The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (2024)

Home Recipes Desserts

By Courtney ODell

Dec 08, 2022

Jump to Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe – delicious low carb chocolate covered peanut butter ball candies that are simple to make and always a crowd pleaser! Including classic full-sugar buckeye recipe, too!

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (2)

We have a lot of readers on Sweet C’s who have asked us for more information in their recipes – and plenty who’d like to get straight to the cooking.

To better serve both audiences, we’ve loaded this post with information to make our loyal readers feel confident in the kitchen – while also adding a “skip to recipe” button in the top left corner, and a clickable table of contents below – so you can get straight to the information you need.

Table of contents

  • Keto Peanut Butter Balls
    • Recipe FAQ’s
  • Easy Cookies and Candies You’ll Love
  • The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe
The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (3)

Keto Peanut Butter Balls

If you love homemade peanut butter balls or peanut butter cups, you know how rich and flavorful they can be when made from scratch.

We love making buckeyes at Christmas for giving to family and friends – they are simple, easy to make, and last a while – so you can make them and give without worrying they will spoil or go stale.

The problem is they aren’t low carb – but with a few easy changes, you can make a keto peanut butter candy that doesn’t break the carb bank!

This recipe is our favorite easy Buckeye recipe – bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, and a gorgeous chocolate crunch with tips on how to make them gorgeous, every time.

These candies are called buckeyes for their similar resemblance to buckeye nuts – since they are dipped in chocolate and only a small circle on top remains uncovered – sort of like the eye of a buck!

Buckeyes are considered lucky – so these delicious peanut butter and chocolate versions must be a bit lucky too, right?

How to Make Keto Buckeyes

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • All natural peanut butter (for keto, we use Justins natural, if not making keto, we use Jif) – all natural peanut butter is a good choice for making low sugar or keto desserts, as it generally doesn’t include processed sugar. Look for brands with lower carbs and less sugar!
  • Salted butter – softened salted butter brings a rich, creamy flavor to these candies, a perfect fat composition so they melt in your mouth, and a perfect texture!
  • Vanilla extract – vanilla gives a perfect home-baked flavor that is nostalgic and lightly sweet.
  • Confectioners swerve – confectioners sugar is normally used in buckeyes, but in the keto version, swerve is the perfect swap for flavor and texture – it has a lighter sweet flavor, blends perfectly, and acts as a binder!
  • Lily’s semisweet chocolate chips (if not keto, you can use chocolate wafers for easiest melting) – semisweet chocolate chips without added sugar are essential for keeping sugar and carbs down – while giving the classic chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter!
  • Coconut oil – coconut oil gives a hint of shine to buckeyes, so they look like they just came from the candy store!

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you will use the following method:

  • Mix. Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla to a large bowl or stand mixer and cream together for 30 seconds.Sift the Swerve or powdered sugar into the bowl and beat until smooth.
  • Chill. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Roll & shape. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and portion the peanut butter mixture out with a medium cookie scoop and roll into balls.
  • Chill. Place them on the cookie sheet and chill in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Dip. Just before removing the balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate an coconut oil in a wide glass on 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Use a toothpick to spear the balls and dip them in the melted chocolate. Use a fork to help remove the toothpick from the ball and place back on the parchment paper. Use your finger or a paring knife to lightly cover the hole from the toothpick.
  • Set. Allow to set until the chocolate hardens.
The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (8)

How to store buckeyes. Buckeyes are popular in part because how easy they are to make – and how long they last – making them a great make-ahead treat for Christmas cookies, parties, or just to have on hand for when a craving strikes.

  • Buckeyes are best when consumed within two days if not refrigerated or frozen.
  • Refrigerated buckeyes, kept in an airtight container, can last up to two weeks.
  • Frozen buckeyes kept in an airtight container can last up to four months.

Use the double boiler method. Using a double boiler (or a small pan, nested into a larger pan with water in it), add chocolate and bring the water in the bottom pan to a boil, stirring the chocolate as it melts. Make sure to add the coconut oil to help make the chocolate smooth, easy to dip, and extra shiny! Don’t overcook chocolate, or it will seize up – and be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. To buy a double boiler, click here.

