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.
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. I made them with both cashew and almond butter, but thought the cashew butter had a smoother texture that was closer to peanut butter. You can use either one though.
These are the perfect sweet treat for Christmas- or anytime! If you love the original than you will love these!
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 cashew butter
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ghee room temperature
- ¼ cup 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 and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
- Prepare a sheet tray by lining it with wax paper and make sure there is room for it in the fridge.
- Once the mixture has chilled, scoop them into heaping 1 tablespoon balls and roll between palms to make smooth. Chill again for 10-20 minutes if needed.
- Melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 10 seconds until smooth.
- 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 cashew 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.
Candace says
These look amazing. Can't wait to try them
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Candace!
Sonja Reitmeier says
I made these using cashew & almond butter and they are soooooo delicious! I also rolled into ball & then flattened like a little cookie, then i put the melted chocolate on top. Let cool & they are the best quick pick me up or i love them in the morning with my green tea.
Thanks for providing such a healthy treat!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Sonja! I'm so glad you like them!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Vanessa- they do! Especially in the fridge they should last for weeks.
Katie says
I followed directions exactly (using cashew butter) but it wouldn’t hold together enough for ball form or to be cut into bars 🙁 disappointing!
Jessica DeMay says
I'm sorry they didn't turn out, Katie! I hope they were still yummy! You could try adding some more almond flour to help thicken the mixture.
Kelly Bebak says
These sound fabulous and I'm going to make them for our annual cookie exchange... several people who bake and need Gluten Free and I'm now on Paleo plan. QUES: curious if you figured out how many carbs per ball/bar? would love to know for me! Super thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Kelly! I think everyone will love them! I don't calculate nutrition facts for my recipes, but you can use a site like My Fitness Pal to help you calculate it. Hope you try them!
Amy @ These Wild Acres says
I'm so obsessed with cashew butter at the moment... so making these is a top priority!
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome, Amy! I hope you love them!
Kelly Bejelly says
Christmas gifts of food from friends and neighbors are always the best. I love that you have taken the time from your childhood to Paleoify old recipes. Now you can carry on those traditions with your family in a healthier way. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica DeMay says
Yes, they are! I actually gave my neighbor a tin of these (we didn't need two batches!) and I didn't think about it until now. Hopefully he enjoyed them 🙂
Taesha says
I love that there are two different ways to make them. And such minimal ingredients! I love when real food is also simple!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Taesha!
Katja says
Oh, my! I think I need to make these. I love that you did both balls and bars. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Katja!
Real Food with Dana says
Holy wow these look delectable! Love that you did both the buckeye balls and bars - I'm there with you, my least favorite part about cookie making (or truffle-type treats like these) is rolling them in chocolate, or forming them into little balls! Will definitely be making the bar version, can't wait to try them out!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Dana! Yes- the bars are the best 🙂