Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy Recipe
Are you looking for a vegan-friendly recipe that is easy to make and sure to impress your taste buds? Look no further than Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy.
This decadent dessert combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate in a unique and delectable treat. Even better, this recipe is entirely vegan, so it’s perfect for those who want to avoid dairy or gluten.
This recipe only requires seven simple ingredients that can be easily sourced from any well-stocked grocery store. In fact, you may already have some of the necessary ingredients in your kitchen pantry right now!
So, if you’re ready to satisfy your sweet tooth while also embracing a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle, try making Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy today. With its rich taste and easy-to-follow instructions, it is sure to become one of your favorite dessert recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and this Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy Recipe is no exception. But what sets this recipe apart from others is the secret ingredient . . . garbanzo beans!
Yes, you read that right – this recipe uses garbanzo beans to create the creamy peanut butter filling for these addictive candy balls. And don’t worry, you won’t even taste them.
Not only is this recipe deliciously indulgent, but it’s also vegan and gluten-free. So whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, this recipe is perfect for you.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just seven simple ingredients. There’s no baking required, so it’s a quick and stress-free dessert option.
So why will you love this recipe? The answer is simple: it’s the perfect combination of sweet and creamy with a surprise healthy twist. Plus, it’s easy to make and accommodating to various dietary needs. So go ahead and indulge in these vegan buckeye balls without any guilt!
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the star players of this delectable Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy (Vegan) recipe. With only 7 simple ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of these vegan buckeyes in no time! Here’s what you need:
Buckeye Balls:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have listed all of the ingredients for our Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy, let’s dive into the recipe how-to! This easy and delicious vegan candy recipe involves a few simple steps, but the result will be absolutely worth it.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a food processor, add 1 can of drained garbanzo beans, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Pulse until creamy.
Step 2: Add Secret Ingredient
- Now, add the secret ingredient – ½ cup coconut flour to the food processor with other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix and Form Balls
- Combine everything and pulse it one more time until you get a nice dough consistency.
- Form by hand small balls from the dough (around one inch in diameter).
- Place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate Chips
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 cups of dairy-free chocolate chips over low heat.
- Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Step 5: Dip Balls in Chocolate
- Once the chocolate is fully melted, remove it from the heat.
- Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat them entirely.
- Gently shake off any excess chocolate before placing them back on wax paper.
Step 6: Chill and Serve!
- After you’ve coated all of your peanut butter balls in chocolate, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each ball.
- Allow the buckeyes to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Finally, serve your vegan buckeye candy recipe – they are perfect for parties or gift-giving!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this vegan buckeye recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. There are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can experiment with to customize your peanut butter chocolate buckeye candy based on your preferences.
For instance, if you want to make these buckeyes healthier, you can use coconut flour instead of powdered sugar. Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or free from peanuts, you can substitute garbanzo beans for the peanut butter.
You could also switch up the color and flavor of the buckeye balls by using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips. You can even add some rice krispies for extra crunchiness. Adding sea salt on top of the balls is also an option to give a more savory taste.
If you’re feeling extra creative, you could experiment with different shapes and sizes to serve as a unique twist on the traditional peanut butter ball. You can use a small ice cream scoop or mini muffin tin to create different shapes.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you’ll discover new flavors and textures that add excitement to your favorite vegan buckeye balls.
Whether you prefer them classic or with a twist, this recipe’s simple ingredients make it easy to personalize your dessert according to your tastes.
Serving and Pairing
What better way to enjoy Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy than by savoring its creamy melt-in-your-mouth goodness all on its own? But if you’re looking to take things up a notch, I suggest pairing these vegan buckeyes with a tall cold glass of dairy-free milk or enjoying them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
For an extra fancy touch, try serving them on a decorative platter adorned with fresh berries or sprinkle them with some sea salt for a perfect salty-sweet balance. These decadent treats also make for an impressive homemade gift and can be easily packaged in cute jars or boxes tied with a ribbon, making them ideal for sharing during the holidays or special occasions.
Don’t underestimate the versatility of these chocolate peanut butter butter balls, as they can even be used to elevate other dessert recipes. Adding chopped buckeyes into your ice cream will create a deliciously indulgent dessert, while crumbling buckeyes over your favorite cupcakes will provide the perfect finishing touch. The possibilities are endless!