Use the microwave melting method. If you’d like to save time, or don’t have a double boiler or pans you can nest, you can microwave this chocolate to melt as well. Microwave chocolate or chocolate wafers in 30 second bursts, and stir in between each burst, to prevent chocolate from burning. Often chocolate melts around the bottom and the sides – and will burn if microwaved again – when a simple stir could’ve melted the remaining solid chocolate.

Recipe FAQ’s

How long do buckeyes keep?

Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator can last up to two weeks.
Buckeyes in an airtight container can last up to four months in the freezer.

What are buckeyes?

Buckeyes are peanut butter balls, dipped into chocolate, with a tiny bit of the top left un-dipped – resembling a buckeye.

What is the best low carb peanut butter?

We used Justin’s All Natural peanut butter – but any peanut butter with no added sugar will work.

What chocolate chips are low carb?

We found Lily’s semisweet chocolate chips work best – but any without added sugar will work.

What is 1:1 replacement for keto powdered sugar?

We use Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit or Swerve Confectioners sugar as a direct replacement for powdered sugar.

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (9)

Easy Cookies and Candies You’ll Love

If you’re not watching carbs and love these easy buckeyes, be sure to check out my other easy cookies and candy recipes – simple, delicious recipes that are great as Christmas cookies or bake sale cookies – or just anytime you need a sweet treat!

To see even more tasty treats, please visit our dessert recipe index.

You can find more of our favorite keto recipes and keto desserts here.

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (10)

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe

If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (11)

CONNECT WITH SWEET C’S!
Be sure to follow me on social media and get in on all the fun!

Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (12)

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe

Yield: 34

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe - delicious low carb chocolate covered peanut butter ball candies that are simple to make and always a crowd pleaser! Including classic full-sugar buckeye recipe, too!

Ingredients

  • 1⅓ cup all natural peanut butter (for keto, we use Justins natural, if not making keto, we use Jif)
  • ½ cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3½ cups confectioners swerve (if not keto, use powdered sugar)
  • 3 cups lily’s semisweet chocolate chips (if not keto, you can use chocolate wafers for easiest melting)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla to a large bowl or stand mixer and cream together for 30 seconds.
  2. Sift the Swerve or powdered sugar into the bowl and beat until smooth.
  3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and portion the peanut butter mixture out with a medium cookie scoop and roll into balls.
  5. Place them on the cookie sheet and chill in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.
  6. Just before removing the balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate an coconut oil in a wide glass on 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
  7. Use a toothpick to spear the balls and dip them in the melted chocolate. Use a fork to help remove the toothpick from the ball and place back on the parchment paper.
  8. Use your finger or a paring knife to lightly cover the hole from the toothpick.
  9. Allow to set until the chocolate hardens.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Some all natural peanut butters can be runny - if your peanut butter balls are too runny, you can stir in up to two tablespoons coconut flour to help thicken. Try to mix natural peanut butter well so it is smooth, like a more processed peanut butter.
  • If you use chocolate wafers for the regular/full sugar version, omit coconut oil.
  • There will be excess chocolate remaining since you need to be able to dip these balls almost fully without covering the tops, so you need the chocolate to be deep enough at all times for the balls to sink in.
  • Don’t let the balls sit out too long before dipping because they can start to sweat and it will make it hard for the chocolate to stick.
  • Do not freeze for more than 30 minutes prior to dipping. Place in the refrigerator if not ready to dip.
Nutrition Information

Yield 34Serving Size 1 buckeye
Amount Per ServingCalories 164Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 7mgSodium 60mgCarbohydrates 12gNet Carbohydrates 3gFiber 2gSugar 3gSugar Alcohols 9gProtein 3g

Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Categorized as:
, Christmas, Christmas Cookies, Desserts, Easy Keto Desserts, keto, Recipes

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

Read More About Me

You May Also Like

Valentines Candy Mix

Candied Cranberries

Strawberry Shortcake Truffles

Butterfinger Pie

The Best Easy Keto Buckeyes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What to have with peanut butter on keto? ›

You can serve nut butters on keto almond flour bread, on keto crackers, stir through keto ice cream, spread on peanut butter fudge, mix with keto maple syrup on pancakes or keto waffles.

