Keto Buckeye Candy [Just 4 Ingredients]

This Keto Buckeye Candy has just 4 ingredients making them an easy low-carb, gluten-free, and plant-based dessert that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Buckeyes hold a special place in my heart, not the Keto Buckeye Candy kind though, the actual Aesculus glabra, commonly known as Ohio buckeye. It’s a species of tree in the soapberry family native to North America. I fondly remember searching for buckeyes with my grandfather at a lake in Eastern Tennessee when I was little. I thought they were just the coolest.

Every time I make buckeye candy for the holidays it triggers those memories of him fishing (and subsequently letting me reel in every fish he caught) and me searching for nuts. I think that’s one of the main points of food, yes? To trigger those deep-rooted happy memories.

It’s no secret though that regular buckeye candy is full, FULL, of sugar. Like, a lot. Cups worth.

That’s where this Keto Buckeye Candy comes in. Low in sugar, this is the holiday treat you can feel good about.

With just 4 ingredients (and a few optional ones), these can be ready in a flash. I joked on Instagram that these may just be the ugliest buckeyes that exist. I don’t think I have a shot at being a chocolatier in this life 😂 Maybe, the next 😉 Seriously though, even though they’re a bit wonky, they’re still 100% delicious. Let’s get to the specifics…

What is buckeye candy?

If you haven’t figured it out already, buckeye candy is a peanut butter mixture (or other nut/seed butter) that’s been rolled into balls and dipped in chocolate to resemble actual buckeyes.

Ingredients in Keto Buckeye Candy

Nut butter

You can use whatever kind you like but the thicker, the better. We used sunflower butter in these as it’s the closest tasting to peanut butter but allergen friendly. You could use peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cashew butter. The choice is all yours.

One thing to note is that you’ll want to choose a nut/seed butter that is just one or two ingredients, the nut/seed and maybe some salt. Skip butters with added sugars and oils. Also be sure to use creamy peanut butter or other nut/seed butter as you want a smooth mixture.

Almond flour

A lot of keto buckeyes have coconut flour but we’re not huge fans of that taste and texture in this dessert. Almond flour doesn’t change the taste of the candy but keeps the nut butter balls firm so that they don’t lose their shape.

Powdered Erythritol

Pretty straightforward, it’s used to make the candy sweet without traditional sugar. We use Swerve confectioners erythritol here but you can use any confectioners sugar substitute.

Chocolate Chips

You can use whatever chocolate you like. Our go-to is Lily’s Dark Chocolate Chips. Do note if you’re using Lily’s that only the dark chocolate chips are dairy-free. If that’s not a concern, feel free to use a semi-sweet option or even a keto white chocolate for a fun spin on the classic.

Optional Add-Ins: vanilla extract, coconut oil for the chocolate, flaky sea salt for topping

How to make buckeye candy

1. In a large bowl, mix together the nut butter, almond flour, and powdered erythritol. If using the vanilla and sea salt, add those in as well. Mix well. If mixing is difficult, feel free to pop the mixture into a food processor to blend.
2. Roll the dough into balls and place on a parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer to the freezer while you melt the chocolate.
3. In a small cast-iron skillet (we use an enameled one for easy clean-up but you can also use a microwave-safe bowl and microwave if that’s easier for you), melt the chocolate until smooth over low heat. If the chocolate is globby, melt in a teaspoon of coconut oil for easier dipping.
4. Dip each buckeye into the chocolate mixture. This is easier if you insert a toothpick into the center but alas, we did not have toothpicks which is why these are a little rustic. I used two forks, letting the excess chocolate fall off before placing the buckeye back onto the baking sheet.
5. Repeat with remaining buckeyes then sprinkle the tops with some flaky sea salt before freezing again just until set. Transfer to a lidded container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

A note on storage

These buckeyes are best kept refrigerated and not at room temperature. They will get a bit soft if left out too long so keep them cold.

Tips + tricks from someone who now knows what not to do

• Don’t skip the toothpick, it’s essential
• Make sure your chocolate isn’t too thick, a little coconut oil will help it thin out and go on smooth if it is

Sugar content in Keto Buckeyes vs. Regular Buckeye Candy

These Keto Buckeyes have 3 grams of net carbs each whereas normal buckeyes have 38 grams of net carbs!!! That’s INSANE. And the keto ones taste just the same. There’s no reason for sugar, really.

Check out these other keto holiday treats

Red Velvet Skillet Cookie

Salted Nut Clusters

Fudgy Mint Chip Brownies

Keto Buckeye Candy

This Keto Buckeye Candy is a great sugar-free, low-carb, plant-based, and gluten-free holiday dessert.

4 from 2 votes

Print Rate Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: keto peanut butter candy

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 18

Calories: 130kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened and oil-free nut or seed butter see post for options
• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 1 cup powdered erythritol
• 4 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
• Flaky sea salt for topping optional

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix together the nut butter, almond flour, and powdered erythritol. If using the vanilla, add it in as well. Mix well. If mixing is difficult, feel free to pop the mixture into a food processor to blend.
• Roll the dough into 18 balls and place on a parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer to the freezer while you melt the chocolate.
• In a small cast-iron skillet (we use an enameled one for easy clean-up but you can also use a microwave-safe bowl and microwave if that’s easier for you), melt the chocolate until smooth over low heat. If the chocolate is globby, melt in a teaspoon of coconut oil for easier dipping.
• Dip each buckeye into the chocolate mixture. This is easier if you insert a toothpick into the center but alas, we did not have toothpicks which is why these are a little rustic. I used two forks, letting the excess chocolate fall off before placing the buckeye back onto the baking sheet.
• Repeat with remaining buckeyes then sprinkle the tops with some flaky sea salt before freezing again just until set. Transfer to a lidded container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Keto Buckeye Candy

Amount Per Serving

Calories 130 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 4g8%

Calcium 9mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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