Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Who doesn’t love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate? These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are not only easy to make, but they’re also incredibly addictive. The smooth, creamy peanut butter center contrasts perfectly with the crunchy, chocolate coating, creating a satisfying texture with every bite. The best part? You don’t need an oven, which makes these treats a quick and simple option when you need something sweet in a pinch. They’re perfect for all ages, and you can easily make them ahead of time for a stress-free treat to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the peanut butter mixture: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir everything together until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be thick but soft enough to roll into balls.
- Shape the balls: Use your hands to roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once you’ve rolled all the balls, place the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
- Prepare the chocolate coating: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil (or coconut oil) over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Coat the peanut butter balls: Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and set: Once all the balls are coated in chocolate, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and hardened.
- Serve: Once the chocolate coating has fully set, your No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 balls
- Total time: 15 minutes of preparation, plus 1 hour to chill
- Active time: 15 minutes
Variations
- White chocolate coating: Instead of semisweet chocolate, try using white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier variation.
- Nutty coating: After dipping the balls in chocolate, roll them in crushed peanuts, crushed pretzels, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan version: Use vegan butter, peanut butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these treats vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the balls. Simply layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer a little extra texture in the center of your peanut butter balls.
Do I need to refrigerate the peanut butter balls?
Yes, refrigerating the balls helps the chocolate set and firms up the peanut butter mixture, giving them a nice texture.
Can I use a different kind of chocolate for the coating?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate depending on your preference.
How can I make these healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can use natural peanut butter (without added sugars or oils), substitute the graham cracker crumbs with oats or almond flour, and use a sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
Can I skip the graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute them with crushed pretzels, rice krispies, or even rolled oats.
Can I freeze these balls before dipping them in chocolate?
Yes, you can freeze the peanut butter balls after shaping them and before dipping them in chocolate. This makes the chocolate coating process easier since the balls won’t soften as quickly.
How long do these peanut butter balls last?
When stored in the refrigerator, they will last up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I make these without butter?
You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or an additional 1/4 cup of peanut butter to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I add something extra to the filling?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or even dried fruit like cranberries to the peanut butter filling for a fun twist.
Can I make these with a chocolate almond butter mixture?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with chocolate almond butter for a different flavor profile. The recipe will work just as well with almond butter.
Conclusion
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a quick, easy, and delicious treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. With their perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate, these sweet bites are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these little balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simplicity and irresistible flavor make them a go-to recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
PrintNo-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, offering a sweet and salty flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
Instructions
Make the peanut butter mixture: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir everything together until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be thick but soft enough to roll into balls.
- Shape the balls: Use your hands to roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once you’ve rolled all the balls, place the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
- Prepare the chocolate coating: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil (or coconut oil) over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Coat the peanut butter balls: Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and set: Once all the balls are coated in chocolate, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and hardened.
- Serve: Once the chocolate coating has fully set, your No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if preferred.
- For a healthier version, replace graham cracker crumbs with oats or almond flour and use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg