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    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Dessert

    Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

    Modified: Oct 20, 2024 · Published: Mar 15, 2021 · by MaryAnne · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are made healthier without powdered sugar while still remaining rich and delicious crunchy bites of everyone's favorite pairing: peanut butter and chocolate! They're an easy, no-bake, gluten-free snack made with 5 simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes.

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

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    Peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies don't need to be just a Christmas candy (salted caramels or rum balls, anyone??). In this updated and healthier recipe, we replace the powdered sugar with a small amount of maple syrup and use all-natural peanut butter.

    Because they're high in protein and contain very little added sugar, crunchy peanut butter balls make an excellent option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, dessert, or as an addition to your holiday platter.

    For more chocolate and peanut butter recipes, try my healthy banana peanut butter cookies and vegan peanut butter banana cookies!

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why These Peanut Butter Balls are the Best
    • 🥜 Ingredient Notes
    • 🍫 Variations & Substitutions
    • 🥄 How To Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🥥 Topping Suggestions
    • 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍪 More Peanut Butter & Chocolate Recipes
    • Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe

    ⭐️ Why These Peanut Butter Balls are the Best

    • Crunchy, crispy, & creamy texture
    • Peanut butter krispie balls are nutty, salty, sweet, & chocolatey
    • Protein-rich, low-sugar, and gluten-free snack, breakfast, or dessert
    • Easy no bake peanut butter balls that are ready in 30 minutes using just 5 simple ingredients
    • Freezer-friendly recipe
    • Make in advance instructions provided
    • Delicious addition to your holiday cookie tin or platter

    🥜 Ingredient Notes

    ingredients arranged in bowls.
    • Crisped rice cereal - Use your favorite brand of crispy rice cereal. If you have cereal left over, don't miss my m&m rice krispie treats!
    • Crunchy (all-natural) peanut butter - Using crunchy peanut butter provides extra texture, but you could also use creamy peanut butter.
    • Maple syrup - Provides just a touch of sweetness if you use unsweetened peanut butter. Out of maple syrup? Try one of my recommended maple syrup substitutes.
    • Dark chocolate chips - I love dark chocolate, especially paired with peanut butter. But you could use semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe, or your favorite brand of dark chocolate.

    🍫 Variations & Substitutions

    • Graham crackers: Substitute ½ of rice cereal with graham cracker crumbs for a sweeter molasses flavor.
    • Brown rice cakes: Make your crispy peanut butter balls even healthier by substituting 3 crushed rice cakes.
    • Coconut: Add ¼ cup of sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes for a more complex flavor for your peanut butter chocolate balls.
    • Milk or white chocolate: Dip in milk or white chocolate, or dip twice using two different kinds of chocolate.
    • Plain: Leave un-dipped to make plain peanut butter balls.
    • Make buckeyes: Dip only partially in chocolate to make buckeye balls with rice krispies.
    • Make vegan/dairy-free peanut butter balls: Use a vegan brand of dark chocolate to keep them dairy-free/vegan. I really like Guittard's 72% chocolate chips.
    • Make sugar-free: Use sugar-free chocolate for dipping.
    Sliced open peanut butter balls arranged on a wooden table.

    🥄 How To Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

    *For printable instructions, see recipe card below

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place rice cereal, 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 peanut butter mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place peanut butter 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 one hour.
    • Refrigerating your peanut butter balls for at least 15 minutes before dipping in chocolate will help the chocolate set up, so don't skip this step.
    • Melty chocolate. If your melted chocolate starts to thicken up after dipping several balls, stick back in the microwave for 15 seconds.
    • Make in advance: Assemble peanut butter ball mixture and store (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When you're ready to make your pb balls, scoop onto prepared baking sheet and dip in chocolate.
    • Use unsweetened peanut butter. Be sure to omit the maple syrup if you use sweetened peanut butter.
    • How to serve peanut butter balls: Add them to your holiday cookie platter, along with chocolate chip coconut macaroons, old fashioned ginger snap cookies, and gluten free thumbprint cookies. Alternatively, place them in a cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon to give as a gift, or add to a gift tin.
    • 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.

