Easy Buckeye Recipe (5-Ingredients!)

Name: Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cups creamy peanut butter; 1 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 6 cups powdered sugar; chocolate almond bark

You only need a few ingredients and 10 minutes for this easy Buckeye Recipe. These no-bake peanut butter balls are dipped in dark chocolate for the ultimate chocolate peanut butter combo. Make them in advance for a quick treat ready whenever you get a sweet tooth.

No-bake treats are a must for any recipe box! Be sure to check out my Peanut Butter Bars and No-Bake Cheesecake for more tasty treats that don’t need the oven!

This post was originally published April 15, 2014. It has since been updated to include fresh photos and helpful tips.

stack of chocolate peanut butter balls on a white plate

RECIPE FEATURES

No-Bake Dessert: No oven or stove required!
5-Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are commonly found in the kitchen, which means you can start making these asap!
Make-Ahead: Because they call for basic ingredients, you can keep these around for a hefty 30 days.

This recipe is SO EASY to make. Honestly, if you are looking for a quick treat to enjoy or share, this is it. Minimal ingredients, quick assembly, and simply delicious.

This no-bake treat is perfect for candy beginners. You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. The hardest part is trying not to eat all of the bite sized candies before the chocolate sets.

WHAT IS BUCKEYE CANDY MADE OF?

The BEST easy buckeye recipe starts with the right peanut butter. I specifically stay away from natural pb. It doesn’t hold up as well and gives you a crumbly filling that is difficult to work with. Jif or Skippy has been our go-to.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter, to be exact. Pick your favorite brand and try to stay away from natural peanut butters. The separating of oil will keep them from sticking together.
Butter: Just a touch of butter to help bind together the peanut butter bite. I recommend using unsalted butter for this one. There is a lot of salt in the peanut butter and no need to add more.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla has the flavors blend together perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is more fine, which makes it less gritty. It adds just the perfect amount of sweetness.
Dark Chocolate: For this recipe reach for good chocolate. The semi-sweet chocolate mixed with the salty peanut butter makes for the PERFECT dessert.

Peanut butter ball being dipped into melted chocolate

HOW TO MAKE BUCKEYES

GATHER INGREDIENTS: I like to start all of my recipes by measuring the ingredients. This helps the process flow smoothly.
MIX: Mix together the dough balls by combining the peanut butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Form balls using a scoop or spoon and chill.
MELT: Melt the chocolate, adding a teaspoon or two of shortening if it is too thick.
DIP: Using a toothpick to hold, dip the peanut butter bars into the melted chocolate. Place on a parchment lined tray and remove the toothpick. Smooth the holes with your finger.
CHILL: Chill until the chocolate has hardened and enjoy!

HELPFUL TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

Parchment Paper: This is a huge one when you mare making anything with melted chocolate. Alternatively, you could use a silicone baking mat (affiliate). I own 4 and they are a great way to save on paper waste.
Silicone Spatulas (affiliate): Another great kitchen tool. Extremely versatile, heat resistant, and perfect for cooking or baking.

RECIPE TIPS AND FAQS

Use a small scoop (affiliate) for even sizes of peanut butter balls. This will make everything appear more uniform.
I like to melt my chocolate in a wide mouthed measuring cup. That way it is a little deeper and perfect for dipping.

Can I freeze buckeye balls?

Frozen buckeyes will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How long do buckeyes last?

Homemade Buckeyes candy will last up to one month if stored properly. I suggest keeping them stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. This helps to keep them fresh and tasty.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

For optimal freshness keep your buckeyes sealed in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Set out at room temperature for 20 minutes or so before serving to help them slightly soften.

How to thin chocolate for dipping?

Sometimes chocolate will be slightly thicker once melted, which makes it difficult to dip treats. For this recipe you can add a spoonful of peanut butter or shortening to the chocolate to help thin it out.

Top down image of buckeys on a white plate

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5 from 1 vote

Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Created by: Jesseca

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

40 buckeyes

With only 5-ingredients, this buckeyes recipe is the perfect sweet treat! Quick, easy, and perfect peanut butter chocolate combo. The key is a soft flavor packed filling and half dipped chocolate

Ingredients

Instructions

Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer.
Beat with the paddle attachment for 2 to 3 minutes, or until combined and creamy.
Scrape the side of the bowl. Add powdered sugar and stir until combined and a dough is formed.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place onto a wax paper or parchment lined tray. Place in the freezer until chilled, about 15 minutes.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or using the package directions.
Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer.
Use a toothpick to poke into the center of one ball. Lift by the toothpick and half dip into the chocolate.
Place back onto the lined tray and carefully remove the toothpick. Use your finger to smooth the hole out of the top.
Carefully dip each remaining ball using the same technique.
Allow to set and enjoy!