Secret Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Candy (Vegan)

The aroma of peanut butter and chocolate always transports me back to childhood Halloweens. Sorting through my trick-or-treat haul, the peanut butter cups were always the first to disappear. There’s something so undeniably comforting about that classic flavor combination, and these vegan buckeye candies capture that nostalgia perfectly, with a sneaky twist that makes them a little bit healthier and just as irresistible. Get ready to indulge in a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without any guilt!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Servings: 20
• Yield: 40 Buckeye Candies
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 15 ounces garbanzo beans, canned (chickpeas)
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup natural-style peanut butter, creamy
• ¼ 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)
• ½ teaspoon vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

• Food processor
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl
• Lid or plastic wrap
• Measuring teaspoon
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Small mug
• Toothpicks or forks
• Parchment-lined cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chickpeas. Drain them thoroughly and rinse them well under cold water. If you desire an extra smooth texture, you can remove the clear outer skin from each chickpea, although this is not strictly necessary.

2. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Process on high speed for approximately 30 seconds, or until the mixture is relatively smooth. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl to ensure everything is evenly processed.

3. Add the creamy peanut butter and sea salt to the chickpea mixture. Pulse the food processor to combine all ingredients until a cohesive mixture begins to form.

4. The consistency of the dough at this stage can vary depending on the peanut butter and chickpeas used. This is where the powdered peanut butter (or almond or oat flour) comes into play. Add the powder gradually, starting with 2 tablespoons. Process briefly after each addition, checking the consistency of the dough. The goal is to achieve a dough that is fairly smooth and able to be rolled into a ball without being too sticky. I typically add 2-3 tablespoons of powdered peanut butter for the perfect consistency.

5. Transfer the peanut butter mixture to a mixing bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows the mixture to firm up and the flavors to meld together. Beans take time to fully absorb flavor.

6. Once the mixture is thoroughly chilled, it’s time to form the buckeye candies. Using a measuring teaspoon, scoop a slightly heaping amount of the chilled mixture. Roll it between your palms to form a ball approximately 1 inch in diameter. Aim to make around 40 balls from the mixture. Keep in mind that the chocolate coating will add to the overall size and richness of the candies, so resist the urge to make them too large.

7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark non-dairy chocolate chips and the vegetable oil. Microwave the chocolate in 20-second bursts on high power, stirring well after each interval. Continue microwaving until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.

8. If you find that the melted chocolate is too thick for dipping, you can add an additional ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out. Stir until the oil is fully incorporated and the chocolate is a more dippable consistency.

9. Pour some, or all, of the melted chocolate into a small mug. The mug will provide sufficient depth for easy dipping.

10. Using a toothpick, pierce a peanut butter ball. Dip the ball into the melted chocolate, immersing it until it’s about halfway up the candy, leaving a portion of the peanut butter exposed at the top. Alternatively, you could place the ball onto a fork and dip it into the chocolate.

11. Place the dipped buckeye balls onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

12. Once all the buckeye candies have been dipped, place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least one to two hours, or until the chocolate has completely set.

13. Serve the buckeye candies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!

14. Because you likely won’t eat all of these immediately, store the leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, remember that they are best served without a chill, as the peanut butter flavor comes through more prominently at room temperature.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an even smoother texture, soak the dried chickpeas overnight before cooking them. This will soften them, making them easier to process.
• If you don’t have powdered peanut butter, almond flour or oat flour work as a good substitute.
• If your chocolate seizes while melting, try stirring in a teaspoon of boiling water. This can sometimes bring it back to a smooth consistency.
• To make the dipping process easier, use a double boiler to keep the chocolate melted and smooth for an extended period.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate! Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips can add a unique twist to your buckeyes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These buckeye candies are best served at room temperature, allowing the peanut butter flavor to fully bloom. Arrange them artfully on a platter for parties, or simply enjoy them straight from the fridge (after letting them warm up a bit!). Store leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving. They can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated values per serving, based on 40 servings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	163 kcal	8%
Total Fat	9.5g	14%
Saturated Fat	3.5g	18%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	96mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2.4g	9%
Sugars	11g	22%
Protein	4g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) for the peanut butter.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
• Chocolate Variety: Use different types of non-dairy chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet, milk chocolate style, or even white chocolate style.
• Flavor Extracts: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the chocolate for a festive holiday twist.
• Toppings: Sprinkle the dipped candies with chopped nuts, sea salt flakes, or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peanut butter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that if you use a substitute for the powdered peanut butter, that substitute is certified gluten-free, like almond flour or oat flour.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular peanut butter instead of natural-style peanut butter?
A: Yes, but be aware that the texture and sweetness of the candies may be affected. Regular peanut butter often contains added sugars and stabilizers.

Q: Why do I need to chill the peanut butter mixture?
A: Chilling allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. It also helps the flavors to meld together.

Q: Can I use a different type of bean?
A: While chickpeas work best for this recipe due to their mild flavor and creamy texture when processed, you could experiment with other beans. However, the taste may be noticeably different.

Q: What if my chocolate is too thick for dipping?
A: Add a small amount (½ teaspoon at a time) of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate and stir until it reaches a smoother consistency.

Q: How long will these candies last?
A: Stored properly in the refrigerator, these buckeye candies will last for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These vegan peanut butter chocolate buckeye candies are a delightful and surprisingly healthy treat. Don’t be intimidated by the secret ingredient – the chickpeas add a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor that you won’t believe. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, experiment with different variations, and share your creations with friends and family. These buckeyes are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings any time of year, and they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household!