Irresistible No-Bake Keto Buckeye Balls (Peanut Butter & Chocolate Perfection!)
Indulge your sweet tooth with these Irresistible No-Bake Keto Buckeye Balls! These iconic peanut butter chocolate treats are reimagined in a low-carb, sugar-free version, featuring a creamy peanut butter filling dipped in rich, melted sugar-free chocolate. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, decadent, and a delightful addition to your health journey for a perfect keto-friendly indulgence!
Yields: Approximately 20-25 balls Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: At least 40 minutes (20 min for balls, 20 min for chocolate)
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup no-sugar-added smooth peanut butter (check ingredients for low-carb compliance)
- 5 tablespoons (¼ cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered erythritol-based sweetener (e.g., Swerve Confectioners or Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, if your peanut butter is unsalted)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups sugar-free chocolate chips (e.g., Lily’s, ChocZero, or your favorite keto-friendly brand)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (refined, if you prefer no coconut flavor)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small cookie scoop (optional, for even sizing)
- Skewers or toothpicks (for dipping)
- Medium microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Instructions:
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the no-sugar-added smooth peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered erythritol-based sweetener (and optional pinch of salt), mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix again briefly until fully incorporated and a thick, uniform dough forms.
- Form Peanut Butter Balls: Pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces of the peanut butter dough. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. (If weighing, aim for about 20g per ball).
- Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Chill Peanut Butter Balls: Transfer the baking sheet with the peanut butter balls to the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes, or until they are firm enough to dip without falling apart.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: While the balls are chilling, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar-free chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly to room temperature. This helps it adhere better to the cold peanut butter balls.
- Dip Buckeye Balls: Once the peanut butter balls are firm and the chocolate is at room temperature, use a skewer or toothpick to carefully dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate.
- Leave a small portion of the peanut butter exposed at the top for that signature “buckeye” look.
- Place the dipped balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill to Set: Transfer the baking sheet with the dipped buckeye balls back to the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is completely firm.
- If you want to smooth out the tiny holes left by the skewers, gently run a small knife or spatula over the tops before the chocolate fully hardens, or after they’ve chilled.
- Store & Enjoy! Store the finished Keto Buckeye Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Enjoy these irresistible treats!
Tips for Success:
- No-Sugar-Added Peanut Butter: Crucial for keto compliance! Many peanut butters contain added sugar. Look for brands with only peanuts and salt in the ingredient list.
- Powdered Sweetener: Using powdered (confectioners) erythritol or monk fruit helps achieve a smooth, non-gritty texture in the peanut butter filling.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling steps! This ensures the peanut butter balls are firm enough to dip and the chocolate sets properly.
- Tempering Chocolate (Simplified): Letting the melted chocolate cool slightly helps it coat more evenly and set with a nicer snap.
- Melting Chocolate: Be patient and use low power in the microwave, stirring frequently, to avoid scorching the chocolate.
- Storage: Keep these stored in the refrigerator, as they will soften at room temperature due to the high fat content.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
These Keto Buckeye Balls are a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Fat: Yes, primarily from peanut butter, butter, and chocolate.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using sugar-free peanut butter, sweetener, and chocolate.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided the peanut butter, sweetener, and chocolate chips are sugar-free.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites!