Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s both indulgent and plant-based, you’re going to fall hard for this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe. I promise it’s a total game-changer for anyone craving a rich, chocolatey snack with that perfect peanut butter punch. These little balls are ridiculously easy to make, naturally vegan, and so darn addictive that I find myself sneaking a few every time I walk by the fridge. Stick around, because I want to share all my best tips so your batch comes out perfectly every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy & Crunchy Balance: The combo of smooth peanut butter and crispy Rice Krispies adds a fun texture that keeps every bite interesting.
- Simple, Minimal Ingredients: You only need pantry staples, making it a quick and fuss-free dessert to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Chocolate Coating: Melting vegan chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil gives a shiny, smooth shell that hardens beautifully.
- Made Ahead Friendly: These balls freeze well and keep for weeks, so you can prepare them in advance for last-minute cravings or guests.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient brings something special to the party in this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. When shopping, I recommend grabbing creamy peanut butter (not all-natural) for smoothness and a neutral vegan butter to help bind everything without altering flavors.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth texture ensures easy mixing and luscious taste—skip the all-natural for a better consistency.
- Vegan Butter (softened): Provides richness and helps the peanut butter set up nicely without overpowering.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and lends a fine texture that combines well without grit.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds crunch and bulk, making the balls fun to bite into and less dense.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: Melts into a glossy coating for that irresistible outer shell.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Keeps the chocolate smooth and shiny without any coconut flavor (unless you prefer it!).
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best parts about this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch a few ingredients to suit my mood or the season, and you’ll find plenty of ways to make it your own.
- Nut Butter Swap: If peanuts aren’t your thing or you’re allergic, almond butter works beautifully—I’ve tried it when hosting friends with allergies, and everyone loved it.
- Gluten-Free Version: Rice Krispies can sometimes contain gluten; swapping for certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal keeps it safe and just as tasty.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky salt on top after dipping amps up the flavor contrast and adds a gourmet touch.
- Extra Crunch: Toasted chopped peanuts mixed in for an added texture—trust me, it’s a fun twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together the Base
Start by throwing the creamy peanut butter and softened vegan butter into a large bowl. Grab your hand mixer and whip them together until everything’s smooth and well combined—about a minute or so. This step is key because you want a nice, even base before adding anything else.
Step 2: Mix in Sugar & Cereal
Next, add your powdered sugar and Rice Krispies cereal. Turn your mixer to low speed and blend everything carefully—remember it’s a thick mixture, so just be patient. You’re aiming for an even mix where the cereal is nicely coated without crushing it too much.
Step 3: Chill & Shape
Form the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls—don’t worry about perfect roundness; a little rustic charm is nice! Lay them on a parchment-lined pan and pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the balls firm up, so they hold their shape when you dip them later.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Coating
While the balls chill, melt your vegan chocolate chips together with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl—zap in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval. If you prefer stovetop, a double boiler works great too. The coconut oil is the secret to that luscious, shiny finish our balls get.
Step 5: Dip & Set
Use a fork or dipping tool to dunk each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper. Once all are coated, refrigerate again for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate harden. If you have leftover chocolate, feel free to drizzle it beautifully over the top.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened vegan butter blends much easier, preventing lumps and helping the mixture combine smoothly.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling ensures your balls hold their shape during dipping and prevents chocolate from melting too quickly.
- Slow & Steady Melting: Melting chocolate in short bursts keeps it from burning, and stirring evenly distributes coconut oil for a glossy finish.
- Handle Balls Gently: When dipping, be careful not to press too hard with the fork to keep your balls intact and looking smooth.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crushed roasted peanuts just after dipping—they add a wonderful layer of flavor and a little visual interest. Sometimes I dust them lightly with cocoa powder for an extra chocolate hit without the fuss.
Side Dishes
These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a perfect dessert or snack paired with a cup of strong coffee, herbal tea, or a cold glass of almond milk. They also complement fresh fruit beautifully if you’re creating a more elaborate spread for friends.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging these treats in mini cupcake liners and topping a few with edible gold dust or chopped pistachios. Serving them on a pretty wooden board with fresh berries turns them from simple snacks into sophisticated bites your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay firm and delicious for up to two weeks, making them an awesome grab-and-go snack. Just be sure to keep them chilled because they do soften at room temperature.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver! I arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for a couple of months, and I love having some stashed away for whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy from frozen, just let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or so. I avoid microwaving to keep the chocolate shell intact, but if you must, use short bursts and watch carefully.
FAQs
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Can I make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe without Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Rice Krispies or prefer a different texture, crushed pretzels or even rolled oats can be used as a substitute. Just keep an eye on the mixture’s consistency as some alternatives may absorb moisture differently.
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Is it okay to use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
I recommend using creamy, processed peanut butter rather than all-natural. Natural peanut butter is thinner and can make the mixture a bit too soft, preventing the balls from holding their shape well.
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How do I keep the chocolate from melting once the balls are out of the fridge?
Since this recipe doesn’t have stabilizers, it’s best to store and serve the balls chilled. Try to keep them refrigerated until just before serving and enjoy them quickly at room temperature to avoid melting.
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Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, you can swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to keep the recipe nut-free while still maintaining great flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is one of those delightful treats that never fail to impress, whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends. They hit that sweet spot of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty in every bite. I personally love how quick they come together and how easy it is to stash some for later—so handy for busy days! I honestly can’t recommend giving these a try enough; once you make them, they’re going to be your go-to snack, trust me.
Print
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 28 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious vegan chocolate peanut butter balls made with creamy peanut butter, vegan butter, and crispy Rice Krispies, coated in rich 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 Base: 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 from the mixture and place them on a pan lined with parchment paper. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: In a medium bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt on the stovetop if desired.
- Dip Balls in Chocolate: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate using a fork to assist. Tap off excess chocolate and place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined pan.
- Set Chocolate and Store: Once all balls are coated, place them back into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set the chocolate. Optionally, drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the balls before setting. Store finished peanut butter balls in the refrigerator as they become soft at room temperature.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter rather than all natural for better consistency.
- Refined coconut oil is preferred to avoid coconut flavor; unrefined can be used if that flavor is desired.
- These peanut butter balls freeze very well and can be made ahead of time.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Allergic to peanuts? Substitute almond butter instead.
- For gluten free version, choose a certified gluten free Rice Krispies cereal brand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg