Make this irresistible Buckeye Bites recipe in 30 minutes!
Are you ready to indulge in a delectable dessert that will leave you wanting more? Look no further than these Buckeye Bites! As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can attest that these treats will be the hit of any gathering.
Inspired by the traditional Ohio Buckeye Candy, these Buckeye Bites recipe are an irresistible twist on the classic treat. A creamy peanut butter filling is enrobed in rich chocolate, leaving your taste buds craving another bite.
These bites are an easy, no-bake treat that will add a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just want a perfect dessert for dinner, these Buckeye Bites are the sweet solution you’ve been searching for.
So, grab your ingredients and let’s build a new tradition with our own version of Buckeye Balls recipe that is sure to be loved by everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in need of a dessert for your upcoming party or potluck but tired of the same old brownie bites and candy assortments? Look no further than my Buckeye Bites recipe! These small chocolate peanut butter balls may seem unassuming, but are packed with rich flavor that will keep your guests coming back for more.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With only eight ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these buckeye bites in no time. Plus, they require no baking so you can spend time on other aspects of preparing for your party or potluck.
But what really sets these Buckeye Bites apart from other desserts is their unique flavor and texture profile. The creamy peanut butter filling is perfectly balanced by the semi-sweet chocolate coating, making them both sweet and savory. And the soft yet firm texture makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
Additionally, this recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to substitute with different nut butters or even add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and variety. You could also try using different types of chocolate chips for the coating, like white chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer flavor twist.
Lastly, these Buckeye Bites are the perfect dessert to bring to any occasion – from dinner parties to neighborhood potlucks, they will surely be a crowd-pleaser. And with their small size, they are easy to grab and munch on throughout the night as guests socialize and mingle.
So why settle for boring desserts when you can impress your guests with these delicious Buckeye Bites? Try out my recipe today and prepare to become the hit of any party or gathering.
Ingredient List
Gather together all of the following ingredients to make the delicious Buckeye Bites:
- Butter: You’ll need 2 cups of butter softened, unsalted preferred.
- Creamy peanut butter: Use 2 cups of creamy peanut butter. I recommend using smooth peanut butter for best results.
- Powdered sugar: Use 6 cups of powdered sugar, sifted. This will help ensure there are no lumps in your mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Use 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla in the Buckeye Bites is irresistible.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Use 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (optional), for dusting over the finished balls/roses.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the chocolate coating you’ll need 4 cups (8 ounces/226 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips. I use Propello Life Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups that melt evenly and are luxurious.
Aside from these basic ingredients, make sure you also have the appropriate kitchen tools such a large mixing bowl and a hand-held electric mixer or stand mixer. Remember these bites are no bake, but some patience will be important as you chill them.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. Let’s make some Buckeye Bites!
Step 1: Make the Buckeye Balls
First, let’s make the Buckeye Balls. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature) and 1 1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually add in 3 cups of powdered sugar, stirring after each addition. The dough should be thick but still pliable. Roll into small balls, about 1-2 teaspoons each depending on size preference.
Set aside the buckeye balls while you prepare the chocolate coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter in 30 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter together over low heat on the stove top.
Step 3: Assemble the Buckeye Bites
Using a toothpick or fork, dip each buckeye ball into the melted chocolate mixture to fully coat. Tap off any excess chocolate and place on a sheet of parchment paper to set.
Step 4: Decorate (optional)
Once all your Buckeye Bites have been coated in chocolate and have hardened slightly, use an icing bag or spoon to drizzle melted peanut butter over the top for decoration.
Step 5: Serving
Serve these delicious bites at your next party or gathering! Present them in a bowl or on a platter and watch as they disappear quickly.
Enjoy your homemade Buckeye Bites, perfect for dessert parties, potlucks or just as a sweet snack!
Don’t forget to check out our tips section for substitutions and variations as well as advice on making ahead and storing these tasty treats.
Substitutions and Variations
Buckeye bites are a classic sweet treat that can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations that you can use to put your own spin on this recipe.
1. Nut-free option: If you or someone in your party has a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with an alternative spread such as sunflower seed butter, soy butter, or pumpkin seed butter. You can also try using cookie butter, which is made from speculoos cookies and has a similar texture to peanut butter.
2. Chocolate variations: While the original recipe calls for a simple chocolate coating made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can switch things up by using dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate instead. You could even mix two different types of chocolate together for a unique flavor.
3. Healthy makeover: If you’re looking to make a healthier version of buckeye bites, you can try swapping out some of the ingredients. Use powdered peanut butter instead of traditional peanut butter to reduce the fat content. You can also use honey instead of confectioners’ sugar for a more natural sweetener.
4. No-bake option: If you don’t want to turn on your oven or don’t have one available, you can make this buckeye bites recipe without baking it. Instead of making buckeye balls and baking them, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, shape them into balls, and then freeze them until they’re firm.
5. Flavor additions: For an extra flavor kick, most recipes allow for additional optional add-ins like chopped pecans or almond slivers, oatmeal for added flavor and crunchiness, drizzle of caramel sauce on top or even crushed graham cracker crumbs in the filling mixture.
With these suggestions and ideas in mind, you have endless possibilities when it comes to making buckeye bites perfect for any occasion or parties!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Buckeye Bites are ready, you may be wondering what drinks and side dishes to pair them with for a perfect tasting experience.
