Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls (5-ingredients & healthy)

Name: Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls (5-ingredients & healthy)
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups brown rice cakes, broken into crumbs; 1 1/2 cups crunchy (all-natural, unsweetened) peanut butter (if using sweetened, omit the maple syrup); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 Tablespoon maple syrup; 16 ounces 60% dark chocolate chips

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These updated and healthier old fashioned peanut butter balls are delicious crunchy bites of everyone's favorite pairing: peanut butter and chocolate! An easy-to-make, no-bake, gluten-free snack made with just 5 simple ingredients.

old fashioned peanut butter balls arranged in a pyramid shape with three balls cut open.

Peanut butter balls don't need to be just a Christmas candy. In this updated and healthier version, we replace the powdered sugar with a small amount of maple syrup and use all-natural peanut butter.

Because it's high in protein and contains very little added sugar, this recipe makes a great option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, as well as dessert.

I like a little extra crunch in my peanut butter balls, so I've added crisped rice, which makes them taste like a peanut butter Mr. Goodbar!

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⭐️ Why This Recipe Is The Best
🥜 Ingredient Notes
🍫 Variations & Substitutions
🥥 Topping Suggestions
🥄 How To Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls
⏲ Expert Tips
👩🏼‍🍳 Frequently Asked Questions
🍪 Related Recipes
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls (5-ingredients & healthy)

⭐️ Why This Recipe Is The Best

Crunchy, crispy, & creamy
Nutty, salty, sweet, & chocolatey
Just 5 simple ingredients
Protein-rich, low in sugar, and gluten-free
Easy no-bake snack or dessert that's ready in 30 minutes

🥜 Ingredient Notes

Brown rice cakes - I always have brown rice cakes on hand, and they work great in this recipe for the added crunch factor. But you could just as easily substitute crisped rice cereal (Rice Krispies) instead.
Crunchy (all-natural) peanut butter - Using crunchy peanut butter provides extra texture, but you could also use creamy peanut butter if that's your preference. If you use sweetened peanut butter, you can omit the maple syrup.
Maple syrup - Provides just a touch of sweetness if you use all-natural (unsweetened) peanut butter.
Dark chocolate chips - I love dark chocolate, especially paired with peanut butter. But you could use "regular" semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe, or your favorite brand of dark chocolate.

🍫 Variations & Substitutions

Graham crackers: Substitute ½ of rice cakes/cereal with graham cracker crumbs for a sweeter molasses flavor.
Coconut: Add ¼ cup of sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes for a more complex flavor.
Milk or white chocolate: Dip in milk or white chocolate, or dip twice using two different kinds of chocolate!
Undipped: Leave balls undipped for a chocolate-less (and naturally vegan) treat.
This recipe calls for brown rice cakes, but you can substitute crisped rice cereal (Rice Krispies) if you prefer.
Make buckeyes: Dip only partially in chocolate.
Make vegan: The peanut butter balls are vegan without the chocolate, but you can also use a vegan brand of dark chocolate to keep them dairy-free.
Make sugar-free: Use sugar-free chocolate for dipping.

Sliced open old fashioned peanut butter balls arranged on a wooden table.

🥥 Topping Suggestions

Crushed peanuts
Holiday sprinkles
Flaked coconut
Peanut butter chips

🥄 How To Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place brown rice cake crumbs, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in medium-sized bowl and mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula.

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, scoop mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place balls in refrigerator to firm up for at least 15 minutes while you prepare your chocolate.

peanut butter balls on baking sheet ready to be dipped in chocolate.

Melt chocolate: Place chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl and microwave for 30 seconds on high. Give it a good stir. Repeat and stir again. The chocolate should be almost melted at this point.

Be very careful not to overheat the chocolate chips. The chocolate should feel neutral in temperature. Stir for several minutes to ensure chocolate is completely melted but also not too warm. If it feels too warm, continue to stir. The chocolate mixture will thicken as it cools.

small bowl of melted chocolate with a whisk in the background.

Dip in chocolate: Using a fork, dip balls into chocolate. Lightly tap fork against side of bowl to get rid of any excess chocolate. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets until chocolate is completely set. This usually takes several minutes. (You can also place baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help set the chocolate).

peanut butter balls being dipped into chocolate.

⏲ Expert Tips

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
How to freeze: Place in a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 1 hour.
Refrigerating for at least 15 minutes before dipping in chocolate will help your chocolate set up, so don't skip this step.
If your melted chocolate starts to thicken up, stick back in the microwave for 15 seconds.
If mixture is crumbly and not sticking together when rolling into balls, add more peanut butter (1 tablespoon at a time) until a sticky consistency is reached.
Makes an excellent homemade gift! Place in a cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon, or add them to your holiday cookie platter, gift tins, or gift baskets.

chocolate dipped peanut butter balls arranged on a wooden table with spoon in background.

👩🏼‍🍳 Frequently Asked Questions

What are peanut butter balls made of?

Traditionally, old-fashioned peanut butter balls were made of (sweetened) peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chocolate. But all of that sugar is not necessary and can actually mute the flavor of peanut butter. With this updated and healthier recipe, the peanut butter and chocolate really shine!

Why are my peanut butter balls so sticky?

Stickiness is usually caused by too much peanut butter, which shouldn't be a problem in this recipe. In fact, you may need to add a tad more peanut butter if your balls are still slightly crumbly when you roll them.

Can you freeze peanut butter balls?

Absolutely! After chocolate is set, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place overnight in the refrigerator.

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