These Vegan Buckeyes are healthier take on the classic Ohio candy. A plant-based and refined sugar free treat, made without butter. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or an easy no-bake treat.
I've lived in Ohio (almost) my entire life therefore it's inevitable that I'd create a sweet little recipe for Vegan Buckeyes. If you're not familiar with these yummy treats, Buckeyes are peanut butter covered mostly in chocolate with a hole left open to expose the peanut butter. They look like a Buckeye nut!
Traditionally, Buckeyes are filled with butter and powdered sugar. But they are just as delicious with a few plant-based swaps!
These Vegan Buckeyes are so easy. They require no baking whatsoever and store well in the fridge or freezer. Perfect for making a large batch and pulling a couple out when you want a treat!
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What Are Buckeyes?
Buckeyes are a classic candy from Ohio. Traditionally, they're made by coating peanut butter balls in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed on top. The finished candy looks like the nut of the buckeye tree, which is where the treat gets its name.
My plant-based version keeps the classic appearance and delightful flavor, just using some healthier swaps!
Why You'll Love These Vegan Buckeyes
- No Butter Needed - these guys are super rich and creamy without butter
- Classic Ohio Treat - all the flavor of traditional buckeyes
- Naturally Sweetened - no refined sugar here! These buckeyes use agave and coconut sugar
- No-Bake Dessert - these little guys are so easy to prep in just a few minutes and keep stocked in the fridge or freezer
- Perfect for gifting - a fun addition to a cookie tray or holiday gift basket
Ingredient Notes
When I first started testing this recipe, I wanted to make sure I replicated the taste and texture of traditional Buckeyes as closely as possible. After some trial and error, I found the perfect combination of a few simple ingredients.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: use natural peanut butter - make sure the only ingredients are peanuts and salt.
- Peanut Powder: You can find this in the peanut butter section of the grocery store. Make sure the brand you choose has no added sugar!
- Agave: you can also use maple syrup. A previous version of this recipe used date syrup, which works well too! These days I choose agave because it's more common and accessible.
- Coconut Sugar: you can also use regular sugar if you prefer. A previous version of this recipe used date sugar. Again, I typically choose coconut sugar these days because it's more common and accessible.
- Vegan Chocolate: For a sweeter buckeye you can use semi-sweet or mix some agave into your melted chocolate. For a more rich version, choose an unsweetened chocolate. I used Enjoy Life's semi-sweet chocolate.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. In a medium sized bowl, mix the peanut butter, peanut powder, agave, and coconut sugar.
Step 2. Roll the peanut butter filling into scant tablespoon sized balls. I used a scantly filled #60 cookie scoop. Arrange on a small baking sheet or plate and place in freezer while you prepare the chocolate.
Step 3. Add to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on 50% power for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Repeat as necessary until the chocolate is melted.
Step 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a toothpick to pick up each peanut butter ball and dunk it in the chocolate. To make the traditional buckeye design, leave a small opening of peanut butter on one side. Use the back of a spoon to gently wipe excess chocolate off of the bottom of each ball, then place on the baking sheet.
Step 5. Place in the fridge or freezer for at least 15 minutes, until the chocolate is set. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Pro Tip: Vegan Buckeyes store well in the freezer and can be kept for several months. Or you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Pull one out whenever you're feeling like a treat!
Why Peanut Powder?
Peanut butter powder helps create a filling that's:
- easier to roll
- less greasy
- more peanut-forward
- sturdier at room temperature
- healthier than butter!
It's a win all around. And you get an extra little protein boost.
Tips for Dipping Perfect Buckeyes
- Chill the peanut butter balls before dipping
- Use melted chocolate that's smooth and fluid
- Use a toothpick to create the classic exposed peanut butter circle
- Use a spoon to wipe off excess chocolate from the bottom of each buckeye before placing it on the tray - this helps prevent chocolate pooling
Pro Tip: If frozen, let thaw a few minutes at room temp, to avoid a rock hard candy.
Elizabeth's Kitchen Notes
- An updated recipe: I updated this recipe from a previous version that used date syrup and date sugar. The recipe totally works with these ingredients, I just personally don't reach for them anymore and wanted to provide an update based on how I'd actually make the candy today. The previous version of the recipe is still included below.
- Traditional Buckeyes vs. My Vegan Version: classic buckeyes are often incredibly sweet, my version is a little more tame, with a good level of sweetness, but not loaded with powdered sugar. Because of the peanut powder, my version is also thicker than a traditional candy.
FAQ & Expert Tips
These vegan buckeyes are best when kept in the fridge. They can also be stored for several months in the freezer.
Yes! My favorite thing to do is freeze and have candy anytime.
That's what gives buckeyes their signature appearance resembling the buckeye nut.
Recipe Prayer
Jesus thank you for the state of Ohio and our yummy nut-themed treats. Help us celebrate the little things in life with these healthy Vegan Buckeyes.
More vegan candy recipes
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Buckeyes
Equipment
- Toothpick
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Natural Peanut Butter
- ½ Cup Unsweetened Peanut Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Agave can sub maple syrup or date syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Sugar can sub regular sugar or date sugar
- 4 Ounces Vegan Chocolate I used Enjoy Life semisweet - feel free to use your preferred darkness
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, mix the peanut butter, peanut powder, agave, and coconut sugar.
- Roll the peanut butter filling into scant tablespoon sized balls. I used a scantly filled #60 cookie scoop. Arrange on a small baking sheet or plate and place in freezer while you prepare the chocolate.
- Add to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on 50% power for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Repeat as necessary until the chocolate is melted.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a toothpick to pick up each peanut butter ball and dunk it in the chocolate. To make the traditional buckeye design, leave a small opening of peanut butter on one side. Use the back of a spoon to gently wipe excess chocolate off of the bottom of each ball, then place on the baking sheet.
- Place in the fridge or freezer for at least 15 minutes, until the chocolate is set. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
-
In a medium sized bowl, mix all the peanut butter filling ingredients until the mixture comes together. If it is too dry add a little date syrup to help it stick.
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Roll the peanut butter filling into ½ tablespoon sized balls. Place in freezer while you prepare the chocolate.
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Break up the chocolate into chunks and add to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 1 ½ minutes. Remove and stir for at least a minute -- this is what helps melt all the chocolate. If the chocolate isn't completely melted after extensive stirring, place in the microwave again at 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir again for at least a minute, repeating until the chocolate is completely melted.
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Stir the date syrup into the melted chocolate.
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Use a toothpick to pick up each peanut butter ball and coat it in chocolate. To make the traditional buckeye design, leave a small opening of peanut butter on one side.
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Freeze for at least an hour. When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let thaw for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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