Is natural peanut butter low carb? ›

Peanut butter is moderately low in carbs and contains both fiber and healthy fat. Its composition makes peanut butter a balanced food that can be added to keto diets, depending on how it's made. This chart reviews some different types of peanut butter and their carb content in a 2-tablespoon (32–37 gram) serving.

What is Buckeyes made of? ›

Buckeyes are a confection made from a peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate to leave a circle of peanut butter visible. Buckeyes are similar to peanut butter balls (or peanut-butter-filled chocolate balls), which are completely covered in chocolate.

Is coconut flour low carb? ›

Compared to wheat flour, coconut flour is low in carbs but does contain 65 g of carbs per cup. It's best to avoid large quantities in your baking or substitute some or all coconut flour with almond flour. Almond flour has fewer carbs and more fat than coconut flour, making it an ideal substitute for coconut flour.

Can you have peanut butter with keto? ›

In general, registered dietitian Abigail Rapaport Fay, RDN, says that natural peanut butter is absolutely keto-friendly. This is because it follows the ratio of high fat, moderate protein and low carb (and low sugar).

How much peanut butter can I eat a day on keto? ›

You can enjoy two tablespoons of this popular spread at a time, even up to five tablespoons, without going over 50 grams of carbs in a day (the upper limit for the standard keto diet) and getting kicked out of ketosis. Also, this amount should leave room for other foods even after eating peanut butter.

What peanut butter is most keto-friendly? ›

You don't expect it with a brand so associated with jelly, but Smucker's natural creamy peanut butter is great for keto. It only has peanuts and salt, and the high protein, low net carb content make it a great choice.

How many carbs a day on keto? ›

The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

Is jif peanut butter good for a keto diet? ›

Jif's no-added-sugar offering contains 17 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of natural sugar per serving. Both follow the set keto ratio making them keto-approved.

What is the toxicity of buckeyes? ›

Poisonous Plant: All parts of the plant (leaves, bark, fruit) are highly toxic if ingested – because of the glycoside aesculin, the saponin aescin, and possibly alkaloids. Symptoms are muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor.

What can you do with buckeyes? ›

As well as the belief in the good fortune of its storied seed, the buckeye has been held to cure rheumatism and other, more minor ailments. Pioneering farm families also made soap from the kernels of buckeye seeds, and many a child's cradle was carved from the wood of this tree.

How to prepare buckeye nuts? ›

Roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Cooling and Enjoying: Once the nuts are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Then, simply crack open the shells and enjoy the delicious, roasted buckeye nuts inside!

Which flour has no carbs? ›

A Quick Comparison of Low-Carb Flours
FlourCaloriesNet Carbs
Pork Rind Dust220g
Lupin Flour380g
Chia Seed Flour351g
Almond Flour801g
4 more rows
Sep 11, 2023

Is cream cheese keto? ›

Cream cheese: Cream cheese is very popular in the keto diet. At only 84 calories per 1 ounce serving, it has 1 gram of carbs and 2 grams of protein but packs 8 grams of fat per serving. It can be a keto-friendly snack or meal addition when more fat is needed.

What pairs well with peanut butter? ›

Ideas to Try:
  • Add into a bowl of oatmeal.
  • Dip apple slices in peanut butter.
  • Add banana slices to a toasted PB&J.
  • Spread on a rice cake or cracker.
  • Add to a smoothie.
  • Dip celery or carrots in peanut butter.
  • Mix with yogurt.
  • Top a stir fry with peanut butter sauce (see Peanut Noodles with Tofu recipe below).

Why am I craving peanut butter on keto? ›

If you're on a low-fat diet, you may not be getting enough healthy fats, which can make you crave peanut butter. Peanut butter is also a common appetite suppressant in people following a low-carbohydrate diet. Low-sugar peanut butters are part of the accepted food category on many low-carb diets.

Is celery and peanut butter a good keto snack? ›

Celery sticks are a low calorie, low carb food that a person can eat while following a keto diet. According to the USDA , 110 g of celery — or about nine celery sticks — contains around 3 g of carbs. Celery sticks are excellent choices for dipping in nut butters, such as unsweetened peanut or almond butter.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 6207

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.