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Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes {Vegan, Gluten Free}

by Lindsay Cotter · 04/14/2017

GFDairy FreeVegan
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★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

A Buckeyes Recipe Packed with Protein! These Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes are super easy to make and coated in dairy free dark chocolate.  Gluten free with a Paleo and Lower Sugar option. A classic Buckeyes Recipe with a healthy boost! No baking required so make as many as you can, mmm k?

Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes

I’m going to be completely honest with you. I yet to make a real Buckeye Recipe … Buckeye Ball err… bite… candy?  And I mean, that’s kinda shameful since I make a TON OF NO BAKE BITES (aka Healthy Bites)! But you wanna know what’s worse? Even with all the Healthy Bites and Balls I make, I managed to totally butcher these bites by trying to make them look like legit buckeyes. Man, people who make buckeyes got SKILLZ! How do they make the chocolate coating go on so evenly? So I apologize for my imperfections shining, but hey, that’s what good Friday’s are for, right? Honesty and forgiveness? YES!

A Buckeyes Recipe Packed with Protein! These Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes are super easy to make and coated in dairy free dark chocolate. Gluten free with a Paleo option. A classic Buckeyes Recipe with a healthy boost! No baking required so make as many as you can.

Speaking of GOOD FRIDAY…. segue time.

This Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes Recipe is brought to you by my GOOD friend Arman. But you all may know him as THE BIG MAN’S WORLD! And ya’ll, I am so thankful to know this dude! He’s super talented, supportive, and just plain awesome! I’m pretty sure our blogging friendship began when we chatted about vegemite, hokey pokey, afghan cookies, and all things FOOD from that my Kiwi Husband adores from New Zealand. Being that Arman is from Australia, he could relate and joke. Love it! Okay total tangent there, you get the gist. I have super talented awesome blogging buddies & friends. Friends that make amazing healthy food and put it in an EPIC cookbook!!

Da da da da da... I present to you Arman’s  CLEAN SWEETS Cookbook! 

His Clean Sweet Cookbook is 100% gluten free and packed with dietary friendly sweet treats! Single serving recipes too. He also includes a Paleo, Vegan and Sugar-Free option for the majority of his recipes. That Arman, he’s so clever.

There are 50 NEW recipes in his Clean Sweets Cookbook. Um, that’s 50 different HEALTHY recipes! Including breakfasts, cakes, crumbles, mug cakes, cookies, muffins, no bake recipes, frozen desserts/treats, and small batch snacks like PROTEIN BUCKEYES yo!).

A Buckeyes Recipe Packed with Protein! These Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes are super easy to make and coated in dairy free dark chocolate. Gluten free with a Paleo option. A classic Buckeyes Recipe with a healthy boost! No baking required so make as many as you can, mmm k?

I honestly had the hardest time trying to decide what to make first. The Buckeyes recipe stood out to me because it’s a no bake recipe! You know me and no bake snack bites. LOVE THEM! But also, as mentioned above, I had never tried making Buckeyes. That had to change! Arman mentions in his this recipe that he had never tried a buckeye before either. That was until he spent time living in Ohio, obviously!

This version of Buckeyes recipe is protein packed, gluten free, vegan, and even has a paleo option. Yes, dietary friendly to boot! Not to mention HOLY MOLY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER YUM!  I actually used a coconut peanut butter in this recipe, which made it even more to my liking. Can’t go wrong with that combo, right?

So here we go, let’s get the “ball” rolling on this buckeyes recipe. Haha!

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Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes Recipe


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 small buckeyes 1x
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Description

A Buckeyes Recipe with Protein! These Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes are a no bake treat. Dairy free, vegan, gluten free and a Paleo option.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (almond butter if paleo)
  • 1 scoop protein powder (32 grams) can substitute with 2 tablespoons of powered peanut butter or peanut flour. (See notes for paleo protein choices)
  • Almond or coconut milk of choice, as needed
  • 1/4 c cup chocolate chips of choice (dairy-free/sugar-free, if necessary). We use Enjoy Life Vegan Dark Chocolate. Unsweetened chocolate for lower sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with the protein powder and mix very well. The mixture should be incredibly crumbly. Using a tablespoon at a time, add your milk of choice until a very thick batter remains. Form the batter into small balls and immediately place them in the freezer to firm up.
  2. In a small microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt your chocolate chips together with the coconut oil. Allow the mixture to sit for 2 to 3 minutes to cool slightly. Remove the balls from the freezer and, using a spoon, dip half of each ball in the chocolate mixture until each buckeye has a half-moon chocolate coating. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the chocolate has hardened.

