Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
If you’ve ever craved that perfect combo of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter but want to keep it vegan, you’ve got to try this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe. Seriously, these little bites are fan-freaking-tastic – they’re quick to whip up, totally satisfying, and I promise you they’ll disappear faster than you expect. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips on how to get these just right every time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples so you can make this anytime without a special trip to the store.
- Perfect Texture: The Rice Krispies add just the right bit of crispness amidst creamy peanut butter and chocolate.
- No-Bake Convenience: No oven required, just a bit of chilling and melting for quick assembly.
- Vegan & Versatile: Completely plant-based but still indulgently chocolatey and peanut buttery.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient is specially selected to make your Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe a total winner. From creamy peanut butter for smoothness to crisp Rice Krispies for extra bite, these components play off each other beautifully. When you shop, look for the best quality peanut butter and vegan chocolate chips you can find — it really makes a difference!
- Creamy Peanut Butter: This gives the mixture a smooth, rich base that binds everything together perfectly.
- Vegan Butter: Adds a little fat and creaminess while staying completely plant-based.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the balls and helps firm up the texture so they’re not too sticky.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides a fun crunch and keeps the balls light instead of dense.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: Use quality chips that melt well to create a silky, glossy chocolate coating.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate coating set with a smooth finish without adding coconut flavor.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is such a blank canvas for creativity. I often swap in almond or cashew butter when I want something a little different, or toss in a bit of sea salt on top for that salt-and-sweet magic. Feel free to make these your own!
- Nut Butter Swap: I’ve tried almond butter instead of peanut butter for a milder, nuttier flavor that my family also adored.
- Gluten-Free Version: Using gluten-free Rice Krispies is a simple change that keeps the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Extra Crunch: Adding chopped roasted peanuts or even crushed pretzels inside the mix amps up texture beautifully.
- Chocolate Variations: Dark, semi-sweet, or even vegan white chocolate work depending on your taste preference.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Peanut Butter and Vegan Butter
Start by adding creamy peanut butter and softened vegan butter to a large bowl. I use a hand mixer because it makes the job quick and ensures everything blends smoothly—about 1 minute on medium speed is perfect. If you don’t have a hand mixer, just soften the butter well and stir vigorously with a sturdy spoon.
Step 2: Mix in the Powdered Sugar and Rice Krispies
Next, add the powdered sugar and Rice Krispies cereal. Switch your mixer to low speed to combine everything. The mixture will get quite thick—this is exactly what you want. Make sure you don’t overmix here to keep the cereal from crushing too much.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Grab a tablespoon and scoop out balls onto a parchment-lined pan. This recipe makes about 28 balls. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they harden enough for dipping. If you skip this, the balls might fall apart or get too messy when dunked in chocolate.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and Dip
Now, melt the vegan chocolate chips and refined coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. I nuke mine in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, so it melts smoothly without burning. Use a fork to dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, tapping off the excess, then set them back on parchment.
Step 5: Chill to Set and Enjoy!
Place the dipped balls back in the fridge for around 15 minutes until the chocolate sets. You can drizzle any leftover chocolate over the top for a fancy touch. Store these peanut butter balls in the refrigerator; they’ll soften a lot if left out at room temperature.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Use Refined Coconut Oil: It melts great and doesn’t add coconut flavor, which keeps the chocolate taste clean and rich.
- Chill Twice: Chilling the peanut butter balls before and after dipping helps maintain their shape and gives a nice firm texture.
- Fork Dipping Method: Using a fork to dip helps tap away excess chocolate and creates an even coating without making a mess.
- Keep Them Cold: I learned the hard way that these get soft fast at room temp, so keep them refrigerated until right before serving.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or crushed roasted peanuts over the chocolate before it sets, which adds a lovely contrast and a bit of texture. Sometimes I also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter balls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They also make a sweet finish to a casual dinner party alongside fresh fruit or a dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging the balls in mini cupcake liners or placing them on a tiered dessert tray. They also look super cute strung together with twine as edible gift favors for holidays or birthdays—everyone always asks for the recipe afterward!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep their texture nicely for up to two weeks — they’re always a welcome treat to find in my fridge when cravings hit!
Freezing
Freezing these is a lifesaver. I lay them out on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer the frozen balls into a zip-top bag. They stay fresh for months and thaw quickly at room temperature, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
Since these are cold treats, I don’t really reheat them. I just let frozen balls sit out for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying—this keeps them from melting or becoming too soft.
FAQs
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Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
I don’t recommend natural peanut butter because it tends to be more oily and can make the mixture too soft, causing the balls to fall apart. Creamy, processed peanut butter gives the best consistency.
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Are these peanut butter balls gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free Rice Krispies or a similar cereal. Be sure to check your cereal brand’s label to make sure it’s certified gluten-free.
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Can I substitute other nut butters?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well and give you a slightly different flavor. Just choose creamy types for easier mixing and shaping.
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How should I store the Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They last up to two weeks and stay firm and delicious.
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Is there a way to make these nut-free?
You could try sunflower seed butter as a nut-free substitute, but keep in mind it might change the flavor and texture slightly. I’ve heard good things about it as an alternative!
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is one of those treats I turn to when I want indulgence without fuss — it never disappoints. The combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey is just irresistible, and knowing they’re vegan makes it all the sweeter. Honestly, whether you’re making them for yourself, friends, or a special occasion, they’re bound to win hearts and maybe even spark some repeat requests. Give it a go and let me know how yours turn out — I bet these will become your new favorite bite!
Print
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 28 balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a delicious, no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and a rich vegan chocolate coating. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they are easy to make and keep well refrigerated or frozen.
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 Base: Add the peanut butter and softened vegan butter to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until combined, about 1 minute. Then add the powdered sugar and Rice Krispies cereal. Mix on low speed until thick and fully combined.
- Form the Balls: Form tablespoon-sized balls from the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- 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 until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt on the stovetop if preferred.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate using a fork to assist. Tap off excess chocolate and place back onto the parchment-lined pan.
- Set the Coating: Once all balls are coated, refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Optionally, drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the balls before chilling.
- Store Properly: Store the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator. They will soften if left out at room temperature for long periods.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter instead of natural for consistent texture and results.
- Refined coconut oil is recommended to avoid coconut flavor, but unrefined can be used if coconut taste is acceptable.
- These peanut butter balls freeze well and can be made ahead of time. They keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
- If allergic to peanuts, substitute almond butter for peanut butter.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Rice Krispies or a similar gluten-free crispy cereal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
