Easy Buckeye Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

This Buckeye Recipe is the most delicious combination of a creamy peanut butter center and chocolate exterior. Get the steps to make this classic no-bake dessert!

Not only are they incredibly easy to make, they are fun too! We turned our simple buckeye recipe into the cutest little hedgehogs for parties.

Who can resist the combination of peanut butter and chocolate? There’s nothing better!

Is there anything better than the combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate? In my opinion, there’s very little that can top this classic combo.

These chocolate peanut butter balls are creamy and a little salty… dipped in sweet chocolate that is melted to perfection. (Yes, they are very similar to a peanut butter cup!) I’d say without a doubt, these are a peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream come true!

While so many of the recipes that feature these flavors involve baking, this sweet little buckeye recipe does not! That’s what I love about making these sweet treats – they are no bake perfection.

Recently, I hosted a baby shower for my niece, where I turned my love of chocolate peanut butter into an adorable feature. Read on for all the details!

Love a decadent chocolate treat once in a while? Don’t skip my Hot Chocolate Bombs, and the spicier Mexican Hot Chocolate Bombs, too!

Why You’ll Love this Buckeye Recipe

• Easy to make
• No bake
• Perfect for gifting
• Prep them ahead of time

A Buckeye Recipe Without Shortening Or Paraffin Wax

One of the things that separates this buckeye recipe from others is that I don’t use shortening or paraffin. A hint of vegetable oil blended with melted chocolate gives it a luxurious consistency.

Ingredients and Substitutions

This Buckeye recipe uses common ingredients that you have in your refridgerator and pantry.

• Confectioners Sugar – Also known as powdered sugar. Sifted is ideal, but not required.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Do NOT use all-natural, the consistency doesn’t work well. Substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer.
• Butter – Melted butter creates an amazing consistency.
• Vanilla – A hint of vanilla adds a lot of flavor to chocolate peanut butter balls. Learn how to make your own vanilla extract – it’s so easy!
• Chocolate – Semi-sweet chocolate chips or wafers (melted) work really well.
• Vegetable Oil – Gives chocolate a luxuriously smooth texture.

How To Make Buckeyes

See the printable recipe card for more details.

1. Make Filling – Beat filling ingredients until combined. Scoop or roll mixture into balls and place on lined baking sheet. Freeze.
2. Make Coating – Warm chocolate and vegetable oil in increments, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip and Decorate – Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate. Optional: dip in sprinkles and place on the cookie sheet.
4. Set – Refrigerate until solid and serve at room temperature.

Tips

• Don’t use natural peanut butter, as the consistency is just not the same.
• Melting wafers tend to work best here, although chocolate chips and bars will work too.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy clean up.
• If dough is a bit too sticky to roll, try adding an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar.
• You can use the gel writing icing to add the face either before or after refrigeration, but I did after just in case there was any bleeding!
• Want to double or triple the recipe for serving or gifting? Use the yield tab in the printable recipe card for calculating more or less servings!

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!

Frequently Asked Questions

Dietary Considerations

• Gluten Free
• Vegetarian

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

• Room Temperature – Buckeyes will last up to two days stored on your kitchen counter in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator – Store up to two weeks in the fridge. (However, don’t blame me if they don’t make it through the day! Fair warning!)
• Freezer – You can also freeze this Buckeye Recipe for a couple months in the freezer and pull them out when your family wants a sweet treat. Store in an airtight container for best results.