A high protein version of the classic Buckeye candy that is refined sugar-free but still has all the peanut butter and chocolate combo you crave.They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan making them the perfect snack for sharing.

Stack of three chocolate-covered protein buckeyes in paper cups, with more on a tray in the background.

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A Buckeye is a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate with just the dome of peanut butter exposed.They get their name because they resemble the nuts (not edible!) of the Buckeye tree.

📖Why My Recipe Works

Texture- The purpose of the protein powder to act as the dry ingredient in place of the powdered sugar.
Tasty- Traditional buckeyes are too sweet. And protein balls tend to be off tasting. But this chocolate and peanut butter snack is perfect!

Fun fact: The Ohio State University (aka the Buckeyes) was started on the old Neil family farm, 2 miles north of Columbus. Our house sits on the “farm” as well. Our initial structure was built about 20 years before the university was founded!

🧾Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter- Us an all-natural peanut butter with no sugar added. You can also try cashew butter.
Peanut Butter Protein Powder- Use your favorite peanut butter flavor protein powder or plain peanut butter powder like PB2.
Cocoa Powder- Easier to use than chocolate chips when combined with the oil.
Coconut Oil- I don't recommend substituting other oils as the coconut oil hardens at room temperature making them for the perfect chocolate coating.
Sweetener- Optional.

Ingredients and tools for making protein buckeyes on a tray.

⏲️How to Make High Protein Buckeyes

Six buckeyes protein balls rest on a parchment-lined baking tray, joined by an empty mixing bowl with remnants.

Combine the protein powder and peanut butter until you get a cookie dough consistency. If it is too thick you can thin it with nondairy milk. The peanut butter filling needs to be thick enough to roll out by hand. But thin enough that when it is chilled it isn’t too hard to bite into.
Roll the buckeye dough out to your preferred size. For snack size, I go with a one and a half inch, for a dessert size I prefer smaller than one inch. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Dipping the peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate.

For the chocolate coating, melt the coconut oil and stir everything together until smooth. Dip the balls to coat except for a small area at the top to make the “buckeye” look.

Three protein balls rest on parchment paper, partially coated in rich chocolate, with a bowl in the background.

Let them set at room temperature to set the chocolate coating.

🥗More High Protein Snacks

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

Salt your peanut butter if isn’t already be sure to salt it so maximize the natural sweetness.
The chocolate coating shouldn't be to be warmer than room temperature. You want to set thickly on the ball for a nice firm coating.
Make it spicy by adding a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more? Get more flavorful recipes!

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