No bake desserts and peanut butter are a winning combination. This creamy and satisfying spread takes center stage in peanut butter rice krispie treats, and no bake oatmeal cookies. Our favorite way to satisfy this fix is in the form of no bake peanut butter balls.
Why you’ll love this recipe
3 ingredients. All you need is coconut flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup! Healthy. No refined sugar (or powdered sugar), flour, butter, or oil is needed, but you’d never tell. Ready in 5 minutes. You mix up the dough and shape them into balls…that is it! Easy to customize. Swap out the nut butter and add mix-ins; the possibilities are endless!
I love that this recipe reminds us of a cross between Reese’s peanut butter cup and buckeye balls, but they are so much more fun to make.
Ingredients (and substitutions)
As mentioned earlier, it’s just three ingredients for this recipe. I’ve also included a few tested substitutions in case of allergies or if you don’t have one of them on hand.
Coconut flour. Thicker than other flours and has a cakier texture to it. You can easily find this low carb and high fiber flour at grocery stores and health food markets. Not a fan of coconut? Swap it out for oat flour or almond flour. However, you will need to add a little more than the coconut flour amount, as these two aren’t as absorbent. Peanut butter. Smooth and creamy peanut butter, not the crunchy type! Substitute peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or tahini. Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and also helps bind the balls together. Honey or agave nectar will also work.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make peanut butter balls
Stir the ingredients together in a medium bowl until combined. Using your hands, roll out dough balls and place them on a lined plate or baking sheet. Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least thirty minutes to firm up.
Recipe tips and variations
Choose the right peanut butter: Always use smooth peanut butter and not one that separates from the oil or one that is too chunky. I find all natural peanut butter is best for these. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick or dry, add a few spoonfuls of water to thin it out. If it is too smooth or loose, add a few more spoonfuls of the flour. Enhance the flavor: Add some salt, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder to change the flavor. Add texture: Fold through some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or anything you like! Dip in chocolate: For a fun chocolate version, dip each chilled peanut butter ball in some melted chocolate. You can also use white chocolate for something sweeter. (You could also make my chocolate peanut butter balls recipe!).
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftover peanut balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you intend on enjoying these within a few days, they will keep well at room temperature. To freeze: Wrap the balls in parchment paper, place them in a ziplock bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
More simple no bake desserts to try
Unicorn cookies No bake chocolate oat bars Crunch bars Coconut bars
