Healthy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls: An Easy No-Bake Recipe
These decadent yet healthy chocolate covered peanut butter balls are crafted from real, wholesome ingredients. With only 6 simple components, they offer an incredibly easy and satisfying no-bake dessert that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, is bound to adore!
The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is universally beloved – a match made in culinary heaven! This recipe takes that classic, irresistible pairing and elevates it into bite-sized, no-bake delights. What makes these treats truly special is not just their incredible flavor, but also their commitment to better-for-you ingredients. Say goodbye to guilt and hello to a wholesome indulgence that satisfies your sweet cravings without compromise.
Looking for more delicious and healthy dessert ideas? Explore some of my other favorite recipes:
- Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark
- Healthier Scotcheroos
- Chocolate Covered Cashews
- Almond Flour Biscotti
- Coconut Flour Oatmeal Cookies
Why You’ll Adore These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
These aren’t just any peanut butter balls; they’re a healthier, more mindful take on a classic. Here are compelling reasons why these chocolate covered peanut butter balls will become your new favorite treat:
- Low in Added Sugar: Unlike many conventional desserts laden with refined sugars, this recipe uses a minimal amount of natural sweetener. This makes them a smart and delicious choice when a sugar craving strikes, helping you stay on track with a healthier eating plan.
- The Ultimate Flavor Duo: There’s a reason why chocolate and peanut butter remain an unbeatable combination. These bite-sized treats perfectly balance the rich sweetness of chocolate with the nutty, savory notes of peanut butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s truly addictive. Just like my popular Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, they deliver on that classic taste you crave.
- Wholesome, Simple Ingredients: This recipe champions “clean eating” by featuring natural peanut butter, fine almond flour, and unrefined coconut sugar. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its quality and nutritional benefits, ensuring you’re fueling your body with goodness.
- Dietary-Friendly: Catering to various dietary needs, these peanut butter balls are naturally gluten-free and vegan. They’re also free from refined sugars, making them suitable for those avoiding processed ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing: These treats are ideal for making ahead. They store wonderfully in the refrigerator for quick snacks and can be frozen for longer-term enjoyment, ensuring you always have a healthy option on hand when hunger strikes.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Important Ingredient Notes for Best Results
Choosing the right ingredients is key to the success and health benefits of this recipe. Here’s what you need to know:
ALMOND FLOUR: It’s crucial to use almond flour, not almond meal. Almond flour is much more finely ground, resulting in a smoother, more consistent dough for the balls. Almond meal, being coarser, can make the texture gritty and affect how well the dough binds together.
DAIRY-FREE DARK CHOCOLATE: For the best flavor and a truly clean treat, I highly recommend using Hu Chocolate Gems. They are exceptionally low in sugar, dairy-free, and completely free of refined sugars. However, any high-quality dairy-free dark chocolate chips or a chopped dark chocolate bar (ensure it has minimal ingredients) will work wonderfully. The higher the cacao percentage, the richer and less sweet your chocolate coating will be.
NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER: The “natural” part here is non-negotiable. Look for peanut butter where the only ingredient is peanuts, or at most, peanuts and salt. Avoid brands with added oils (like palm oil) or sugars, as these alter the texture of the dough significantly and detract from the recipe’s wholesome profile.
Prioritizing Clean Ingredients: My Recommendations
For those committed to eating as cleanly as possible, here are specific considerations for sourcing the ingredients in this recipe. While these recommendations enhance the “clean” aspect, rest assured that the recipe will still be delicious if you opt for conventional alternatives.
ALMOND FLOUR: Conventional almonds are frequently treated with concerning chemicals like propylene oxide (PPO) and glyphosate during processing. To avoid these, I strongly recommend purchasing organic almond flour whenever possible. While organic options can be pricier, the peace of mind is often worth it. My go-to brands include both Organic Almond Flour and a High-Quality Regular Almond Flour, depending on availability and budget.
