The holidays are all about sweet treats, and this Sunbutter buckeyes recipe is a perfect nut-free variation of this traditional peanut butter classic. Sunbutter is an easy alternative to peanut butter because of its very similar flavor and texture. If you or any of your loved ones have a nut allergy, these are the perfect holiday treat!
Nut-Free Buckeyes
Having a nut allergy usually means getting to enjoy about 10% of normal holiday treats because I swear they’re all made with peanut butter or nuts. I decided to turn one of my favorite holiday treats that I can no longer enjoy into a safe, nut-free alternative for all of my fellow nut allergy people. Enter the nut-free buckeye made with sunflower butter.
To me, sunflower butter smells and tastes just like peanut butter with maybe a hint of sunflower flavor. My family members that can enjoy peanut butter disagree with me, but they did agree that these were just as tasty as the original!
Ingredients needed
To make your own nut-free Sunbutter buckeyes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 16 oz. jar of sunflower butter
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to make Sunbutter buckeyes
- Soften the butter ahead of time at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower butter and softened butter, then mix on low until creamy.
- Add in the powdered sugar and mix again until creamy.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into medium-sized balls and place onto a lined baking sheet.
- Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or a double-boiler.
- Remove the balls from the freezer. Then, using a toothpick, dip the balls into the chocolate covering about 3/4 of the ball. Place them back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
What are Buckeye Balls?
Buckeyes are a popular sweet treat named after the fruit of the Ohio state tree – the Buckeye, which is a dark brown nut with a light brown top. Buckeye balls are traditionally a peanut butter ball that’s dipped in chocolate, leaving just the top uncovered to resemble the buckeye nut.
Do Buckeyes need to be refrigerated?
If using shelf-stable Sunbutter or peanut butter, you do not need to refrigerate the Buckeyes. Store them at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze Buckeye balls?
Yes! You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze for up to three months — thaw before serving.
Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe
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Enjoy these additional nut-free holiday treats!
- Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies – soft shortbread cookies with a gooey caramel center
- Hot Cocoa Sandwich Cookies – soft chocolate crinkle cookies with a marshmallow center
- Red Velvet Cake with Butter Roux Frosting – a holiday classic cake
- Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies – another delicious holiday shortbread cookie
Sunbutter Buckeyes Recipe
Sunbutter Buckeyes Recipe
This Sunbutter buckeyes recipe is an easy nut-free alternative to the traditional peanut butter treat.
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz. jar of sunflower butter
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Soften the butter ahead of time at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower butter and softened butter, then mix on low until creamy.
- Add in the powdered sugar and mix again until creamy.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into medium-sized balls and place onto a lined baking sheet.
- Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or a double-boiler.
- Remove the balls from the freezer. Then, using a toothpick, dip the balls into the chocolate covering about 3/4 of the ball. Place them back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Sunbutter as a safe nut-free alternative to peanut butter
- Nutritional Disclaimer
Jennifer is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Wanderlust and Wellness since 2016. She creates easy, approachable gluten-free recipes for the everyday home cook; because cooking gluten-free doesn’t mean food has to be complicated or tasteless.
I love to find new nut free recipes, your recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never had buckeyes before but this version with sunflower butter sounds delish!
I have never tried buckeyes! I always see recipes for them, and they sound delicious, but it’s something that has always by-passed me. These sound like the perfect little treat for the Holiday season though, will have to give them a go!
These look great! We have a family member with a nut allergy, I will have to pass this on to them.
Saving this recipe! Looks easy and delicious!
I have heard of sunflower butter before, but never tried it myself. I love that you used it to make buckeyes! Such a great nut-free holiday treat. They look delicious!
I can’t wait to try sunflower butter! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I used to eat buckeyes often until I found out I have peanut and tree nut allergies. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Now I can have buckeyes again! Woohoo!
I’ve never heard of these before! Can’t wait to give them a try they look delicious!
First time I hear about those little bites! They looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
These look like perfect little holiday treats. I love sunflower butter…so delicious. Anything covered in chocolate is a winner for sure.
Great idea to make a nut free option!
This is definitely a good Christmas recipe, I should try it for Christmas. Thanks for sharing!
Never tried this recipe before but looks so simple and delicious!
Thanks for sharing!
Wish you a wonderful rest of the week!
Gloria & Emanuele