How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
American · Easy · 50 min · 24 servings
These irresistible 3 ingredient peanut butter balls combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate coating into perfectly sweet no-bake candy bites. They taste just like peanut butter cups and require zero baking or special equipment.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 130 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 4 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 cups milk chocolate melting wafers
- 1 pinch salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Dough
Combine the creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl and stir together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a thick, smooth, dough-like mixture forms. If the mixture feels too soft to roll, add a few more tablespoons of powdered sugar until it holds its shape when pressed.
Step 2: Roll and Chill
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until very firm and cold, which makes dipping in chocolate much easier and cleaner.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate and Set
Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until silky smooth. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, shake off the excess, and set on the parchment sheet. Allow to set at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 10 minutes until the chocolate shell is firm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- creamy peanut butter → almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version
- milk chocolate wafers → dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using natural peanut butter which is too oily and makes the mixture too soft and impossible to roll
- Not chilling the balls before dipping, causing them to fall apart in the warm melted chocolate
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 130 calories, 3g protein, 14g carbs, 8g fat, 1g fiber.
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