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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Desserts

    Published: Aug 9, 2018 · Modified: Jan 3, 2021 by Jen Wooster

    Gluten-Free Protein Buckeyes

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    keto buckeye recipe for pinterest

    A high protein version of the classic Buckeye candy that is refined sugar-free but still has all the peanut buttery- chocolaty goodness. These low-carb buckeyes are packed with protein and easy to make. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan making them the perfect snack for sharing.

    buckeye candies stacked

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    These healthier vegan protein Buckeyes are the perfect dessert/ snack/breakfast recipe. So good I can eat them all day and not feel guilty.

    And in my opinion, any buckeye candy recipe made without powdered sugar just tastes better.  Our commitment to healthy eating has paid off, I don’t like too sweet sweets as much anymore. This is why these Buckeyes are so perfect.

    Jump to:
    • What is a Buckeye?
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Tips and Tricks
    • 💭Variations
    • 🥗More High Protein Gluten-Free Snacks
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    What is a Buckeye?

    A Buckeye is a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate with just the dome of peanut butter exposed.

    Why do we call these peanut butter and chocolate fat pods Buckeyes?  Because they resemble the poisonous nuts of the Buckeye tree. Scariest mascot in all of college football. Watch out. We will poison you?

    They are great for tailgating mornings when with my green smoothie but need a keep hit of protein to get me through until the grill is ready to go! See told you these were a breakfast recipe!

    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!

    🧾 Ingredients

    • Peanut Butter- Us an all-natural peanut butter with no sugar added.
    • Peanut Butter Protein Powder- I typically use a peanut butter chocolate plant-based protein from Amazing Grass.  I often get the single-serve packets to experiment with the different flavors.  But I find a good tasting peanut butter protein is hard to find. This one totally fits the bill! Bonus, the single-serve packets are the exact right amount for this recipe. Love it! You can also use PB2. The purpose of the protein powder to act as the dry ingredient in place of the powdered sugar.
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Cocao Powder
    • 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- For keto fat pops, use swerve or skip altogether. If you are just looking to make a healthier vegan buckeye but not necessarily keto you can use maple syrup.
    keto buckeye ingredients

    🔪 Instructions

    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.

    how to make keto buckeyes in three steps

    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.

    💭 Tips and Tricks

    • Pro Tip: 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.

    💭Variations

    Paleo Buckeyes

    Substitute almond butter fr the peanut butter and use a plant-based vegan vanilla protein powder for the peanut butter protein.

    Smoky Buckeyes

    Substitute the peanut butter with our homemade smoked cashew butter.

    Sweet and Spicy Buckeyes

    Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne.

    🥗More High Protein Gluten-Free Snacks

    • Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
    • Shawarma Chicken Wings
    • Roasted Garlic Cashew Cream Cheese
    • Chili Lime Beef Jerky

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    keo buckeyes on parchment

    Gluten-Free Protein Buckeyes

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    Vegan Buckeye candy recipe is low carb, keto, and refined sugar-free. Packed with protein, healthy, and easy to make.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Chilling Time 20 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 189 kcal

    Equipment

    • Sheet pan
    • Bamboo skewers

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup peanut butter, all-natural
    • ½ cup peanut butter protein powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅓ cup cocao powder
    • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
    • 2 tablespoon swerve or maple syrup optional

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the peanut butter, protein powder and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until fully incorporated and a cookie dough consistency is formed. The batter can be thinned by adding 1 tablespoon of non-dairy milk, if needed.
    • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Scoop out dough and roll into a 1 to 1 ½ inch ball, depending on your desired sized. Freeze for 15 minutes.
    • To make the chocolate coating, combine cocao powder, coconut oil and maple syrup (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until no lumps remain. The coating should be thick but not stiff, allow to cool if too thin.
    • Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Using a skewer or fork pick up a ball and dip into the chocolate leaving a a small round or peanut butter visible at the top. Place back on parchment. Repeat with remaining balls. Place in refrigerator until chocolate sets.
    • To cover the the hole left by the skewer you can dip your finger in warm water and pinch it closed. Buckeyes should be kept in the refrigerator.

    Video

    Notes

    • For Paleo, substitute almond butter and vanilla protein powder
    • Not AIP compliant

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcal | Carbs: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g
    Keyword Candy, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Keto, Low Carb, Paleo Option, Sugar Free
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Soniya says

      May 31, 2020 at 10:01 pm

      This sounds awesome treat! Can't wait to make it adding ingredients to my grocery list

      Reply
    2. Anita says

      May 31, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      They are so cute, so easy to prepare, and what a healthy and lovely treats for my family.

      Reply
    3. Biana says

      May 31, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      These look so good, and I love that they free of refined sugar! Chocolate and peanut butter is always the winning combination.

      Reply
    4. Luci says

      May 31, 2020 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      These buckeyes are so tasty and easy to make! I love the flavor and can't stop eating them!

      Reply
    5. Tawnie Kroll says

      May 31, 2020 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      These were so good and easy to make - the perfect treat!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        May 31, 2020 at 12:09 pm

        Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply

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    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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