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    Home » Meals » Dessert

    Vegan Buckeyes

    Published Jun 24, 2021 · Updated Dec 13, 2021 · Leave a Comment

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Vegan Buckeyes are the nutty, crispy sweet treat you love, made dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free!

    three vegan buckeye cookies on a kitchen countertop.
    Jump to:
    • How-To Video
    • Ingredients
    • Are Rice Krispies Vegan?
    • Substitutions & Swaps
    • Storage
    • Recipe

    My family can't get enough peanut butter. And of course, buckeyes are a favorite cookie. But they're usually made with dairy.

    That's why I wanted to make a totally vegan version of buckeyes. They're even more peanutty, with dairy-free dark chocolate and crispy rice cereal for plenty of crunch.

    This is a perfect kid-friendly, make-ahead treat to bring to picnics, BBQs, and parties all summer long.

    How-To Video


    ingredients for vegan buckeyes in bowls on a countertop

    Ingredients

    The ingredient list for vegan buckeyes are short and sweet. And so is making them! You don't need any special equipment, just a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon. To dip the cookies in melted chocolate, toothpicks make it easy and mess-free.

    • Peanut butter. Choose creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture in your cookies.
    • Vegan butter. I use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks for easy measuring. Plus, they're nice and soft to mix.
    • Powdered sugar. Choose organic sugar to ensure it's vegan.
    • Dark chocolate chips. Make sure they're dairy-free!
    • Vanilla. For a hint of warming vanilla flavor.
    • Crispy rice cereal. Aka Rice Krispies - more on that below.
    collage of the steps to make buckeye cookies with peanut butter, rice krispies and melted dark chocolate

    Are Rice Krispies Vegan?

    There is some controversy and confusion about whether or not crispy rice cereals are vegan. That's because Rice Krispies and other cereals are fortified with vitamin D3.

    Vitamin D3 can be either derived from animals or plants. Unfortunately, no one requires companies to say where their vitamin D is from. Some vegans are ok eating cereals, and others choose not to. If you're worried, find a brand of cereal with the vegan label, such as Nature's Path.

    baking sheet of unbaked vegan buckeye cookies dipped in melted dark chocolate with toothpicks in them

    Substitutions & Swaps

    • Peanut-free buckeyes can be made with almond butter.
    • Nut-free buckeyes. Use sunflower seed butter!
    plate of vegan buckeye cookies covered in chocoalte

    Storage

    Store your buckeyes in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star review below!

    Recipe

    Vegan Buckeyes

    Karissa Besaw
    Vegan buckeyes (a.k.a. chocolate-covered peanut butter balls) are a sweet no-bake dessert to enjoy for special occasions...or whenever!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 40 buckeyes
    Calories 173 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup vegan butter softened
    • 2 cups peanut butter
    • 1½ cup crispy rice cereal
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 cups vegan chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter and peanut butter. Then mix in the rice cereal, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
    • Roll into balls (I use a tablespoon-worth for each buckeye.) Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spear the top of each ball with a toothpick.
    • Chill in the freezer until hardened (about 20 minutes.)
    • Using the double boiler method, melt the chocolate chips.
    • While holding the toothpick, dip each buckeye in the melted chocolate until well-coated and let the excess drip off. To maintain the true "buckeye" appearance, leave a bare circle without chocoalte on top. Place back on the baking sheet and remove the toothpick.
    • Let the chocolate set in the fridge before eating or storing. Optional: To cover the toothpick hole smooth it over with a small spoon or your finger.

    Notes

    • Recipe makes about 40-45 buckeyes

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 78mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 108IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Vegan Dessert Recipes

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    About Karissa

    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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