This recipe for Skinny Buckeyes was originally published in December 2011. I’ve updated the photos and reshared it so you can make these for football season or the holidays. You won’t want to miss this healthier candy recipe.
If you live in or near Ohio, you know exactly what a Buckeye is. Besides Ohio State’s mascot, it’s a beloved chocolate-covered peanut butter treat served around football season and the holidays.
For everyone else: a Buckeye is a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate — and they’re dangerously good.
The first Christmas Tim spent with my family, he was handed a large box of Buckeyes. He tried one and became hooked, then reached for another and another.
Everyone was amazed when he finished the whole box in a single day — he became something of a legend in my family. See? Buckeyes are addictive.
Because Tim loves them so much, I wanted to make Buckeyes he could enjoy without overindulging. Traditional Buckeyes call for peanut butter, lots of butter, powdered sugar, and shortening for the chocolate dip. I knew I could make a lighter version.
My inspiration came from my High Protein Energy Balls. As soon as I tasted those, I realized I could make Buckeyes using chickpeas.
Yes — chickpeas. Don’t stop reading. You can’t taste them. I eliminated the butter, used a much smaller amount of honey instead of powdered sugar, and swapped coconut oil for shortening. The result is a healthier Buckeye that still tastes delicious.
These are quick and easy to make in a food processor. First, add the chickpeas:
Process until the chickpeas are as smooth as possible:
Add peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt, then process again until the mixture comes together into a ball.
Once the mixture forms a ball, scoop and roll into small rounds.
Arrange the balls on a lined baking sheet.
Freeze for at least 15 minutes to firm them up, then dip in melted chocolate.
The result is a lighter peanut butter ball — a Skinny Buckeye — that everyone will enjoy.
Skinny Buckeyes
4.7 from 3 reviews
- Author: Happy Healthy Mama
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 48
Description
These Skinny Buckeyes use chickpeas for added fiber and protein without altering the familiar peanut butter flavor. Naturally sweetened with honey and dipped in dark chocolate, they make a satisfying, healthier treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 – 15 ounce can, rinsed and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, process the chickpeas until broken down and as smooth as possible.
- Add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Process until well combined and the mixture forms a cohesive ball, about one minute.
- Scoop the mixture using a rounded spoon (about 2 teaspoons), roll into balls, and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, parchment, or a silicone mat.
- Continue until all the mixture is used; you should get approximately 48 balls.
- Freeze the balls until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds, stir, then microwave another 30 seconds. Stir and continue in 5–10 second increments until smooth. (Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.)
- Using a toothpick as a handle, dip each firm ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle at the top to mimic a traditional Buckeye.
- Return the dipped balls to the tray and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 88
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Here are the nutrition stats for the Skinny Buckeye recipe:
Serving size: 1 ball
Calories: 88
Fat: 6 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 3 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
For comparison, a traditional Buckeye has roughly:
Serving size: 1 ball
Calories: 169
Fat: 9 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 2 grams
Sugar: 18 grams
That’s substantially less calories and sugar with the Skinny Buckeyes, making them an easier treat to feel good about sharing with family. My daughter loves these just as much as the original — she doesn’t notice the chickpeas and enjoys the taste. Your family will likely feel the same way.
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