PEANUT BUTTER: Peanuts are unfortunately among the most heavily sprayed crops globally. To minimize exposure to pesticides, especially glyphosate, always opt for organic peanut butter. Beyond organic certification, always check the ingredient label: it should ideally list only “peanuts” or “peanuts and salt.” Costco often carries an excellent and affordable organic peanut butter. Alternatively, Once Again brand offers a fantastic organic option.
CHOCOLATE: When selecting chocolate, prioritize simplicity. Look for brands with a minimal ingredient list, typically containing only chocolate liquor (or cocoa mass/powder), cocoa butter, and cane sugar (and possibly vanilla). While many still contain some form of sugar, focusing on these core ingredients helps ensure a cleaner product. My preferred choices for clean, dairy-free dark chocolate chips include Equal Exchange Organic Bittersweet, Hu Chocolate Gems, and Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Chips (85% Cacao).
Crafting Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a fun afternoon in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delightful peanut butter balls:
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, almond flour, and coconut sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you achieve a thick, cookie dough-like consistency. Sometimes, it’s easiest and most effective to use your hands to really get in there and combine everything evenly. Once mixed, place the dough into the freezer for approximately 10 minutes to chill. This crucial step stiffens the dough, making it much easier to roll into perfect balls.
Step 2: Roll and Chill the Balls. Remove the chilled dough from the freezer. Using about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball, roll the mixture into smooth, uniform spheres. Place these individual balls onto a cookie sheet or baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Once all balls are formed, return the pan to the freezer for an additional 20 minutes. This second chilling period is vital as it helps the peanut butter balls maintain their perfectly round shape when they are later dipped into the warm, melted chocolate.
Step 3: Dip in Melted Chocolate. While your peanut butter balls are getting their final chill, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your dairy-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 45 seconds, then stir well. Continue melting in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Once the peanut butter balls are sufficiently chilled, remove them from the freezer. Using a spoon or a dipping fork, carefully roll each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. To remove any excess chocolate, gently slide the coated ball up the side of the bowl, allowing the extra chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Then, place each perfectly coated ball back onto your prepared parchment-lined pan.
Step 4: Drizzle and Sprinkle with Sea Salt. Once the initial chocolate coating on your peanut butter balls has begun to set (it doesn’t need to be completely hard), take any remaining melted chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the top of each ball. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal. Immediately after drizzling, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over each ball. This is crucial for the salt to adhere to the chocolate before it hardens, creating that irresistible sweet and salty contrast.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy! Place your finished chocolate covered peanut butter balls back into the refrigerator or freezer to fully set. Once the chocolate is firm, these delightful treats are ready to be savored! Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
These treats are best stored in an airtight container in either the refrigerator or the freezer. Keeping them chilled is essential for maintaining the firm texture of the peanut butter dough and preventing the chocolate from melting. Personally, I find they taste even more delicious when enjoyed cold!
In the Fridge: Stored in an airtight container, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container. These healthy no-bake dessert balls will keep well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prepping or unexpected cravings.
I highly recommend against using regular table salt. Its fine texture and different mineral composition won’t provide the same flavor or visual appeal. For the best taste and a delightful textural contrast, stick to fine or coarse sea salt. The larger crystals of sea salt offer bursts of flavor that table salt simply can’t match.
If you desire perfectly round and aesthetically pleasing peanut butter balls, then yes, this step is highly recommended. Freezing helps the dough firm up significantly, allowing it to hold its shape when it comes into contact with the warm melted chocolate. While you could technically skip this step, your balls might not be as uniform or as pretty, and could potentially crumble or deform during dipping.
Yes, you absolutely can! Almond butter or cashew butter are excellent alternatives for variations. Just ensure they are natural, unsweetened, and contain no added oils, as the consistency of natural nut butters is crucial for the dough to form correctly. You might need to adjust the amount of almond flour slightly depending on the runniness of the nut butter you choose.
The consistency of natural peanut butter can vary, which might affect your dough.
If your dough is too sticky: Add an extra tablespoon of almond flour at a time and mix until it reaches a manageable, non-sticky consistency.
If your dough is too crumbly: Add a teaspoon of extra peanut butter or a tiny bit of coconut oil (melted) and mix until it comes together. A good dough should hold its shape when pressed.
