands with coconut oil.
- With your hands, roll the batter into balls roughly 1-1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the parchment paper. Re-grease your hands a sneeded.
- Place in the freezer for 45-60 minutes.
- When ready, heat the coconut oil and chocolate chips in a small pot over low heat. Stir until melted and combined. Remove from heat.
- Remove the buckeyes from the freezer. Place a toothpick into the top of one peanut butter ball and then dip it into the chocolate coating it ¾ of the way.
- Place the ball back on the cutting board and repeat until done.
- Place the peanut butter buckeyes back in the freezer to set for another 45 minutes.
- Let them thaw to enjoy them.
- Makes 8 balls.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby Stover says
I make these for my kids at least every other week because they love them so much!