No matter how you choose to enjoy these vegan buckeyes, one thing is for sure: you’ll be left feeling satisfied and craving more of that rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor combination that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candies is that they are perfect for making ahead and storing until you need them. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months – this is a great option if you want to have a quick and easy dessert option on hand.
If you decide to store your buckeye candies in the fridge, make sure they are covered well so they don’t absorb any unwanted flavors or odors. You can store them in an airtight container, or wrap each candy separately with plastic wrap.
To reheat your buckeye candies, simply bring them to room temperature before serving. If you’d like to serve them warm, you can also pop one or two into the microwave for 5-10 seconds just before serving.
Another great way to enjoy your leftover buckeyes is by crumbling them over ice cream or yogurt. They add an extra creamy, peanut buttery goodness that’s impossible to resist!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve perfect results, there are some tricks and techniques that you can use to make the process smoother. Here are some of my tips that I’ve learned from experience:
Firstly, make sure you use the appropriate ingredients. The recipe calls for sea salt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, garbanzo beans, peanut butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free so please make sure to avoid any products containing animal products or wheat-containing products.
Secondly, if you want your buckeye balls to be extra creamy, I recommend using creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy peanut butter. The smooth texture of the peanut butter will give the buckeyes a more luxurious texture.
Thirdly, when making the chocolate coating for the buckeye balls, try using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate has a richer flavor profile and is healthier for you than milk chocolate.
Fourthly, take special care when melting the chocolate. Overheating it can cause it to separate or become too thick. It’s best to melt your chocolate in microwave at 30-second intervals or on low heat on stovetop for best result; stir frequently.
Fifthly，use coconut flour as it is nutritious which adds more depths of flavor and enhance the texture of the buckeyes while being gluten-free.
Sixthly，use rice krispies which can be added to the filling mixture for crunchier texture and nuttier flavor.
Lastly，when preparing this dish remember to have fun! Baking should be an enjoyable experience so relax and let your creativity flow. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect – it’s all part of learning process. Remember practice makes perfect!
Bottom Line
Whether you’re craving something sweet or just looking for a fun and easy recipe to make with friends, these Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candies are a must-try! Not only are they dairy-free and gluten-free, but they’re also made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delicious treats. I promise you won’t be disappointed! And remember, whether you’re an Ohio State fan or not, these Buckeye candies are sure to impress.
Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 ounces garbanzo beans, canned (chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup natural-style peanut butter, creamy
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, fine
- 3 -6 tablespoons powdered peanut butter (almond or oat flour would work too)
- 10 ounces chocolate chips, dark non-dairy (semi-sweet would work too)
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. If you want to remove the clear outer skin of the chickpea feel free. It does make for a smoother texture, but is not necessary.
- Place the chickpeas, maple syrup and extract in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process on high for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides. Add the peanut butter and salt. Pulse to combine.
- At this point, how the dough comes together varies. You basically want to add enough powdered peanut butter (or flours) to form a sort of dough. I generally add 2-3 tablespoons of powder, process and see where its at. The dough should be fairly smooth and able to roll into ball.
- Place the mixture in a bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours; or overnight. The mix needs time to firm and for the flavors to come together. Beans take a while to fully absorb flavor.
- When the mix is thoroughly chilled, use a measuring teaspoon to scoop a slightly heaping amount and form into a ball. The ball should be about 1” in diameter. I usually get about 40 or so balls. Resist the urge to make these big. The chocolate layer will add to the overall size and richness.
- Place the chocolate chips and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave chocolate on high in 20 second bursts – stirring after each interval. Microwave until completely melted. NOTE: If you find the chocolate is too thick for dipping, add another 1/2 teaspoon of oil.
- Pour some or all of the melted chocolate into a small mug to give some depth for dipping.
- Using a toothpick, pierce a peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate until it's about half-way up the candy. Alternatively, you could place the ball onto a fork and dip it into the chocolate that way. If you find the chocolate is a little thick for dipping, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
- Place the dipped balls on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Chill for an hour or two to set.
- Best served at room temperature. Enjoy!
- Because we don't eat all of these immediately, I generally store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Like stated above, these are best served without a chill. The peanut flavor comes through better.
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.