Healthy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate! Healthier ingredients and less sugar. Gluten-free and vegan.
Sometimes two ingredients are a perfect match. A mashup of flavors that many of us come back to again and again.
There are easy recipes like pb cups and pb bites, dream bars, and then there are these healthy peanut butter balls.
Also known as buckeye balls, the original candy is named after the nut from the buckeye tree. Traditional buckeye candies contain pb fudge wrapped in chocolate leaving an uncoated circle on top. As a result, the uncoated fudge creates the buckeye look.
Classic buckeye fillings are made with pb, confectioner's sugar, butter, and chocolate chips. This recipe has a healthier take.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Buckeyes are easy no-bake cookies, and this adaptation is a great way to fit in other diets.
- Real food ingredients!
- These come together quickly and easily and are a perfect size!
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a full list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Creamy natural peanut butter - The natural version has just peanuts and salt. It will change the flavor but any type of nut butter, like almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be substituted.
Almond flour - This helps bulk up the filling mixture in lieu of all-purpose flour, plus a great source of protein.
Arrowroot starch - Using a starch turns the fudge mixture into a creamy, almost powdery truffle filling instead of powdered sugar.
Pure maple syrup - A little bit of natural sweetener to balance the salty peanut flavor without too much added sugar.
Dairy-free chocolate chips - Transforms into the homemade chocolate coating. Semi-sweet or dark chips can be used.
Coconut oil - This helps turn the melted chips into a nice shell coating since it turns solid at room temp.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
Step 1: Whisk together almond flour, arrowroot, and salt in a large bowl. Add pb, maple syrup, and vanilla and stir the mixture until dough forms.
Step 2: Scoop dough with a tablespoon cookie scoop and roll dough into balls and place on cookie sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Melt chocolate with coconut oil and stir until smooth. Use forks to carefully dip the balls in the chocolate, leaving an "eye" of pb on top.
Step 4: Refrigerate balls until the coating sets.
Tips
- Using two forks helps you achieve a clean dip. The excess chocolate will easily drip off and then you can use the forks to carefully set the dipped balls on the baking sheet.
- Don't burn the chocolate - you should still see some of the forms of the chips and stirring will melt them completely.
- Make these no-bake balls ahead and store them in the freezer in an airtight container.
Variations
- For an elevated flavor garnish, top each buckeye candy with flaky sea salt (something I also recommend on my pb pie!).
- If you'd like a little crunch to your chocolate buckeyes, use crunchy nut butter instead of smooth and creamy options.
FAQs
The purpose of the coconut oil is to help the chocolate chips act more like a coating than melted chocolate. It's much like the classic technique of adding shortening. There's just enough to achieve the texture we want but it won't change the flavor. Using refined coconut oil ensures there is no coconut flavor.
I recommend storing buckeye candies in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to a week. It ensures the chocolate stays together. Then when it's time to assemble your cookie tray they will be the perfect temperature when guests gather around.
More dairy-free recipes
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes)
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup natural peanut butter well stirred
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Add almond flour, arrowroot starch, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk ingredients to combine.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to dry ingredients. Stir mixture until dough forms.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop dough and roll into balls. Place balls on cookie sheet in rows. Transfer to the freezer and freeze for 20 minutes.
- While peanut butter balls are chilling, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwavable bowl for 30 second intervals. Stir after each interval until almost all chips are melted. Then stir until completely melted.
- Remove peanut butter balls from freezer. Using two forks (or a toothpick) dip each ball in the melted chocolate, leaving a top circle uncovered so that the peanut butter is showing. Allow excess chocolate to drip off and transfer back to cookie sheet. Continue until all balls have been dipped.
- Place cookie sheet with buckeyes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Using two forks helps you achieve a clean dip. The excess chocolate will easily drip off and then you can use the forks to carefully set the dipped balls on the baking sheet.
Claudia Copping
These buckeyes are rich and very yummy!
Tessa
Glad you enjoyed them!
Sarah
You cannot go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter, especially this elevated version. Yum!!!
Tessa
Totally agree!
Brynne
Love this healthier spin on a classic!
Tessa
One of my favorites!