This Easy Low Carb Keto Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe is a delightful and keto-friendly variation of the classic buckeye treat. Buckeyes are typically peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, resembling the nut of the buckeye tree.
This low-carb version offers a satisfying combination of rich peanut butter and dark chocolate without compromising on the principles of a low-carb or keto diet.
Why I Love This Easy Recipe
• The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic and delicious combo and so satisfying.
• If you're on a low carb diet or keto diet, this recipe is for you! This is a sweet treat that you can actually have and it's 9 g net carbs and 2 grams of protein per serving!
• This easy low carb keto peanut butter buckeyes recipe is indeed very easy to make! And great if you're looking for keto desserts.
• Buckeyes remind me of my childhood during the holidays. My Aunt Emily made them every Christmas and they were my favorite!
• It's simple to convert this recipe to contain sugar, if you prefer.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with these low carb buckeyes. It's one of my favorite keto recipes.
• Tastes like peanut butter cups. Perfect recipe for peanut butter lovers who want to satisfy their peanut butter cravings!
What You Need
Ingredient Notes
Natural Peanut Butter (unsweetened): Choose your favorite brand. I prefer to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Feel free to use regular peanut butter, if desired. I understand having a favorite peanut butter that you don't want to stray from.
Powdered Peanut Butter - Such as PB Fit. Also called pb powder or peanut powder. Great source of protein too.
Sugar Free Sweetener: Such as granulated Swerve, Stevia or Splenda (I personally like Splenda the best). You can use your sweetener of choice.
Vanilla Extract: It can be pricey but for best results, use pure vanilla extract.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Used for coating the peanut butter balls in a rich chocolate layer. Lily's is my favorite brand.
Coconut Oil: Combined with chocolate for a smooth and glossy coating.
How to Make this Easy Low Carb Keto Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe
In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, peanut flour, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls, placing them on a parchment paper lined tray. You can use a tablespoon to measure for consistency. Insert toothpicks into each peanut butter ball, creating a handle for dipping. Place the tray in the freezer and let the peanut butter balls chill for at least 30 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them using a double boiler on the stovetop. Take the peanut butter dough balls out of the freezer. Holding onto the toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top uncovered to resemble a buckeye nut.
Place the dipped buckeyes back on the parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Once set, remove the toothpicks and store the buckeyes in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of peanut butter for these low carb peanut butter balls? It's recommended to use natural peanut butter without added sugars. Look for a peanut butter with no added oils or sweeteners for a cleaner and keto-friendly option.
Is it necessary to use a low-carb sweetener? Yes, to keep the recipe low-carb and keto-friendly, it's essential to use a sweetener with low or zero carbs. Popular choices include erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweeteners.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating? While the recipe suggests sugar-free dark chocolate chips, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content. Be mindful of the sugar content to keep it keto-friendly.
Can I make these buckeyes ahead of time? Yes, these buckeyes can be made ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, and they should stay fresh for several days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I use a different nut butter? While the recipe calls for peanut butter, you can experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a variation in flavor.
How do I store leftover buckeyes? Store the buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They can also be frozen for longer storage, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Quick Tips
Chill the Mixture: Place the shaped peanut butter balls in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before dipping in chocolate. This helps them hold their shape during coating.
Toothpick Handling: Insert toothpicks into the peanut butter balls before dipping. This makes the dipping process easier and creates a handle for a neater finish.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: When melting chocolate, use low heat and stir continuously to prevent seizing. Adding coconut oil to the chocolate helps create a smooth coating.
Freeze After Dipping: Once dipped in chocolate, return the buckeyes to the freezer to set the chocolate coating quickly.
Remove Toothpicks Carefully: After the chocolate coating is set, gently remove the toothpicks. If there's a hole left, smooth it out with a small spatula or your fingers.
Store in the Refrigerator: Keep the finished buckeyes in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Experiment with Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for coating, such as unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate with varying cocoa percentages.
Make Ahead: These buckeyes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. They are also freezable for longer storage.
Protein Boost: You can turn these into protein balls, if you wish. Feel free to add some whey protein powder or vanilla protein powder to the recipe, if desired. You might need to add a little water if the peanut butter ball mixture is too dry.
Related Recipes
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Easy Low Carb Keto Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or ½ of a stick)
- ¾ cup peanut butter powder I used PBFit
- ½ cup your preferred low-carb sweetener I used Splenda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips or unsweetened chocolate
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, peanut flour, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray. You can use a tablespoon to measure for consistency. Insert toothpicks into each peanut butter ball, creating a handle for dipping. Place the tray in the freezer and let the peanut butter balls chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them using a double boiler on the stovetop. Take the peanut butter balls out of the freezer. Holding onto the toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top uncovered to resemble a buckeye nut.
- Place the dipped buckeyes back on the parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Once set, remove the toothpicks and store the buckeyes in the refrigerator.
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