Healthy Sugar-free Peanut Butter Buckeyes

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.

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 extracts.
• Sugar-free Chocolate Chips  – You can use regular chocolate chips if you’re not watching your carbs. To save money, see my recipe for Homemade Chocolate Chips. They’ll work great for this recipe. I like using dark chocolate for a more rich and not-so-sweet treat.
• 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 warm spots.

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.

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!
• Sugar-free Peanut Butter Cups – a healthified version of Reese’s cups.

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