Notes

  • You will most likely not need to use the full amount of the chocolate coating. If desired, feel free to coat each ball entirely in it.
  • (Paleo option) Swap out the peanut butter for smooth almond butter or cashew butter.
  • NUTRITION is based on type of protein powder and chocolate used. Approx. 100- 118 calories per bite.
  • You can easily double ingredients to make 14-15 small buckeyes.
  • For Paleo friendly protein powder, check out [Primal Fuel by Primal Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: no bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite
  • Calories: 103
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 86.4mg
  • Fat: 6.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.6g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.8g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Protein: 5.7g
  • Cholesterol: 2.5mg

Keywords: peanut butter desserts, peanut butter buckeyes with protein, no bake protein bites, no bake desserts, vegan desserts, gluten free desserts

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

 

A Buckeyes Recipe Packed with Protein! These Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes are super easy to make and coated in dairy free dark chocolate. Gluten free with a Paleo option. A classic Buckeyes Recipe with a healthy boost! No baking required so make as many as you can, mmm k?

These Buckeye Balls make a great dessert option for Easter weekend ya’ll! Easy to make paleo and a whole lot healthier that those Chocolate Peanut Butter eggs. But I won’t judge you if you eat those too. Just sayin..

Oh and P.S I kinda sorta think this Clean Sweets cookbook would make a great Easter present, yes? So “hop” on over and check it out! Gosh I really need to stop with the puns.

P.P.S Somebody tell me how to roll the buckeyes perfectly in chocolate coating. Obviously I need help. LOL!

Cheers and have a great Easter weekend!

Have you ever made Buckeyes?

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Buckeyes Recipe Packed with Protein! These Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Buckeyes are super easy to make and coated in dairy free dark chocolate.  Gluten free with a Paleo and Lower Sugar option. A classic Buckeyes Recipe with a healthy boost! No baking required www.cottercrunch.com

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Categories: Dairy Free, Desserts, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Snacks and Appetizers, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: kid friendly, no bake, peanut butter, protein bites, protein powder

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Parsa says

    10/10/2018 at 10:20 PM

    Hi! These are amazing! Any ideas on what to do to firm up the peanut butter part? I’ve made a few different batches, but I’ve had to add way more protein powder or coconut flour to get them to hold any semblance of shape! Trying to figure out what to try next!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      10/11/2018 at 10:19 PM

      what type of protein powder did you use?

      Reply
  2. Cassie Autumn Tran says

    06/07/2017 at 6:10 PM

    YES, I pre-ordered Arman’s book the minute I saw it on Amazon! While I haven’t had too much time to make a recipe, I’m totally going to have a baking party when I come back home for the summer and recreate all of his delicious desserts! These buckeyes look incredible! I have to try them out!

    Reply
  3. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    04/29/2017 at 8:46 AM

    So you know I live in the Buckeye state right?! These guys are a staple here, and your version (Arman’s version) looks just as magical. Well done, my friends.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/29/2017 at 9:00 AM

      I want to come visit you and you teach me your version. Please? 😉

      Reply
      • Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

        04/29/2017 at 9:05 AM

        Anytime. More door/house is always open for you.

        Reply
  4. Mindy says

    04/21/2017 at 9:19 AM

    If you use a toothpick in the ball to dip, it works like a charm!

    What flavor protein powder should I use?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/21/2017 at 9:46 AM

      oh good tip! Will do!

      So for vegan protein, I’ve used Vega or PlantFusion Pea Protein. Also Peanut Flour Works.