These delicious bites go great with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. The sweetness and creaminess of the Buckeye bites complement the boldness of coffee and milk’s refreshment, resulting in a nicely balanced taste. Another perfect pairing would be chocolate milk or hot chocolate for those who have a sweet tooth.
If you want to get fancy, try serving your Buckeye Bites with some vanilla ice cream to create an irresistible dessert platter. The coolness of the ice cream along with the warmth of the Buckeye Bites will be an excellent combo for those wanting to indulge in something sweet but nuanced.
You can also enjoy these treats as an appetizer before dinner by accompanying them with a salty snack like pretzels or crackers.
For party hosting, these Buckeye Bites are easy finger food that is sure to impress your guests at dessert parties or potlucks. You can also serve them on top of brownies to make indulgent buckeye brownie bites that everyone will love.
In conclusion, the Buckeye Bites recipe is a versatile dessert option that can be paired with various drinks and snacks, making it suitable for any time of day or occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Buckeye Bites are incredibly easy to make ahead of time, which makes them an ideal treat for hosting dessert parties, potlucks, or even dinner parties. In fact, making them ahead can help the flavors meld together and create an even more delicious taste profile.
To prepare these bites in advance, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage times, place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to thaw.
To reheat your buckeye bites, I would recommend avoiding the microwave as this can cause the chocolate to melt and lose its shape. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 5-7 minutes. Your buckeye bites will be warm and gooey once again.
It’s important to note that these bites should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods of time as they can get stale and lose their chewiness. Store your Buckeye Bites in a cool dry area away from heat sources such as direct sunlight and stoves or ovens.
If you want to make fresh batches of buckeye bites during your party or gathering there is no need to worry as they are a no-bake recipe which makes it easy and convenient for you.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Buckeye Bites, the smallest mistake can ruin the whole batch. That’s why I’ve gathered some tips to improve your chances of success and guarantee a mouth-watering dessert that will leave your guests begging for more.
Firstly, make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients might cause the mixture to be lumpy or curdled, which changes the consistency of the Buckeye Bites batter. Therefore, allow your butter and peanut butter to come to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan on making the recipe.
Additionally, mix the ingredients in the correct order. Start with mixing your peanut butter and softened butter until they’re light and fluffy. Then add in your vanilla extract followed by powdered sugar in small additions while mixing continuously on a low-speed setting. This step will ensure that every ingredient is properly emulsified with no lumps remaining.
Another trick to making perfect Buckeye Bites is chilling the mixture before shaping it into balls. Chill it for at least 30 minutes or until it’s firm enough to hold its shape. Once you take it out of the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, so it softens slightly and can be easily scooped up with a tablespoon.
Finally, use good-quality chocolate for dipping. Use semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers from trusted brands as they will melt well and provide an excellent silky texture when hardened. Make sure the chocolate mixture isn’t too hot when you dip the Buckeye Balls into it as this can result in thin coatings and uneven coverage.
If you follow these tips, your Buckeye Bites should be bite-size pieces of heaven. Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect; every baker experiences mistakes along with their successes. Make some tweaks here and there until you find what works best for you, and soon enough, you’ll have mastered this delicious recipe!
Bottom Line
Buckeye bites are the perfect dessert for any occasion. These delicious treats are easy to make, can be customized to your liking, and are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, potluck, or just need a sweet treat for yourself, buckeye bites are the perfect choice.
So why not try making these delectable chocolate peanut butter balls today? With the help of this recipe, some basic ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy the addictive taste of buckeye bites anytime you want.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with various ingredients and come up with your own unique variations. And always remember to serve your buckeye bites cold for maximum enjoyment.
In conclusion, whether you’re an experienced chef or novice home cook, buckeye bites are the perfect dessert for all occasions. So go ahead and give this recipe a try today; I guarantee it will satisfy your sugar cravings like no other!
Buckeye Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 60 square pretzels
- dipping chocolate (Baker's brand works well)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter and vanilla with a mixer on low. You can easily get sticky things like peanut butter, evaporated milk, etc. out of a measuring cup if you spray it first with non-stick cooking spray like Pam.
- Add the two sugars and mix until combined. Take a small baking sheet or large plate (something that will fit in your freezer) and line with waxed paper or non-stick foil. Lay out your square pretzels (or if you can't find square, the mini traditional knotted pretzels will work too) on the sheet.
- Using a teaspoon measure, scoop up the peanut butter mixture and roll into balls. Place a ball on each pretzel and top with another pretzel, pushing down to form little sandwiches. Place in the freezer to firm up for 30 minutes.
- Melt the dipping chocolate according to the directions and dip each pretzel sandwich halfway. Place on a non-stick sprayed cooling rack to dry, or on a sheet of waxed paper or foil. They will firm up faster if you put them in the refrigerator.
- I have also taken a shortcut when making these by using Reece's Mini Peanut Butter Cups or Rolos for a caramel version, instead of the peanut butter mix, baking for 3-5 minutes at 350 until the chocolate just begins to soften before topping with the second pretzel and pressing to make the sandwiches. Then drizzle with the dipping chocolate before refrigerating to harden - cuts time in half!
- Eat and enjoy!
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!