These healthier vegan protein Buckeyes are the perfect dessert/ snack/breakfast recipe. So good I can eat them all day?!?
A low carb, high protein version that is refined sugar free but still has all the peanut buttery- chocolaty goodness. And packed with protein and easy to make. With Keto and Paleo options you can’t be beat the flexibility and the taste.
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 anymore.
Ok back to the buckeyes… why do we call these peanut butter and chocolate fat bombs Buckeyes? Because they resemble the poisonous nuts of the Buckeye tree. Scariest mascot in college football. Watch out. We will poison you?
They are great for tailgating mornings when I stick 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!
How to Make Healthy Buckeye Candies
First off, we used 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!
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.
Pro Tip: Salt your peanut butter if isn’t already be sure to salt it so maximize the natural sweetness.
Roll the buckeye dough out to your preferred size. For snack size I go with a one and half inch, for a dessert size I prefer smaller than one inch. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
For the chocolate coating, stir everything together until smooth. Dip the balls to coat except for a small area at the top to make the “buckeye” look.
Pro tip: 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.
To make a Keto fat bomb, simply omit the maple syrup. They’re still great! See the recipe card for peanut butter free/ Paleo options!
Pin this now to enjoy through tailgate season and all year long. And go Bucks!
Vegan Protein Buckeyes
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, all-natural
- 1/2 cup peanut butter protein powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocao powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp 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 tbsp of non-dairy milk, if needed.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Scoop out dough and roll into a 1 to 1 1/2 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.
Notes
- For Paleo, substitute almond butter and vanilla protein powder
- Not AIP compliant
Vegan Buckeye candy recipe is low carb,keto and refined sugar free. Packed with protein, healthy and easy to make.
My name is Jen. I believe that food (and life) should be fun. Join me as I create healthy recipes that focus on healing your body through food. Who says healthy has to be boring? 
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