Healthy Sugar-free Buckeyes (Peanut-free Option)

Jump to Recipe Save

If you're a chocolate and peanut butter lover (and who isn't?), but you're trying to be healthy and/or are watching your carbs, you're going to love this Sugar-free Buckeyes Recipe.

This healthy remake of the traditional holiday candy combines almond flour and powdered sweetener for a creamy peanut butter center that's smooth and holds together well. Plus they're keto-friendly and perfect for low-carb diets.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Having a delicious treat like Buckeyes in sugar-free form is already fantastic, but I've taken it a few steps further to make this recipe even better than that. As always, I'm sharing a lot of substitutions so you can make it with any sweetener you like, and also make them adaptable for many kinds of special diets.

In addition, if you're short on time, there's a simple drizzled buckeye option plus some money savings tips as well.

What Are Buckeyes?

Buckeyes are a classic no-bake treat named after the nut of the Ohio Buckeye tree. The candy resembles the nut because it’s a small, round ball of peanut butter coated in chocolate, with a portion of the peanut butter left uncovered to mimic the nut's distinctive two-toned appearance.

Buckeye treats originated in Ohio and are especially popular during holidays and football season in Ohio because the Ohio State Buckeyes have adopted the nut as their mascot.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Following is a brief list of the ingredients needed for this recipe. For the amounts needed, please see the Recipe Card.

Peanut Butter – If you're allergic to peanuts or concerned about candida, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter. You'll likely want to add some more sweetener because peanuts have some natural sweetness that almonds and sunflower seeds don't have.
Almond Flour – If you're allergic to almonds, try coconut flour. I haven't tried this but it should work, but you won't need as much. If you add too much, the candy will be crumbly, dry, and will taste too much like coconut.
Powdered Sweetener – You can really use any sweetener you like, including a liquid one. You'll want to play around with the almond flour, adding a bit more if need be. To save money, or just because you love DIYs, you can make Homemade Powdered Sweetener easily.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the buckeyes. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, or substitute with one of these vanilla extract substitutes. You can even make your own Alcohol-free Vanilla extract.
Sugar-free Chocolate Chips – You can use regular chocolate chips if you're not watching your carbs. I like using these Homemade Chocolate Chips. They taste great and cost less than store-bought and rich especially using my favorite cocoa, Rodelle's.
Coconut Oil – I haven't tried it, but you could likely use butter or palm shortening instead.
Salt – In my opinion, salt is always needed in sweet recipes. Salt brings out the sweet taste. You can avoid this if the peanut butter is salted, or you can use it if you like a little more saltiness for these peanut butter balls.

Instructions

Following are basic step-by-step instructions. For the full list of directions, scroll down to the recipe card.

Mix peanut butter, almond flour, sweetener, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Form into a ball.

Put parchment on a surface. Form the mixture into small balls. Chill.
Melt chocolate and coconut oil.

Dip the balls covering 2/3 in chocolate. Chill or let sit.

How to Store Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Here's how to keep your peanut butter buckeyes fresh:

Refrigerator: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature helps maintain their shape and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the buckeyes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, or eat them frozen. So yummy when cold!
Avoid Warm Temperatures: Since the chocolate coating can melt, keep the buckeyes out of direct sunlight and other warm spots.

homemade sugar-free buckeyes on cooling rack.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize these buckeyes to fit your preferences or dietary needs with these variations:

Milk Chocolate Buckeye Option: I personally like dark chocolate better than milk chocolate, but these Lily's Milk Chocolate Chips are a great choice if you prefer milk chocolate.
For Sweeter Buckeyes: Add an extra teaspoon of powdered sweetener for a sweeter taste.
Crunchy Add-Ins: Mix in crushed nuts or sugar-free chocolate mini chips for added crunch.
Peanut Butter Alternatives: As mentioned, you can easily swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Those two are the best alternatives, but you could substitute with cashew butter or even pumpkin seed butter or a combination. You'll likely need to increase the sweetener, however, because peanut butter has a bit of natural sweetness.
Drizzle Option: Instead of dipping, drizzle melted chocolate over the peanut butter balls for a time-saving minimalist look.
White Chocolate Variation: While they won't be traditional buckeyes, you could definitely coat your peanut butter balls in white chocolate for a delicious and fun treat.

Serving Suggestions

These Sugar-Free Buckeyes are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a delicious snack alongside your favorite coffee or tea, or bring them to a party for a keto-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.

They also make great homemade gifts for Christmas or any occasion—just package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade present.

For a more elaborate dessert spread, add these buckeyes to a dessert board with fresh berries, nuts, and other keto-friendly treats. Enjoy them straight from the freezer for a refreshing, bite-sized dessert.

homemade sugar-free buckeyes on a white plate.

More Sugar-free Candy Recipes

Sugar-free Snickers – so delicious and they're peanut free!
Healthy Sugar-free Twix Bars – your favorite candy bar made healthier.
Sugar-free Keto Mounds Bars – a chocolate and coconut-lover's delight!
Keto Almond Butter Cups – a healthified version of Reese's cups.

FAQs

Is Peanut Butter Low Carb?

Yes, peanut butter can be low-carb if you choose a natural or sugar-free option with no added sweeteners. A typical serving of natural peanut butter has about 4-5 grams of net carbs. However, always check the label for hidden sugars.

Can You Eat Peanut Butter on a Candida Diet?

Peanut butter is often avoided on a candida diet because peanuts are susceptible to mold, particularly aflatoxins, which can exacerbate candida overgrowth. However, Valencia peanuts are a better option since they’re grown in a drier climate and are less likely to have mold. Some people with candida can eat Valencia peanuts and peanut butter for an occasional treat, but for others, opting for almond butter or sunflower seed butter is a better choice.

Are These Buckeyes Dairy-Free?

The chocolate chips I've used are dairy-free so this recipe is already dairy-free. The chips that you choose will determine if these buckeyes are dairy-free or not.

Are These Keto Buckeyes?

Yes, this recipe is a keto buckeye recipe.
Then answer briefly:
yes, low-carb
net carbs mention (if applicable)
sweetener explanation

healthy peanut butter buckeyes on a plate.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (or alternative nut or seed butter)
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup powdered low-carb sweetener (like Swerve or allulose; or to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (such as Lily's or homemade)
1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

In a bowl mix together peanut butter, almond flour, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until ingredients are combined.
Taste and add more sweetener and/or salt if desired. If the mixture is too crumbly, add some water, about half a teaspoon at a time.
Prepare parchment paper on cutting board or baking sheet. Form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Arrange them on the baking paper and then place in fridge for about 1 hour to chill.
Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or over very low heat in a small saucepan.
Once melted, use fork or wooden skewers to lower the balls into chocolate, covering 2/3 of the ball in chocolate.
Let sit on the parchment paper for 5 minutes to set. Then refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or freeze for 15–20 minutes, until firm.

Notes

Texture Tip: If your buckeye mixture is too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before rolling. If too crumbly, add a tiny bit of water or more peanut butter.
Sweetener Options: Powdered sweeteners work best for a smooth, creamy center. Granular sweeteners can make the filling slightly gritty.
Chocolate Coating: For smoother dipping, keep the chocolate warm and stir frequently. Adding coconut oil helps create a thinner, more even coating.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a peanut-free version. You may need a bit more sweetener since it’s less naturally sweet.
Storage: Store in the fridge for best texture, or freeze for a firmer, fudgier bite.

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Optional ingredients are not included. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol) from total carbohydrates. This information should not be relied upon for medical or nutritional purposes.