Healthy Buckeyes Recipe
Indulge in a healthier take on the classic Buckeye candy, featuring a rich, creamy peanut butter center partially enrobed in decadent dark chocolate. These no-bake delights are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few wholesome ingredients for a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt. Perfect for a quick snack or a delightful dessert, they offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and rich cocoa.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
1 hour (includes chilling time)
Servings
Makes approximately 24-30 pieces
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A healthier twist on a beloved classic, satisfying cravings without excess sugar.
- Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.
- No-bake and incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
- Packed with protein from natural peanut butter and healthy fats from almond flour.
- Offers a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate.
Ingredients
- 140 grams (1 1/3 cups) almond flour, finely ground
- 250 grams (1 cup) natural creamy peanut butter, unsweetened and unsalted (stirred well)
- 1.25 milliliters (1/4 teaspoon) fine sea salt, only if using unsalted peanut butter
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) pure maple syrup
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 170 grams (1 cup) dark chocolate chips (70% or higher cacao recommended)
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) virgin coconut oil
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, natural creamy peanut butter, salt (if using), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should be firm enough to roll without being overly sticky.
- Scoop out small portions of the peanut butter mixture, approximately 15-20 grams (about 1 tablespoon) each. Roll these portions between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls, roughly 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter. Arrange the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm them up; this will help them maintain their shape when dipped in chocolate.
- While the peanut butter balls are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize or burn.
- Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or a toothpick inserted into the top of a ball (avoiding full penetration), carefully lower each ball into the melted chocolate. Dip until approximately two-thirds of the ball is covered in chocolate, leaving a small exposed portion at the top to resemble the eye of a Buckeye nut. Gently lift the ball out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the dipped ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat the dipping process for all remaining peanut butter balls, ensuring each one is partially coated in chocolate. Once all balls are dipped and returned to the baking sheet, place the entire tray back into the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time allows the chocolate to set completely, creating a firm, satisfying shell.
- Once the chocolate has fully set, the Healthy Buckeyes are ready to enjoy. Serve them chilled for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftover Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl (medium)
- Spatula or sturdy spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Fork or toothpicks for dipping
Essential Success Tips
- Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter that is well-stirred. The oil often separates, so mix it thoroughly before measuring to ensure proper consistency for your dough.
- Chill the peanut butter balls adequately before dipping. This step is crucial for maintaining their shape and preventing them from melting or crumbling when they hit the warm chocolate.
- Do not overheat the chocolate. Microwave in short bursts and stir frequently. Overheated chocolate can seize, become grainy, or lose its smooth consistency, making it difficult to dip.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off each ball before placing it on the parchment paper. This creates a cleaner finish and prevents puddles of chocolate around the base.
- Store the finished Buckeyes in the refrigerator. This keeps them firm and fresh, enhancing their texture and extending their shelf life.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra smooth and glossy chocolate coating, add a tiny pinch of cocoa butter or another 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of coconut oil to the melted chocolate. This also helps in creating a thinner shell.
- To achieve perfectly uniform balls, use a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon size) before rolling. This ensures consistent portioning and even cooking.
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a unique flavor profile, or add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the peanut butter mixture for added depth.
Notes
- Store these Healthy Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If frozen, allow them to thaw slightly at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- For a vegan version, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Most dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher) are naturally vegan, but always check the ingredient label.
- You can customize the sweetness level by slightly adjusting the amount of maple syrup. Start with the recommended amount and add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter?
While you technically can, natural peanut butter (made only from peanuts and salt) is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Regular peanut butter often contains added sugars and oils which can alter the consistency of the dough, making it too soft or too firm.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
To prevent chocolate from seizing, ensure no water gets into your chocolate, even a single drop. Also, melt it slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. If it does seize, sometimes adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or a neutral oil can help revive it, though it may not be as smooth.
Are these Buckeyes suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses almond flour and all other ingredients are typically gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of your specific ingredients, especially chocolate chips, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 150-180 per piece, Protein: 5g, Fat: 12-15g, Carbs: 8-10g (estimates based on typical ingredient values and serving size).
Allergy Information
Contains peanuts and tree nuts (almond flour). For a peanut-free version, substitute with a different nut butter (like cashew butter) or a seed butter (like sunflower seed butter). Contains no dairy if dairy-free chocolate chips are used.
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