This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StartWithJifPowder #CollectiveBias Here I’m sharing my SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes. At only 93 calories each, you can enjoy a peanut butter and chocolate indulgence with half the calories. Thanks to Jif Peanut Powder. And, I’ve created an 8 page free exercise and diet tracker if you want to join me in meeting new fitness goals. Scroll down to get your free download.
Easy Recipe: SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes
The holidays are over and I’m on a mission to take off a few extra pounds. Cutting calories without sacrificing flavor can be tricky, but today I’m going to share a treat that makes it a bit easier to cut back without feeling deprived. These SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes have fewer calories than traditional Buckeye Balls. I used ingredients packed with protein and fiber and a natural sweetener like honey; but cut down significantly on the fat.
The cacao chips used to coat the balls in chocolate flavor are 60% cocao. Cacao is thought to be the highest source of antioxidants of all foods and it serves as a high source of magnesium. In addition, Jif Peanut Powder has 85% less fat than traditional peanut butters. These SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes are bake free. Melting the chocolate chips is the only cooking required.
A typical Chocolate and Peanut Butter Buckeye will typically add up to 175 calories per ball. These SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes are only 93 calories each. That’s almost half the calories! They’re the perfect energy boost when you’re out running errands and you’re trying to avoid buying a candy bar at the checkout. You can pack a few in a zip lock bag and take them anywhere. They hold up pretty well as long as they’re not exposed to heat.
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SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes
You can see the grainy texture on these SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes and the tiny hole where I used a toothpick to dip them in the melted 60% Cocoa chips. I love how the chocolate and peanut butter flavors compliment each other and make for a satisfying treat!
My kids love chocolate and peanut butter and these SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes are the perfect way to sneak in extra magnesium, vitamin E and iron into their diets. The almond flour contains 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, plus it packs in 15% daily allowance (DA) of magnesium, 6% DA of iron and 25% DA of vitamin E. In just 2 Tablespoons of coconut flour you get an additional 5 grams of fiber and 6% daily allowance of iron. I’ve photographed these SKINNY buckeyes with peanuts and chocolate to highlight their flavor. Peanuts and chocolate chips here not added to the mix that makes the peanut butter ball potion of the buckeye though. If you decide to add some you’ll want to increase your calorie count accordingly.
Ingredients for SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes
- 3 Tablespoons of Jif Peanut Powder
- 1/4 Cup Almond Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
- 3 Tablespoons Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (you can also try melted butter* – just be sure to mix the cream and fat)
- 3 Ounces 60% Cacao Chips (6 level TBS)
You’ll also want parchment paper, toothpicks and a double boiler for this project. If you do not have a double boiler you can try using a pyrex (heat proof) bowl or measuring cup submerged in a pot of water brought to a low boil. Make sure none of the water gets into the pyrex and you can melt your chocolate there. Be very careful to avoid burns and spills.
*Melted butter has 102 calories for one tablespoon compared to 122 calories per tablespoon of coconut oil. I used coconut oil to stay dairy-free, but I think trying this recipe with butter instead of coconut oil would taste even better!
Caloric breakdown of these SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes
For all ingredient measures you need to use level measurements. On some ingredients, even small mis-measurements can add up to big calories.
In case you’re wondering how I came up with 9 1/2 balls, I doubled the recipe and the total mix made 19 SKINNY Buckeyes.
Directions for SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes
For me, it’s easier when I prepare all of the ingredients and set them into prep bowls to make for easy assembly.
Step 1: Melt the Cocoa Chips. You’ll want to melt the cocoa chips in a double boiler on the stove at a medium to medium high heat. Keep an eye and stir frequently to make sure you do not scorch the chocolate. Turn the heat to medium once melted and make sure to keep water in the pot beneath the double boiler. You can also try heating the chips in the microwave at 30 second intervals. Just be sure to check them frequently and stir them throughout the heating process. Once you’ve melted the chocolate, you’ll need a separate bowl to mix your peanut butter ball ingredients.
Step 2: Add the JIF Peanut Powder. Use a larger bowl for the almond milk, and when you’re ready to start combining the ingredients, add the peanut powder to the bowl of almond milk. Stir both with a fork until well mixed.
Step 3: Add the other liquids. Melt the coconut oil and add it to the peanut powder and milk mix. Then add the honey. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Add the flour. Add the coconut flour first and then the almond flour. Stir until everything is combined. You should have a large lump of mix to roll into peanut butter balls.
Step 5: Roll the mix into balls. Grab a large pinch of peanut butter ball mix and roll the pinch into a ball about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. I doubled the recipe above and it made 19 SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes. Roll out all the balls and line them up on parchment paper to get them ready to dip.
Step 6: Dip the balls in chocolate. Insert a toothpick into the top of each ball and gently dip it into the melted chocolate. I recommend dipping them 1/2 to 2/3rds of the way up the side of the ball so you do not run out of chocolate before you’ve coated all the balls. If there is chocolate left over a t the end, you can always dip some of the balls back in again for more chocolate.
Step 7: Dry on parchment paper. Set the buckeyes to dry on parchment paper. They’re ready to eat once the chocolate has cooled and completely set. I also like to remove the toothpicks – but you can keep them in if you like.
These SKINNY Peanut Butter and Chocolate Buckeyes are perfect for days when I’m craving chocolate and peanut butter but not the calories. I love the fact they they’re loaded with protein plus fiber and they provide an energy boost on busy days. This version does not taste exactly the same as regular buckeyes but they are lower in fat and calories. A fair trade I’d say!
Where to find JIF Peanut Powder
You can find everything featured here at Walmart. The Jif Peanut Powder can be found next to the jars of peanut butter. I found the Peanut Powder on the top shelf. Jif™ Peanut Powder has the same amount of nourishing protein as traditional peanut butter, but with 85% less fat. Jif™ Peanut Powder is made from just one ingredient – fresh roasted peanuts – and has no added sugar or salt like competitors.
What are your favorite protein powered snacks?
How do you stay energized throughout the day? Have any protein powered snack ides to share? Please leave a comment below, share a recipe idea, and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers.
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*Caloric intake for a typical buckeye taken from this recipe: https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=838943
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