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Healthy Peanut Butter Balls are a fun spin on the traditional recipe. They're made with only 5 ingredients, including peanut butter and coconut flour, and they're the perfect afternoon or post-workout snack.
You know I love taking a classic recipe and making it a little bit healthier. My healthy caramel sauce and my almond butter rice crispy bars are two great examples of that!
Traditional peanut butter balls are made with peanut butter and powdered sugar, but not these. Nope! These healthy peanut butter balls are made with peanut butter and coconut flour. Don't worry--they're still plenty decadent--but made with better-for-you ingredients.
Recipe features
- A healthier version of your favorite childhood recipe
- Naturally gluten free; can easily be made vegan with a couple of swaps
- A little sweet yet healthy enough to be an easy post-workout snack
Ingredient notes:
Peanut butter - make sure to use peanut butter where the ONLY ingredient is peanuts (or peanuts and salt); the texture will be creamy and a little runny, and that's what we want!
Maple syrup - or honey
Butter - can use dairy free butter or even coconut oil
Coconut flour - I only tested these with coconut flour; you can probably sub other flours, though the amount will need to be adjusted
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Whisk wet ingredients. First, whisk the peanut butter and maple syrup together, then add in the softened butter. It's ok if there are a few lumps -- it'll all come together after step 2.
Step 2: Add flour. Pour the coconut flour into that same bowl, then use a spatula to gently fold it in. Use your hands to roll the dough into 15-20 balls, placing them directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Drizzle with chocolate. Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave in 30 second intervals until it's melted and smooth. Drizzle chocolate over the peanut butter balls, then place them and store them in the refrigerator.
Tips + tricks
- My favorite brands of peanut butter are the 365 brand from Whole Foods and Kirkland brand from Costco.
- Every peanut butter is a little different; if the final mixture seems too dry, add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and if it seems too wet, add 1 tablespoon flour.
- Don't want your hands to get messy? Wet them beforehand so that the peanut butter mixture won't stick to them!
- To melt chocolate: either heat chocolate + coconut oil in a saucepan over the stove, or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally so that chocolate doesn't clump up.
Are these vegan?
If you follow the recipe as written, they are not. However, to make them vegan, simply use dairy free butter and dairy free chocolate chips and you'll be good to go.
Can I use a different kind of nut butter?
Yes; however, I only tested this recipe with peanut butter. Other nut butters may have a slightly different texture, so keep that in mind and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
How should I store these?
Store peanut butter balls in a container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can also freeze them -- store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
More healthy dessert recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter see notes
- ¾ cup coconut flour
- 5 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup butter softened
- â…“ cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Whisk peanut butter and maple syrup together; then, add softened butter and whisk. It's ok if there are a few lumps of butter -- it'll all blend together in the end.
- Next, fold in coconut flour until well combined. Use your hands to form mixture into 15-20 balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet and then placing that into the freezer.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth. (I usually do this in the microwave in 30 second intervals).
- Take peanut butter balls out of the freezer, then drizzle them with chocolate. Store balls in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Meghan says
Is there any way to possibly incorporate protein powder into these? They sound delicious!
Erin says
Yes definitely! If you're just adding 1 scoop of protein powder, there's no need to alter the recipe -- just go ahead and add it in. If you want to add more, you may need to increase the amount of maple syrup you use.
Meghan says
Thank you!!