Lightened Up Pumpkin Buckeyes

Lightened Up Pumpkin Buckeyes are a deliciously healthier version of the classic peanut butter and chocolate treat. Make sure you save this one and share at all your holiday parties!

Y’ALL. I have had the baking bug like you would not believe, which is difficult because I don’t keep granulated sugar or white flour in my house on the regular. Literally the moment the weather cooled down I started pulling out my baking pans and the on-hand ingredients I DO have and got to work trying to figure out healthier or lower-carb versions of the treat we love.

 

I have a couple people every week reach out via Instagram and ask me if we are a low-carb family, and the answer is this: most of the time. Over the past few years I’ve realized that in order for me to be able to stay on a lower carb eating plan (where I feel the best), I do have to have some leeway with treats from time to time. I think it’s that flexibility that allows me to make healthier choices most of the time, which helps me to extend grace and actually enjoy the times when I choose something that’s more of a splurge. It’s taken time to get to this point, and lots of practice, but it feels like the best way to manage my health through food choices at this point!

 

So WHOA that got kind of heavy and non-fun up there! The reality is this: these lightened up pumpkin buckeyes are super yummy and make a great treat option for those of us working to make healthier choices this holiday season. They’re super simple, and I pretty much have these ingredients on hand all the time so it’s easy to whip up a batch whenever I need to! Impromptu company? Got it. Playdate reschedule for our house? It’s cool. Just have a hankering for something sweet at the end of the day? These are perfect!

 

I want to make a little disclaimer here: because these have a little pumpkin spice flair they won’t taste exactly like a traditional buckeye. I don’t want anyone making these and leaving an angry comment that they taste like pumpkin spice because guess what? They have pumpkin and pumpkin spice in them…so that’s what will help determine the flavor profile. What I can promise is that they are totally delicious and something you’ll want to make time and time again…so do that. And enjoy!

 

LIGHTENED UP PUMPKIN BUCKEYES

Makes 15-30 buckeyes (depending on the size you want them to be)

Ingredients:

For the creamy center:

• 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons of honey (feel free to sub stevia if you’re looking for something even lower sugar)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (don’t have any? Plain cinnamon can be a good sub)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

For the chocolate shell:

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life, but if you’re wanting sugar free then Lily’s is a good choice)

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients for the creamy center in a small bowl. It should be easy to whisk together and will start to thicken immediately.
2. Scoop the filling into balls. I like to use a cookie scoop to make sure they’re even. If you want more buckeyes, then cut the cookie scoop balls in half.
3. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
4. Roll the balls into actual balls, then refrigerate until ready to dip in the chocolate.
5. For the chocolate shell, heat the chocolate chips and coconut oil over a double boiler until just melted.
6. Dip the balls into the chocolate, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
7. Once all of the balls have been dipped refrigerate them until the chocolate has completely hardened.
8. Serve cold or cool.
9. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.