Buck Eyes
Buck Eyes are rich, peanut butter and chocolate confections with a creamy interior and a chocolate coating, perfect for sweet tooth gatherings or homemade gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix softened butter, peanut butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer.
- In another bowl, combine powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs.
- By hand, mix the crumb mixture into the creamed mixture until no sugar is visible.
- Roll small amounts of the mixture into balls the size of buckeye nuts and place them on waxed paper on a tray.
- Refrigerate the tray for several hours to firm the balls.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate blocks and paraffin wax, then stir in chocolate chips.
- Pierce each ball with a toothpick and roll in the melted chocolate mixture until just a small portion of the ball is not covered.
- Remove the balls from the chocolate and place them back on waxed paper.
- Refrigerate again until the coating is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, ensure the butter is fully softened before mixing. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts or using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, crushed digestive biscuits can be a great substitute. To achieve a professional finish, use high-quality chocolate for dipping, similar to what you'd use for Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares.
Serving Suggestions
These Buckeyes make a delightful treat for parties and gatherings, offering a sweet and salty flavor that pairs beautifully with lemonade. Serve them on a decorative platter, perhaps alongside a selection of other desserts like Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares or Something Different. For a fun presentation, consider using colorful cupcake liners to elevate their appearance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep them fresh, layer them between sheets of wax paper. If you want to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buck Eyes contains roughly 338 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is traditional, you can substitute almond or cashew butter for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, and ensure the nut butter is smooth for the best results.
What can I use instead of chocolate blocks?
If you don't have chocolate blocks, you can use chocolate chips for dipping. Just melt them in the double boiler as you would the chocolate blocks. For a different flavor, try using white chocolate or dark chocolate chips to coat the Buckeyes.
How do I make these gluten-free?
To make Buckeyes gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or ground oats. Ensure all other ingredients, particularly the chocolate, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).