No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

The Perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Delectable no-bake peanut butter balls dance between sweet indulgence and simple preparation.

These irresistible treats blend creamy peanut butter with just a few pantry staples.

Chocolate chips add a luxurious touch to the classic recipe.

Kids and adults alike go crazy for these no-fuss energy bites that require zero oven time.

Rolling these delightful spheres becomes a fun kitchen activity you can enjoy with loved ones.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and gentle sweetness.

These protein-packed morsels promise to become your new favorite quick dessert.

Why No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Are a Treat

  • Tackle Weeknight Dinners: Conquer busy evenings with this super-quick, one-pan meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty ground beef, this dish guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Save precious time on dishwashing with a single-skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal without creating a mountain of dirty pots and pans.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra veggies, swapping protein, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.

Everything Needed for Easy Peanut Butter Balls

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides the primary flavor and texture for the no-bake balls.
  • Butter: Softened butter helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet and aromatic profile.
Sweetening Agents:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth dough-like consistency and adds sweetness to the peanut butter balls.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate provides a delicious coating that adds a rich and indulgent layer to the peanut butter balls.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parchment Paper: Used for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Steps to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Peanut Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir and mix until the texture becomes silky smooth and perfectly combined.

The mixture should look glossy and have a consistent creamy appearance.

Step 2: Create Dough-Like Consistency

Gradually sprinkle powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture.

Gently fold and mix until the ingredients transform into a moldable dough. The mixture should hold together easily and not feel too sticky or too dry.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Bite-Sized Treats

Use your hands to roll the mixture into small round balls. Each ball should be roughly the size of a ping pong ball.

Carefully place these delectable spheres onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Coating

Select a microwave-safe bowl and add chocolate chips.

Melt the chocolate in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval. Continue until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy with no lumps.

Step 5: Dunk and Coat Peanut Butter Balls

Use a fork or skewer to carefully dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Ensure complete and even coverage, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.

Gently place the chocolate-coated balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator.

Let the chocolate-covered balls cool and solidify for at least 30 minutes. The chocolate should become firm and develop a beautiful glossy finish.

Notes for Perfect No-Bake Treats Every Time

  • Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before rolling to make handling easier and prevent sticking.
  • Use room temperature chocolate and work quickly when dipping to achieve a smooth, even chocolate shell without clumps.
  • Keep these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Replace regular butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet alternative.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to create uniform-sized balls for consistent texture and professional-looking presentation.

Tasty Mix-Ins for Peanut Butter Ball Lovers

  • Almond Butter Bliss: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty alternative, perfect for those seeking a different flavor profile.
  • Vegan Chocolate Delight: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace butter with coconut oil to create a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Treat: Ensure powdered sugar is certified gluten-free for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
  • Protein Power Balls: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture for an extra nutritional boost and workout-friendly snack.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Balls

  • Sip Creamy Espresso Martini: Pair these decadent peanut butter balls with a smooth espresso martini that complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Match Rich Red Wine: Select a full-bodied port or sweet red wine like Zinfandel to enhance the chocolate's depth and balance the peanut butter's creamy sweetness.
  • Create Milk Chocolate Contrast: Serve alongside cold, whole milk or a chocolate milkshake to amplify the dessert's indulgent chocolate notes and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Enjoy with a strong, dark roast coffee or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness and highlight the peanut butter's robust flavor profile.

Keeping No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Fresh

  • Seal peanut butter balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 7 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a delightful treat is always within reach.
  • Transfer frozen peanut butter balls to the refrigerator 2-3 hours before serving. Let them gradually come to a cool, soft consistency for optimal taste.
  • Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before enjoying, allowing the chocolate coating to soften slightly and the flavors to enhance.

FAQs

  • Are these peanut butter balls healthy?

While delicious, they’re a treat high in sugar and calories. Enjoy in moderation as an occasional dessert.

  • Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but you might need to add more powdered sugar to help the mixture hold together since natural peanut butter is often runnier.

  • How long will these keep?

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. They’ll maintain their texture and taste best when chilled.

  • What kind of chocolate works best for coating?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt smoothly. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile.

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible no-bake peanut butter balls deliver a quick, sweet escape from ordinary desserts. Chocolate-drizzled and packed with nutty goodness, these treats promise delightful moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor with every single bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

  • 2 cups (340 grams) chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Instructions

  1. Blend peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until silky and uniform.
  2. Incorporate powdered sugar gradually, stirring until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, moldable dough.
  3. Shape the mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
  4. Arrange the spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  5. Prepare the chocolate coating by microwaving chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until completely liquefied and smooth.
  6. Carefully submerge each peanut butter sphere into the molten chocolate, using a fork or skewer to ensure thorough, even coverage.
  7. Gently return the chocolate-enrobed spheres to the parchment-lined sheet, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens completely and develops a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a healthier version that still delivers rich, creamy flavor.
  • Adjust chocolate coating thickness by using dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Try texture by adding crispy rice cereal or chopped nuts for extra crunch and interesting mouthfeel.
  • Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring they maintain their perfect consistency and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 196
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 46 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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