    🥥 Topping Suggestions

    Take your chocolate peanut butter balls to the next level by adding a fun topping after dipping them in chocolate. Here are some suggestions:

    • Crushed peanuts
    • Holiday sprinkles
    • Flaked coconut
    • Peanut butter chips
    Peanut butter balls with rice krispies arranged on a wooden table.

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    What are peanut butter balls made of?

    Traditionally, 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.

    🍪 More Peanut Butter & Chocolate Recipes

    • Healthy chocolate cookies arranged on a cooling rack.
      Healthy Chocolate Cookies (vegan & gluten free)
    • Healthy flourless cookies arranged on a blue plate.
      Peanut Butter Banana Cookies (5 Ingredients)
    • gluten free peanut butter cookies arranged on a baking sheet.
      6-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Creamy peanut butter pie with one slice cut and garnished with peanuts.
      Vegan Peanut Butter Pie (No Bake)

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get a FREE e-book of 15 Healthy Weeknight Recipes, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox every week!

    old fashioned peanut butter balls stacked on parchment paper with some cut in half

    Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe

    Author: MaryAnne
    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.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 26 balls
    Calories 103 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups crisped rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
    • 1 ½ cups crunchy (all-natural, unsweetened) peanut butter *if using sweetened, omit the maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
    • 16 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Place rice cereal, 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. Set aside. Place balls in refrigerator to firm up a bit while you prepare your 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.
    • 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).

    Notes

    • 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 one hour.
    • Refrigerating your peanut butter balls for at least 15 minutes before dipping in chocolate will help the chocolate set up, so don't skip this step.
    • If your melted chocolate starts to thicken up after dipping several balls, stick back in the microwave for 15 seconds.
    • Make ahead: Assemble peanut butter ball mixture and store (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When you're ready to make your pb balls, scoop onto prepared baking sheet and dip in chocolate.
    • Use unsweetened peanut butter. Be sure to omit the maple syrup if you use sweetened peanut butter.
    • 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.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 249mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    • Traditional rum balls arranged in paper liners on a tray.
      Traditional Rum Balls
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine

      March 15, 2021 at 5:58 am

      Just looking at these pictures is making me salivate!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 06, 2021 at 6:08 pm

        Thanks, Christine! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Barb+Haner

      April 06, 2021 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      These would be so nice to have available for a quick snack!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 06, 2021 at 6:09 pm

        They are perfect for an "anytime" snack! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Erin

      June 09, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      My family goes crazy for these delicious peanut butter balls. They disappear fast!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        June 09, 2021 at 4:53 pm

        Ha ha - same here! I make them almost every month!

        Reply
    4. Beth

      June 09, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! These peanut butter balls are my hubby’s new favorite snack! Such a great combination and so addicting! Can’t wait to make these again!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        June 09, 2021 at 4:53 pm

        Thanks, Beth! I agree that they are addicting, and I love that they are also healthy!

        Reply
    5. Amanda

      June 09, 2021 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      We loved these peanut butter balls! The crunchy peanut butter gave such a nice texture, and I love the depth of flavor the maple syrup added. So good!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        June 09, 2021 at 5:34 pm

        So glad to hear that you enjoyed these, Amanda!

        Reply
    6. Biana

      June 09, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Chocolate and peanut butter is such a perfect combination.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        June 10, 2021 at 10:37 am

        It's one of my favorite things! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Vijitha

      June 09, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is our new favorite snack - So easy to put together, and healthy too! I love the crunch from the peanut butter!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        June 10, 2021 at 10:38 am

        Thanks, Vijitha! I agree - so easy and healthy!

        Reply
    8. Carol

      December 09, 2021 at 2:49 pm

      Thi k i will roll in chopped pistacios

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        December 09, 2021 at 4:14 pm

        That sounds delicious, Carol!

        Reply
    9. Barb

      August 07, 2023 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Just made another batch of these. So great when I get hungry for a late afternoon snack. They keep me filled up until dinner

      Reply
      • MaryAnne

        August 07, 2023 at 12:04 pm

        Yay! Yes, I always have a batch on hand!

        Reply
    5 from 10 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hi! I’m MaryAnne, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Gastronotherapy, where I bring vibrant, delicious, and thoughtfully crafted mainly vegetarian and vegan (flexitarian) recipes to life. While my focus leans toward wholesome, nourishing dishes, my love for dessert ensures that indulgence always has a place at the table!

    More about me →

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