Protein Buckeye Balls
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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!
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.
