Almond Butter Buckeye Balls

Andrea Potischman | Mar 26, 2024

Almond butter buckeye balls are one of my latest obsessions. Buckeye balls are a beloved American confection that is easy to make and sure to please just about anyone. These delectable bite-sized balls have been around forever, but are typically made with a combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar, which creates a creamy, rich, and indulgent flavor. I’ve modernized these beloved favorites by swapping out the peanut butter and replacing it with creamy almond butter for a slightly healthier version I can’t seem to get enough of.

Where Buckeye Balls Got Their Name

The origins of Buckeye balls can be traced back to the Buckeye State, Ohio. Buckeye trees, which produce small brown nuts with a tan spot that resembles the eye of a deer, are abundant in the state. The name “Buckeye” was given to Ohioans as a nickname, and thus, the Buckeye ball was born.

There are many variations of Buckeye balls, each with its unique twist. Some recipes add rice cereal or graham cracker crumbs to the nut butter mixture for an added crunch, while others use different types of chocolate to coat the balls. Using almond butter makes buckeye balls a wonderful, easy sweet treat for those with peanut allergies or who simply aren’t peanut butter fans.

Peanut Butter vs. Almond Butter

Blame it on my age. Although I am team peanut butter with many things, these days I gravitate a bit more towards almond butter. One of the main differences between almond butter and peanut butter is their fat content. Almond butter contains more monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

From a healthy fats perspective, peanut butter and almond butter aren’t identical.  They contain different types of healthy fats. Peanut butter is known for its PUFAs, while almond butter is known for its MUFAs. Though both are good for you, PUFAs and MUFAs do different things for your health. MUFAs, in particular, have been getting lots of love from the wellness community recently. According to Women’s Health Magazine, Research suggests they might help support healthy cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Plus, according to the American Heart Association, foods rich in MUFAs also tend to be high in vitamin E, a nutrient most of us don’t get enough of.

Peanut butter, on the other hand, contains more saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess. People also are fearful of peanuts because of aflatoxins, a cancer-causing toxin that can contaminate certain crops, including peanuts. In terms of protein content, both almond butter and peanut butter are good sources. However, almond butter has slightly more protein per serving than peanut butter.

Buckeye balls are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party, summer picnic, or simply an afternoon sweet treat. With their rich flavor and creamy texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Almond Butter Buckeye Balls

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Rate this recipe

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2 ratings

Servings:

24

Serving Size:

2

Prep:

1 hour

Total:

1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups smooth almond butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chip
• sliced almonds, for garnish
• toothpicks, to help with coating

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a kitchen mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, add the almond butter and the butter and blend on high until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and blend.
2. Reduce the speed to low, and slowly add the confectioners' sugar and cinnamon, and mix well to incorporate.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it near your workstation. Using your hands shape the dough into small balls that are about the size of 1 1/2-2 tablespoons in size. Put the balls on the baking sheets in the freezer to firm for about 30 minutes.
4. When the almond butter balls are sufficiently chilled, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
5. Use a toothpick to spear a frozen ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating each about 3/4's of it. Once all of the almond butter balls have been coated place the sheet pan back into the freezer for about 10 minutes until the chocolate has set.
6. To serve, garnish with an almond slice and serve. Store the buckeye balls in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.