If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious snack, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are perfect. Whether you’re in need of a quick dessert, an after-school treat, or a midday snack, these peanut butter balls are not only tasty but also incredibly simple to make. With just three pantry staples, you’ll have a sweet treat ready in minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Balls
- Minimal Ingredients: With only three ingredients, these peanut butter balls are as simple as it gets!
- Quick Prep Time: No baking, no fuss! You can whip up these bites in under 10 minutes.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low on processed sugar, these treats are a better alternative to store-bought snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peanut Butter (smooth or crunchy): 1 cup
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup – acts as a natural sweetener and binder
- Old-Fashioned Oats or Coconut Flakes: 1/2 cup – adds texture and holds the balls together
Optional: For a chocolatey twist, add mini chocolate chips or roll the balls in cocoa powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and oats (or coconut flakes). Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Shape into Balls: Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion between your hands to form bite-sized balls.
- Chill and Serve: Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Balls
- Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely: For best results, use creamy peanut butter that isn’t too oily. Natural peanut butter works well, but you may need to refrigerate the mixture for a few minutes if it’s too soft.
- Add Flavor: Try mixing in vanilla extract, cinnamon, or mini chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist.
- Storage: Store your peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are perfect for busy days, quick snacks, or even as a post-workout treat. The simplicity and taste make them a crowd favorite, and the recipe can easily be adjusted to suit different dietary needs. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’re so popular!
Serving and Storage Tips for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
Serving Suggestions
- Snack Platters: Arrange peanut butter balls on a snack platter alongside fruits like apple slices, berries, or banana for a well-rounded treat.
- Dipped in Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, dip each peanut butter ball halfway in melted dark or milk chocolate, then let them set on parchment paper before serving.
- Energy Boost: Pair with a handful of nuts or seeds for a nutritious energy boost—great for a pre-workout snack or busy day.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and firm.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the balls in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. They can be eaten straight from the freezer or thawed in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Separating Layers: When stacking in a container, use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll have a convenient and tasty treat on hand whenever cravings strike!
1. Can I use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond or cashew butter works great as a substitute and adds a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure to use creamy varieties for a smooth, cohesive mixture.
2. Are these peanut butter balls gluten-free?
They can be! If you use certified gluten-free oats, the recipe will be gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
3. Can I make these peanut butter balls without added sugar?
Absolutely! You can skip the honey or maple syrup if you want to reduce sugar. To keep the mixture from becoming too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to reach the desired consistency.
4. What can I add to make these peanut butter balls more filling?
Try mixing in a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseed, or protein powder. These additions increase the fiber and protein, making the snack even more satisfying.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are a no-bake treat that’s creamy, sweet, and satisfying. Made with just peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate, they’re quick to whip up and great for any occasion. Perfect for satisfying a peanut butter and chocolate craving!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 balls 1x
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until well blended and a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture or sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate.
- If the peanut butter mixture is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 10 minutes to firm up.