Buckeye Granola Bites

These peanut butter buckeye granola bites are dipped in dark chocolate to resemble are a healthier version of the popular buckeye candies.

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Today is yet another Buckeye football Saturday and therefore PB+Choc Saturday. I am actually tailgating today, but oddly enough NOT for the Ohio State game. Some friends are in town this weekend for the Tennessee-Florida game and I will be joining them for the adventure!

I have never tailgated at a game where I did not have a sworn allegiance so I’m just along for the ride. Sure my PhD is from Tennessee so I have some sort of allegiance but Ohio State will always be my team.

While I will wear some orange to join in the spirit of the day, I plan to layer some Ohio state gear in there as well since both games are at the same time. With highs barely reaching 60 today (wasn’t it 80 on yesterday?) no one can blame me for layering. Besides, I plan on bringing these granola bites along just in case they need persuasion.

Buckeye granola bites resemble buckeye candies but are healthier (even more so than my healthier buckeyes and not to be confused for my Buckeye granola), made with oats, peanuts, peanut butter dates (or raisins), honey, and dark chocolate. Honey and dates are still sugar, but at least it’s not processed sugar.

• One year ago: Jalapeno Popper Fettucine Alfredo
• Two years ago: Hazelnut Praline Paste
• Three years ago: Pumpkin Danish
  

BUCKEYE GRANOLA BITES

Print

Yield: Approximately 30 Prep Time: 1 Hour Cooking Time: 5 Minutes 5 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup unsalted, roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 oz. dark chocolate, melted

Directions

1. In a food processor, pulse the oats and peanuts together until coarse. Add the raisins (or dates) and pulse until they are chopped up and well blended.
2. Add the peanut butters, flaxseed, honey, and salt. Mix well until a clumpy dough forms that you can easily shape into a ball without it falling apart. If it’s not there yet, add more peanut butter.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll a scant tablespoon of dough (I used a small cookie scoop) into a 1-inch ball and then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
4. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of each and chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
5. When ready, melt the chocolate*. Holding the granola bites by the ends of the toothpicks, dip into melted chocolate leaving a small circle uncovered at the base of the toothpick. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down. Repeat with remaining balls.
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. Remove toothpicks and store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

*Using a double boiler or microwave in internals of 15 seconds, stirring in between.

Source: Adapted from my Peanut Butter and Oat Granola Bites and my Buckeye Candies.

Updated on 9/18/2026. Photo above is the original.