No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Try Our Sweet No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Today

Crafting delightful no-bake peanut butter balls brings pure joy to snack time.

Sweet treats like these always spark excitement in the kitchen.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly for a creamy, irresistible bite-sized delight.

Chocolate chips add an extra layer of decadence to these simple confections.

Chilling helps these little spheres develop incredible texture and rich flavor.

Kids and adults alike will find themselves reaching for seconds of these protein-packed morsels.

Let’s whip up a batch that promises to become your new favorite quick dessert.

Why No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Are a Quick Treat

  • Satisfy Sweet Cravings: No-bake peanut butter balls deliver a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate without turning on the oven, making them a perfect treat for sudden dessert desires.
  • Quick Family Snack: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean kids can join in, creating fun memories while preparing a delicious treat that everyone will love and enjoy together.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bite-sized treats work wonderfully for potlucks, parties, and gatherings, offering a portable and shareable dessert that appeals to both children and adults with their irresistible chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment by rolling balls in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or drizzling different chocolate types, allowing personal creativity and making each batch unique to your taste preferences.

Ingredients for No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

For the Base:
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: A smooth and rich foundation that provides the signature flavor and texture of the no-bake balls.
  • Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet and aromatic profile.
For the Sweetener:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet consistency and helps the mixture hold its shape.
For the Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides a delicious chocolate coating that adds a layer of indulgence to the peanut butter balls.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Easily

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Peanut Butter Base

Mix together in a large bowl:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Softened butter
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and completely combined.

Step 2: Fold In Sweet Powdery Magic

Gradually add powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture.

Stir continuously until the ingredients form a thick, moldable dough that holds its shape perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Bite-Sized Spheres

Use your hands to roll the mixture into small, uniform balls.

Gently place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching each other.

Step 4: Prepare Luxurious Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session to prevent burning. Continue until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Dunk and Decorate

Carefully dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift and tap off excess chocolate, creating a thin, even coating.

Return the chocolate-covered treats to the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator.

Allow the chocolate-covered balls to firm up for approximately 15-20 minutes until the chocolate becomes completely solid and shiny.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the finished treats to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, though they’ll likely be devoured much sooner!

Tips for Perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and easier blending of peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
  • Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and help maintain ball shape.
  • Experiment with different chocolate coatings like dark, milk, or white chocolate for variety in flavor and appearance.
  • Keep peanut butter balls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or gift-giving.
  • For gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the chocolate chips and powdered sugar.

Fun Variations on No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

  • Almond Butter Bliss: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty alternative with less saturated fat.
  • Vegan Chocolate Coconut Balls: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut sugar for a plant-based version.
  • Protein Power Balls: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost nutritional content and create a post-workout snack.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Treats: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free chocolate for those with wheat sensitivities.

Pairing Ideas with Peanut Butter Balls

  • Pair Chocolatey Delights with Complementary Beverages: Rich, dark roast coffee perfectly balances the sweet peanut butter balls with its robust, bitter notes.
  • Enhance Flavor Contrast: Crisp, cold milk creates a classic childhood-inspired combo that smooths out the chocolate's intensity and highlights the creamy peanut butter texture.
  • Match Sweet Indulgence with Dessert Wine: Moscato d'Asti offers a light, sparkling sweetness that elegantly complements the rich chocolate and nutty undertones of the peanut butter balls.
  • Create Cocktail Companion: Creamy chocolate martini echoes the dessert's decadent profile, blending seamlessly with the peanut butter's smooth, velvety character.

Storing No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Safely

Place peanut butter balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 1 week.

Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Remove desired number of balls from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. No need to microwave or reheat.

Bring refrigerated or frozen balls to room temperature for best texture and flavor, allowing chocolate coating to soften slightly.

FAQs

  • Are these peanut butter balls healthy?

While delicious, they are a treat high in sugar and calories. They contain protein from peanut butter but should be enjoyed in moderation as a dessert.

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works perfectly and adds extra texture to the balls. Just ensure it’s well mixed with other ingredients.

  • How long can I keep these peanut butter balls?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic kitchen tools like a spoon and microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate.

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible no-bake peanut butter balls dance with sweet chocolate and creamy goodness, offering a quick dessert that delights chocolate and peanut butter fans. Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this treat perfect for quick cravings and casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Coating/Binding Ingredients:

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

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Blend peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a creamy, uniform consistency.
  2. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to create a moldable dough that holds its shape.
  3. Using clean hands, roll the mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, placing them carefully on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Prepare a microwave-safe bowl and melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating cycle until smooth and glossy.
  5. Carefully immerse each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to ensure complete and even coating.
  6. Gently transfer the chocolate-covered balls back to the parchment-lined tray, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  7. Refrigerate for approximately 15-20 minutes at 40°F until the chocolate hardens and creates a crisp shell around the peanut butter centers.
  8. Once set, remove from refrigerator and serve chilled, storing any remaining treats in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

  • Prevent sticky hands by lightly coating your palms with cooking spray or butter when rolling the peanut butter mixture into balls.
  • Customize the recipe by using dark, milk, or white chocolate for coating to suit different taste preferences.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the powdered sugar and chocolate chips.
  • Create a protein-packed snack by adding a scoop of protein powder to the peanut butter mixture for an extra nutritional boost.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 236
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 57 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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