SunButter Buckeyes

November 15, 2020

SunButter Buckeyes are a nut free twist on a traditional candy, thanks to SunButter. These nut-free “peanut butter balls” are a ball of nut-free fudge coated in chocolate. I made them slightly healthier with a punch of healthy fats too, as a filling snack this holiday season!

Nut Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Low Sugar

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by SunButter. Thank you for supporting the brands that make the Chelsey Amer Nutrition blog possible.

As a University of Michigan alumni, I’m a little remiss to be sharing a recipe titled “buckeyes,” BUT, as someone with a nut allergy I know just how hard it is to find delicious treats you can enjoy, so here we are!

To be completely honest, I never knew what “buckeyes” were until a few years ago when I saw them pop onto my Instagram feed during the holiday season. Very quickly I learned they are super popular in the Midwest, but totally off-limits for my nut-free friends.

Well, today that all changes with these SunButter Buckeyes… with a healthier twist!

These SunButter Buckeyes are made with just 6 ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time. Personally, I like them stored in the freezer, but you can store in the fridge too (or room temperature if your home is on the chillier side).

Buckeyes are traditionally made with a mix of peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, and butter. While I totally think the butter is necessary for a burst of flavor, I don’t think we need so much added sugar to still have a delicious holiday candy treat. I dramatically cut the sugar – although I did use sweetened SunButter – and made the mixture more fudge-like by adding ground flaxseed.

Even better, the ground flaxseed adds a bunch of omega-3 fatty acids! I love it when you can “healthify” a recipe without eliminating tons of flavor or satisfaction!

A dietitian’s perspective on healthier desserts…

As a dietitian and food lover, I fully believe food should taste good. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction for a healthier dessert.

BUT I also think it’s 100% possible to have your healthier buckeye and be completely satisfied too!

Part of focusing on a healthy, well-balanced diet minimizes added sugar. As you begin to include less ADDED sugar in your diet, your taste buds also become super sensitive to sugar, so even treats with less added sugar taste great!

How to make Nut Free Chocolate Candies

It could not be easier to make these SunButter Buckeyes!

You only need a few key tools to make it happen (even though the recipe is so simple!)

Kitchen Tools to Make SunButter Buckeyes

First, mix together the butter, SunButter, ground flaxseed (this one is my favorite), and brown sugar in a large bowl. No fancy equipment – just a spoon will do!

Once the ingredients are mixed together, scoop out 1-inch balls. Roll them between the palms of your hands and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes to harden slightly.

While the SunButter “fudge” is hardening in the freezer, melt your chocolate in the microwave. Combine chocolate and coconut oil (although any oil will do) and microwave in 30-second intervals, mixing in between, until completely melted.

Dip the SunButter “fudge balls” into the chocolate, leaving the top uncovered to look like a buckeye. Place back on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until chocolate hardens.

Store in the freezer (and let soften before biting) or in the refrigerator.

These SunButter Buckeyes are…

Addicting!
Filling
Chocolatey
Delicious
Easy to make