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Ball Perfection
- Reshape After Chilling: The peanut butter balls might develop a slightly flat side from resting in the freezer. Before dipping them in chocolate, quickly roll them between your palms to reshape them into perfect spheres. This ensures a beautifully round final product.
- Dripping Off Excess Chocolate: After coating each peanut butter ball, use the spoon or dipping tool to gently slide the ball up the side of the melted chocolate bowl. This allows any excess chocolate to drip off, preventing puddles of chocolate at the base of your balls on the parchment paper and ensuring a thinner, more elegant coating.
- Get Festive: For a celebratory twist, especially during holidays, replace the sea salt with colorful sprinkles! This is a fantastic way to customize your treats for any occasion, from birthdays to festive gatherings.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your peanut butter dough balls are very cold when dipping them into the melted chocolate. The contrast in temperature helps the chocolate set quickly and prevents the peanut butter from softening too much and losing its shape.
- Double the Batch: These chocolate peanut butter balls are incredibly popular and disappear quickly! Consider doubling the recipe to have an extra stash in the freezer. They’re perfect for unexpected guests or when you need a healthy sweet treat on short notice.
More Delightful No-Bake Recipes You’ll Love!
If you enjoyed making these no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls, you’re in for a treat with these other easy, healthy, and delicious no-bake options:
- No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Carrot Cake Energy Balls
- Vegan Chocolate Turtle Recipe
If you make this Healthy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or a comment below. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these delicious treats. And don’t forget to share a photo of your creations on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama! I love seeing your beautiful results.
Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara
Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
These chocolate covered peanut butter balls are made from real, wholesome ingredients. Made with only 6 ingredients, they are an easy and healthy no-bake dessert that everyone will love!
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free
Chill Time (Dough): 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Author: Sara
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Dough
For the Chocolate Coating
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, almond flour, and coconut sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a thick, cookie dough-like consistency.
- Place the dough in the freezer for 10 minutes. This chilling step is essential as it makes the dough much easier to handle and roll into balls.
- Once the dough has chilled, take it out and begin forming the balls. Using about 1 tablespoon of dough for each, roll into individual spheres and place them on a baking pan or dish lined with parchment paper. After all balls are rolled, return the pan to the freezer for another 20 minutes. This second chill helps them hold their shape when dipped in warm chocolate.
- Just before the dough balls are finished chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dairy-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 45 seconds, then stir well. Continue heating in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Remove the chilled dough balls from the freezer. Using a spoon or a dipping fork, roll each ball in the melted chocolate until it’s fully coated. Gently slide the ball up the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the chocolate-covered balls back onto your parchment-lined pan.
- After all balls have been coated and the chocolate has started to set, take any remaining melted chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the top of each ball. Immediately sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the drizzled chocolate, ensuring it adheres before the chocolate hardens completely.
- Store the finished chocolate peanut butter balls in the refrigerator or freezer until firm, then enjoy your delightful homemade treats!
Notes
- This recipe is specifically developed for natural peanut butter, meaning the ingredient list should ideally contain only peanuts, or peanuts and salt. Peanut butters with added oils or sugars have a different consistency that can affect the dough, and they aren’t considered “clean” ingredients.
- The exact amount of almond flour needed may vary slightly. Natural peanut butters differ in their natural oil content. Begin with ½ cup of almond flour as specified, and if the dough feels too sticky, add an additional 2-3 tablespoons as needed until it reaches a firm, dough-like consistency that’s easy to roll.
- While the recipe calls for dairy-free dark chocolate (both semi-sweet and bittersweet work well), if you do not follow a dairy-free diet or prefer milk chocolate, you can certainly use it. If using milk chocolate, you can generally omit the coconut oil as milk chocolate tends to melt more smoothly on its own.
- For a better chocolate-to-peanut-butter ratio and to yield more balls (approximately 14-16), I like to use slightly less than 1 tablespoon of dough per ball. If you use a full tablespoon of dough for each, you will typically get around 12 balls.
Nutrition
Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!
Mention @CleanPlateMama or tag #CleanPlateMama!