Protein Buckeye Balls
Easy to make, this Protein Buckeye Balls recipe is everything you love about the iconic no-bake desserts. Instead of peanut butter, these chocolate-covered morsels use a peanut butter protein powder along with cinnamon and either honey or maple syrup.
The buckeyes are gluten-free and can be made vegan and dairy-free. Customize the recipe as needed, and be sure not to eat too many yourself before sharing them with family and friends!
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Buckeyes Made Your Way!
Using one of my favorite protein powders, these gluten-free buckeye balls have that classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor you expect in buckeyes. A little cinnamon enhances the flavor, and you can use dairy-free milk and maple syrup to make sure they’re vegan.
A classic treat, chocolate-coated buckeye balls are something that few people can resist, and they make a great snack to keep in the fridge. They’re also great to bring to a potluck or add to a platter of sweets, standing out amongst an array of cookies, bars, and other desserts.
Ingredients
- Naked Nutrition Peanut Butter Protein Powder – This protein powder is gluten-free, vegan, and contains no soy. The peanut butter taste is great.
- Milk – Dairy, oat, soy, or almond milk will work in this recipe.
- Honey or maple syrup – If you want to keep the recipe vegan, go with maple syrup.
- Pure vanilla extract – Avoid imitation vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – There are many quality cinnamon options available. If you bake often, you might want to buy a larger jar. It will keep in the pantry for a few years.
- Chocolate – Either milk chocolate or dark chocolate works perfectly. You could even mix the two.
How to Make Protein Buckeyes
- Mix the dough: Combine the peanut butter powder, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Add the milk, honey or syrup, and vanilla, and mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Let the dough firm up in the fridge.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate until it’s smooth.
- Form the buckeye balls: Using a 2-inch scoop, portion out the balls and roll them in your hands. Dip them in the chocolate with a spoon, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the buckeyes for about 20 minutes, until the chocolate sets up. Enjoy!
Tips
- Chill longer if needed: The type of milk you choose will determine how much chilling time is needed. Before rolling the buckeyes, if the dough feels a little too soft, just stick it back in the fridge to chill a bit more.
- Melt chocolate slowly: Chocolate is easy to melt in the microwave; just do it in small bursts of 10-20 seconds, stirring it whenever you check it. You can also use a double boiler.
Storage
Keep these protein buckeye balls in an airtight container in the fridge.
Protein Buckeye Balls
Equipment
- 2-inch scoop
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups Naked Nutrition Peanut Butter Protein Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk (your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 ounces chocolate (melted)
Instructions
- Add the peanut butter powder, kosher salt, and cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add the milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and melt until smooth.
- Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion the peanut butter mixture into equal-sized balls.
- Roll each portion with your hands, then dip into the melted chocolate using a spoon. Place each chocolate-coated ball on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This makes a great meal prep snack.
- Use milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
- If the mixture feels too soft to roll, chill it a little longer before scooping. The amount of time needed depends on the type of milk you use.
