These Healthy Paleo Buckeyes are naturally sweetened and are gluten free and dairy free. A classic treat, made over to be healthier and still just as delicious!
These are a treat I have always loved. Growing up, we had some family friends that made us a tin of goodies at Christmas time and there were always some buckeyes in there. They were always the first treat to go and most loved. I didn't realize then how easy they are to make, but I like these ones even more because they are healthier.
Choosing a nut butter
To keep these paleo, use cashew butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Replace the multiple cups of powdered sugar with raw honey, and use dairy free chocolate to coat them.
If peanut butter works for you, then that works great too and makes them more authentic. This is what I use mostly.
Bars or Balls
I do have to admit that my least favorite thing about making these is dipping each one in chocolate. It's a mess and tedious which is why I also made bars. They are much easier and just as delicious! Instructions for both will be below.
Getting the right texture
Depending on how runny the nut butter is that you're using, more almond flour may be needed. If using cashew butter then amount listed will work, but if using an all natural peanut butter than more may be needed. Add ½ more at a time until the mixture can be easily scooped into balls.
I know you will love these healthy paleo buckeyes are here are some more holiday treats to make:
- Paleo Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Grain Free Shortbread Cookies
- Paleo Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Vegan Paleo Peppermint Bark
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Healthy Paleo Buckeyes
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter or nut butter of choice
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ghee room temperature
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt if nut butter isn't salted
- 1-1 ½ cups dairy free chocolate chips
Instructions
Ball Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cashew butter, honey, ghee, almond flour, and salt. Stir well until mixture is combined and thick. If using a really runny nut butter, more almond flour may be needed. Add ½ cup at a time until mixture easily rolls into balls.
- Prepare a sheet tray by lining it with wax paper and make sure there is room for it in the fridge.
- Scoop mixture into heaping 1 tablespoon balls and roll between palms to make smooth. Chill in the fridge for 10-20 minutes before dipping in the chocolate.
- Melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 10 seconds until smooth. Or melt on the stove over low heat until melted.
- Dip each balls in the melted chocolate, covering all but the top. A fork is best to use so the chocolate drips off.
- Place on wax paper and once all are dipped, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Bar Instructions
- If making bars, line a 8x8 pan with wax paper.
- Melt the chocolate and pour half into the pan and let chill for 10 minutes or until hard. Press peanut butter mixture on top of hardened chocolate, spreading as evenly as possible and pour the remaining chocolate on top making sure to completely cover it.
- Let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Cut into squares and store in the fridge.
Michele says
Love that you did the cookies AND bars! I actually love doing the chocolate dip, probably because I wind up eating half the mess!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Michele! Ha- I definitely understand that 🙂
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I love these! So fun that you made them into bars too! These are a holiday must!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Emily!
Becky Winkler (A Calculated Whisk) says
I can't wait to try these! I hardly ever use cashew butter but I'm excited to give it a go. The buckeyes are adorable but I think I'll take the easy way out and make the bars!! 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you. Becky! I don't blame you- the bars are way easier and just as good! 🙂
Cristina Curp says
geeze those sound so good. and the simple and clean ingredient list is a major bonus! Can't wait to make them!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Cristina!
ChihYu says
They are so adorable and delicious ! So perfect for the holiday season !
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, ChihYu!
Kari Peters says
These look incredibly decadent! I love that there's no peanuts, (and they're allergy friendly) so they're perfect to take to parties and family dinners!
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you, Kari! Yes, perfect to work around any sensitivities or allergies.
Renee Kohley says
Love the cashew butter! I have a nephew allergic to peanuts but can have other nut butters and seed butters - we always used to make buckeyes for the holidays but we have to use other butters so he can have fun too! I can't wait to try the cashew butter!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Renee! These would be perfect for him! I personally liked the cashew the best, but almond or even sunflower butter would work. Hope you enjoy 🙂
Michele Spring says
Wow, these look so good! I'll definitely have to try these - we shall see if I share with my family or not! 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Michele! 🙂
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
Buckeyes are a classic favorite in my fam, everyone seems to LOVE them! Yay for swapping in cashew butter!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Bethany! I've always loved them and now I feel better about enjoying them 🙂 The cashew butter is so good!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I'll be making these for the holidays Jessica, but I may have to refrain from calling them Buckeyes since U Mich lost to Ohio State!! Let's change the name to Wolverines! Deal?!
Jessica DeMay says
Hmmm- well considering I live just minutes from MSU and have 2 siblings that went there, I'm not sure I can agree on this new name 😉 Thanks, Mary Ann!