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.

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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.
⏲️How to Make High Protein Buckeyes
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
📖 Recipe Card
Protein Buckeyes (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, all-natural and no sugar added
- ½ cup peanut butter protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 2 Tablespoons 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.1 cup peanut butter,, ½ cup peanut butter protein powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 cocoa 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.⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup coconut oil, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 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
- Store in a airtight container with wax paper between the layers.
- Store in refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.
- Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Soniya says
This sounds awesome treat! Can't wait to make it adding ingredients to my grocery list
Anita says
They are so cute, so easy to prepare, and what a healthy and lovely treats for my family.
Biana says
These look so good, and I love that they free of refined sugar! Chocolate and peanut butter is always the winning combination.
Luci says
These buckeyes are so tasty and easy to make! I love the flavor and can't stop eating them!
Tawnie Kroll says
These were so good and easy to make - the perfect treat!
Jen says
Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed!