Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s truly addictive yet simple to whip up, you’re in for a real treat with my Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe. These little bites balance creamy peanut butter with crunchy Rice Krispies and a luscious chocolate coating. Once you try them, I swear you’ll be making them again and again – perfect for snack time, parties, or when you just need a hug in dessert form.
Why This Recipe Works
- Texture Harmony: The mix of creamy peanut butter, soft vegan butter, and crispy Rice Krispies gives each bite a delightful contrast you won’t want to miss.
- Simple Ingredients: All pantry staples that come together quickly, making it a fantastic last-minute snack or gift option.
- Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Easy to customize with alternatives, so no one misses out on the chocolate peanut butter goodness.
- Perfect Portion Size: Making these tablespoon-sized balls means bite-sized indulgence without going overboard.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients for this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe might seem simple, but each plays a crucial role. Creamy peanut butter brings rich flavor and smooth texture, while the vegan butter helps bind everything together with a touch of creaminess. Powdered sugar sweetens and firms up the dough, and Rice Krispies provide that prized crunch inside each ball.
- Creamy peanut butter: Stick with creamy for a smooth mixture that holds together well; natural will add moisture making the texture tricky.
- Vegan butter: Softened for easy mixing and to add richness without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Powdered sugar: It sweetens and thickens to the perfect consistency, avoiding gritty bites.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The secret crunch that balances softness and adds lightness; gluten-free options work great too.
- Vegan chocolate chips: Easy to melt coating that seals the balls in chocolatey goodness.
- Refined coconut oil: Keeps the chocolate sheen smooth and glossy without coconut flavor interfering.
Make It Your Way
I’ve had a blast experimenting with this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe, and honestly, it’s so forgiving you can easily tweak it to your liking. Want them less sweet? Dial back the powdered sugar. Prefer a different nut butter? Almond or sunflower butter can make for a fun twist, especially if you’re peanut-free.
- Almond Butter Variation: I swapped peanut butter for almond once for a friend allergic to peanuts, and it was just as yummy with a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Adding Texture: Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped nuts or vegan mini chocolate chips inside the peanut butter mix for extra interest.
- Chocolate Options: Dark, semi-sweet, or even flavored vegan chocolate chips can alter the final taste, so feel free to experiment.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Peanut Butter Base
I toss 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 6 tablespoons of softened vegan butter into a large bowl and use my trusty hand mixer to blend them until smooth—about a minute does the trick. The softened vegan butter is key here; too cold and it won’t blend well, too warm and it’ll make the mix greasy.
Step 2: Sweeten and Add Crunch
Next comes 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of Rice Krispies cereal. I mix these on low speed just until everything comes together into a thick, dough-like mixture. It’s thick and a bit sticky, which is exactly what you want — that ensures the balls hold their shape while still having bite.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
I use a tablespoon to scoop and roll the mixture into balls, placing each on a parchment-lined pan. Then, I pop the tray in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up — patience here really pays off for easier dipping later.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate and Dip
In a medium bowl, I melt 2 cups of vegan chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of refined coconut oil. I prefer using the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time to avoid burning, but the stovetop works, too. Then comes the fun part: I dip each peanut butter ball into the glossy chocolate using a fork, tapping off excess before setting it back on the tray.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Once all balls are coated, I chill them again for about 15 minutes so the chocolate firm ups. If there’s leftover chocolate, I drizzle it over the balls for that extra fancy look — because who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate drizzle?
Tips from My Kitchen
- Use Creamy, Not Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter can make your mixture too oily, causing your balls to fall apart. Creamy gives you the perfect consistency.
- Chill Before Dipping: Always chill the balls for at least 30 minutes to make the dipping process cleaner and easier.
- Don’t Skip Refined Coconut Oil: It helps the chocolate set with a smooth texture and shiny finish — plus, no coconut taste.
- Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt gently so the chocolate doesn’t seize and become grainy; stirring in between bursts is your best friend.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite garnishes are a light dusting of crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after dipping — it adds a little pop of flavor and texture. Sometimes I drizzle melted white vegan chocolate across for a fun contrast, especially when serving at gatherings.
Side Dishes
If I’m serving these at a party, I often pair them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or apple wedges. The fruity brightness balances the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate so well.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or birthdays, I like arranging the balls in colorful mini cupcake liners or stacking them in clear jars with ribbons tied on top. A little effort goes a long way in making these treats feel extra special and gift-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They last beautifully for up to two weeks — perfect if you want to prep for the week or have snacks ready for unexpected guests.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver! I freeze the balls after the chocolate has set by placing them in a single layer on parchment paper, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you want a treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’re as good as fresh.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t usually necessary because they’re best cold or at room temperature, but if you want softer centers, just sit them out for 10 minutes or warm gently in your hands before enjoying.
FAQs
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Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy in this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe?
I don’t recommend it because natural peanut butter contains more oil and can make the mixture too wet, causing the balls to fall apart or be greasy. Creamy peanut butter provides a better texture and firmer results.
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Are these peanut butter balls gluten-free?
They can be, as long as you use a gluten-free Rice Krispies-type cereal. Many Rice Krispies brands contain malt, which has gluten, so check the label carefully or substitute with a certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal.
- Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are perfect for making a day or two ahead and keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just keep them chilled until serving for the best texture.
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What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
No worries! You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter. The recipe works just as well, though the flavor will of course change slightly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls have quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats. They’re easy to make, and the texture is just *chef’s kiss* perfect – creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey all at once. Whether you’re a longtime vegan, a peanut butter lover, or just in search of a sweet snack without fuss, I think you’ll fall for these balls as hard as I have. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a shot — I promise it’s a kitchen win you’ll want on repeat.
Print
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 28 balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious vegan chocolate peanut butter balls that combine creamy peanut butter, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and crispy Rice Krispies, coated in rich melted vegan chocolate for a perfect no-bake treat.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups vegan chocolate chips (12 oz, 1 bag)
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter and butter: Add the peanut butter and softened vegan butter to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until combined, about 1 minute.
- Add powdered sugar and cereal: Add the powdered sugar and Rice Krispies cereal to the bowl. Mix together on low speed until combined; the mixture will be thick.
- Form balls and chill: Form tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a pan lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a medium bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips and refined coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or melt on the stovetop if preferred, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip balls in chocolate: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate using a fork to help. Tap off excess chocolate and place back onto the parchment-lined pan.
- Set chocolate coating: Once all balls are coated, place them back in the refrigerator to set for about 15 minutes.
- Optional drizzle and storage: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the balls if desired. Store the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator to keep firm; they may soften at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not use all natural peanut butter; creamy peanut butter gives the best and most consistent results.
- Refined coconut oil is preferred to avoid coconut flavor; unrefined can be used if coconut flavor is acceptable.
- These balls freeze well and can be made ahead. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- If allergic to peanuts, substitute almond butter.
- For gluten free, use gluten free rice krispies cereal brand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg