High-Protein Healthy Buckeyes
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These high-protein healthy buckeyes taste like the classic peanut butter and chocolate treat, but they’re made without butter and naturally sweetened with dates. Plus, each one packs 5 grams of protein!
If you grew up loving buckeyes, you’re going to be obsessed with this healthier, high-protein version!
These little bites still have the creamy peanut butter center and rich chocolate coating you remember, but they’re made with simple ingredients like medjool dates, oat flour and vanilla protein powder. I love keeping a batch in the fridge for a quick, healthier sweet treat during the holidays.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Buckeyes
- Easy to make: You only need 6 simple ingredients and everything comes together in the food processor. Also, the toothpick-dipping trick keeps the whole process mess-free and simple.
- Healthier: You still get that classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, but without butter or refined sugar. These are made with real-food ingredients and naturally sweetened with medjool dates, so they’re a treat you can actually feel good about.
- Protein-packed: Each bite has 5 grams of protein, making these a sweet snack that actually satisfies.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these high protein healthy buckeyes and each one plays a part in creating that classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
- medjool dates – add natural sweetness and help the mixture blend into a soft, sticky dough.
- oat flour – gives the peanut butter center structure while keeping the texture smooth and doughy.
- vanilla protein powder – boosts the protein and adds a subtle sweetness that works so well with peanut butter. I used Truvani vanilla protein powder, but your favorite brand will work.
- peanut butter – the heart of every good buckeye. It creates the creamy center and adds that salty sweet balance. I prefer to use a natural salted peanut butter, but whatever brand you have on hand will work. You can also swap with almond butter or another nut/seed butter of choice if you have a peanut allergy.
- dark chocolate chips – I love using Lily’s chocolate chips for this recipe. They melt perfectly and make the coating extra rich.
- coconut oil – helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a soft shine.
How to Make High-Protein Healthy Buckeyes
Step 1: Add the dates, oat flour, protein powder and peanut butter to your food processor. Run it until the mixture turns into a thick, sticky dough. If it seems a little dry, splash in a teaspoon or two of water to help it come together.
Step 2: Scoop out portions of the peanut butter mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. Set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, stick a toothpick in the top of each and pop the tray in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: While the balls chill, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil. You can use the microwave in short bursts or a double boiler. Pour the melted chocolate into a narrow cup or bowl to make dipping easier.
Step 4: Use the toothpicks to dip each ball about halfway into the chocolate, leaving a little peanut butter peeking out on top. Place them back on the parchment, twist out the toothpicks and smooth over the holes. Chill until the chocolate sets, then enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Soften the dates: If your dates feel a little dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes so they blend smoothly into the peanut butter mixture.
- Use runny peanut butter: A softer peanut butter makes the dough easier to mix and roll. If yours is thick, warm it slightly before adding it.
- Chill before dipping: A quick freeze helps the balls firm up so the chocolate coats them cleanly. This step makes a big difference in how neat they look.
- Use a toothpick for dipping: Skipping the toothpick can get real messy real fast. Using one gives you control and keeps your fingers—and your counters—chocolate-free.
- Cover the toothpick holes: After dipping, use your fingertip to gently smooth the top for that classic buckeye finish.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Keep the buckeyes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They stay firm and the chocolate keeps its shine.
- Freezer: Freeze the buckeyes in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
- Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and stash half in the freezer. They’re perfect for lunch boxes, holiday treat trays or a quick sweet bite after dinner.
More High-Protein Treats to Try
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High-Protein Healthy Buckeyes
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates
- ¼ cup oat flour
- 1 scoop (25-30 grams) vanilla protein powder, I used Truvani
- 1 cup natural salted peanut butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, I like using Lily’s
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Add dates, oat, flour, protein powder and peanut butter to a food processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms, scraping down the sides as needed. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of water and blend again.
- Scoop out peanut butter dough by the tablespoon and roll into balls. Place balls on parchment paper. Add a toothpick to each ball and chill in the freezer until firm, about 10-15 minutes. This step makes it easier to dip the balls into the chocolate.
- A couple minutes before taking the balls out of the freezer, combine your chocolate chips with the coconut oil and melt the mixture. Use a double boiler or microwave in 30 second increments (stirring after every 30 seconds) until the chocolate is melted. You want the melted chocolate in a more narrow bowl or glass so you can dip the balls in a coat them.
- Hold the toothpicks and dip a little over half of the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate. You want to leave a small portion of the peanut butter showing at the top.
- Place balls back on parchment paper and remove toothpicks. Use your finger to cover the toothpick hole by spreading out the dough at the top of the balls. Once all balls are covered, place in the fridge until chocolate has set. Store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Texture will vary: The dough should feel soft and easy to roll. If it seems dry, add a little more peanut butter. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more oat flour.
- Use fresh dates: Soft medjool dates blend the easiest and help everything hold together. Dry dates can crack the dough.
- Smooth tops after dipping: After removing the toothpick, gently press the top of each buckeye to cover the hole for that classic buckeye look.
- Storage: These buckeyes hold up well in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
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