      Reply
  5. Ken says

    04/15/2017 at 6:12 PM

    Use a toothpick along with the spoon to dip them.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/15/2017 at 10:44 PM

      oh good to know! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Darla says

        01/16/2018 at 2:42 AM

        The toothpick is mandatory. After removing from freezer, insert a toothpick to dip them. Then place on parchment to set. Later, go back and smooth over the toothpick hole. I’m so excited to make these. My 3 month old has a cow’s milk allergy, so I’m dairy free for him. But my chocolate craving has gotten almost unbearable!!! I can not wait to try these!!!! Thanks!

        Reply
        • Lindsay Cotter says

          01/16/2018 at 4:01 PM

          oh yay! Thanks for tip!

          Reply
  6. Brandi says

    04/15/2017 at 1:51 PM

    Can I use a shakeology powder instead of a regular protein powder by chance?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/15/2017 at 3:53 PM

      Sure! I don’t think that should be an problem. Let me know how it turns out Brandi!

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    04/15/2017 at 12:18 PM

    These look sooooo yummy!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/15/2017 at 5:23 PM

      you know it Jen!

      Reply
  8. Les says

    04/15/2017 at 9:56 AM

    Hi there

    I love your page it’s very well written, I have a page – similar subjects, perhaps you want to check it out? It’s slimtrim.com, I think you’ll enjoy it – perhaps you want to do an article for us and we can do one for you? Guest posting in other words, think about it and let me know 🙂

    Les

    Reply
  9. Emily says

    04/15/2017 at 9:12 AM

    Wow these are amazing. I love buckeyes, but I’ve never thought of using protein powder for them to make them a protein packed snack. Arman is so creative!

    Reply
  10. Blair says

    04/14/2017 at 7:28 PM

    His cookbook looks so great! I want to try these ballz! You can’t go wrong with the peanut butter and chocolate combo!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/14/2017 at 10:40 PM

      you know it! let’s BALL it up! Happy Easter weekend friend

      Reply
  11. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    04/14/2017 at 4:22 PM

    You are seriously epic!! Thanks so much for your kind words and thank YOU for understanding the Aussie/NZ humor- It got me into too much trouble with many across the pond haha!

    An honor to have the no-bake Queen make a no-bake recipe. Big love!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/14/2017 at 10:36 PM

      of course friend! love the cookbook and so excited for you!

      Reply
  12. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    04/14/2017 at 2:54 PM

    We’re on the same wavelength today with the balling and the dipping! 😉

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/14/2017 at 10:39 PM

      Peanut butter ballllin!

      Reply
  13. Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says

    04/14/2017 at 12:59 PM

    Having grown up in Ohio, Buckeyes are a party dessert staple in my world 🙂 Love that these are healthier! And, yeah, dunking them takes practice + patience – but they taste great either way 😉

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/15/2017 at 8:46 AM

      do you have tips for dunking? Haha I need serious practice!

      Reply
  14. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    04/14/2017 at 8:53 AM

    I was born and raised a buckeye so these have a special place in my heart 😉 I love the idea of making them healthier! These look great!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/14/2017 at 11:00 AM

      oh then I need your recipe!

      Reply
  15. Analida's Ethnic Spoon says

    04/14/2017 at 8:47 AM

    Hi Lindsay! Your peanut butter buckeyes look so good. I’ve actually never made them, but I’ve had them at friends’ houses’. I might just make a batch for Easter Sunday dinner. I can always take the extras into my office on Monday, and I am sure they will be gone by lunchtime.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/14/2017 at 11:00 AM

      oh yea!! keep me posted! Let me know if you end up making htem Analida!

      Reply
  16. Carrie this fit chick says

    04/14/2017 at 8:31 AM

    This recipe was definitely created for me. I cannot wait to make these!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      04/14/2017 at 11:01 AM

      they sure are!! Get er done Carrie! haha

      Reply
  17. Marsha says

    04/14/2017 at 8:01 AM

    I need to make these! I have the new recipe book and love it but now I need to start making the stuff!!

    Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
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