This buckeye dip combines the flavors of classic buckeye peanut butter balls into an easy, smooth, and creamy dessert dip. Made with cream cheese and mini chocolate chips, it’s perfect for dipping pretzels, graham crackers, apples, or other favorites for parties, holidays, and game day.
Dips don’t have to be savory. This Buckeye Dip captures the beloved peanut butter-and-chocolate combo in a creamy, scoopable form that’s ideal as a dessert appetizer. It’s simple to make, quick to assemble, and a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a family snack.
What is a Buckeye?
Buckeyes, also known as peanut butter balls, are a homemade candy made by combining peanut butter, butter, and vanilla with powdered sugar, shaping the mixture into balls, and dipping them almost completely in chocolate. The candy resembles a horse chestnut, the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, which inspired the name.
This buckeye-inspired dip keeps those familiar flavors but adapts them into a dippable format. If you like buckeye-style desserts, you might also enjoy variations like buckeye cookies, brownies, or peanut butter pretzel bites that use the same winning combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
About This Buckeye Dip
This recipe mirrors the candy’s flavors but uses cream cheese for a silky texture and mini chocolate chips to give chocolate in every bite. Traditional peanut butter balls rely heavily on powdered sugar to hold their shape. For this dip, the goal was to keep it lighter so it’s easy to scoop and pair with graham crackers or fruit without being overly rich.
I used PB2 peanut powder for its concentrated roasted peanut flavor and because the powder reduces the need for extra powdered sugar while still giving a peanut-buttery taste and spreadable texture. Using PB2 keeps the dip balanced in sweetness and texture while providing an option that’s less dense than straight peanut butter.
This dip is versatile—serve it with salted pretzels for a sweet-and-salty contrast, honey or chocolate graham crackers for extra sweetness, or fresh fruit like apple slices or banana. It’s an easy make-ahead option and can be refrigerated until serving; bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
My family loved this buckeye dip—it’s fast to make and disappears quickly. It’s ideal for tailgates, holiday gatherings, after-school snacks, or casual get-togethers. Below is the full recipe and simple instructions so you can make it at home.
Buckeye Dip
Ingredients
- 12 Tbsp (78 g) PB2 peanut powder (¾ cup)
- 6 Tbsp water
- 8 oz (226 g) Neufchatel cream cheese, room temperature (1 brick)
- 8 Tbsp (113 g) butter, room temperature (1 stick)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the PB2 and water together in a large bowl until smooth and combined.
- Add the cream cheese and butter. Use an electric hand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Serve immediately with pretzels, graham crackers, fruit, or other dippers of your choice. If making ahead, refrigerate and bring to room temperature about 20 minutes before serving if desired.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: Store refrigerated. Serve cold or let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for a softer dip.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and intended for reference only.
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