3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
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My 3 ingredient peanut butter balls are soft, fudgy, and full of peanut butter flavor. They take minutes to make. Enjoy them as a simple treat after dinner or a snack between meals.
3 ingredient peanut butter balls are a quick and easy treat
I usually grab some peanut butter oatmeal balls when I need a substantial snack between meals, but when I want something a little more dessert-like, I make these 3-ingredient peanut butter balls. They are thick, fudgy, and perfectly satisfy the sweet tooth.
Peanut butter balls are ridiculously easy to make and, frankly, even easier to eat. They take just minutes to make and are incredibly easy to customize. I also adore the texture – I describe these as a cross between fudge and truffles. In fact, many of my family members call these truffles and buckeyes!
If you’d like to cover these in chocolate, try my chocolate peanut butter balls.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Great recipe for a perfect snack! Thanks so much!” – Dana
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes and substitution tips. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Peanut butter. Always use smooth peanut butter, not one that separates from the oil too much or is too chunky. I find all-natural, well-stirred peanut butter is best for these.
- Coconut flour. Thicker than other flours, with a cakier texture. You can easily find this low-carb and high-fiber flour at grocery stores and health food markets. Not a fan of coconut? I’ve tested these with both blanched almond flour and oat flour, and it worked just as well.
- Maple syrup. It adds sweetness and helps bind the balls together. Honey or agave nectar will also work.
How to make peanut butter balls
Step 1- Mix. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
Step 2- Shape. Roll the mixture into small balls.
Step 3- Set. Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least thirty minutes to firm up.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Too crumbly? If the balls appear too crumbly, add a few drops of water until you have a cohesive batter.
- Too sticky? If the mixture is too sticky, add a little extra coconut flour until it thickens up.
- Swap the peanut butter. I’ve made these with almond butter, cashew butter, and tahini, and it works just as well.
- Enhance the flavor. Add some salt, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder to change the flavor.
- Add mix-ins. Fold through some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or anything you like!
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftover peanut balls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you plan to enjoy these within a few days, they will keep well at room temperature.
To freeze: Wrap the balls in parchment paper, place them in a Ziploc bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More simple 3-ingredient desserts
If you love these 3 ingredient peanut butter balls, here are a few more 3 ingredient treats to try:
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
Instructions
- Line a large tray or plate with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut flour and mix well. If the batter is too thick, add some water until a thick batter remains.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls and place them on the lined sheet. Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes or until firm.
Notes
- Peanut butter: Any smooth and creamy peanut butter works. Use any nut or seed butter.
- Coconut flour: Swap it out for oat flour or almond flour.
- Storage: 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.
I will definitely make this anything peanut butter or coconut I’m in
Two of my favorite things, Robin!
Perfect for a pre- or post- workout snack, filling, satisfying and nutritious energy
Love that, Judy- we are so similar, I usually have one at 11 before my workout!
Peanut butter balls
Can I just use regular flour? That’s what I have. Thank you!
Hi Linda- you can, but you’d need to heat treat the flour first. I explain this process in my vegan cookie dough recipe. Just follow that then use the flour in these peanut butter balls.
In order to up the protein level per ball, can some vanilla or chocolate plant-based protein powder be added? If so, how many grams, pls.? Ty!
Hi Barry- absolutely! I’d add 1/2 cup of protein powder (about 40-50 grams), then just have some water or milk on hand to thin it out. Add enough to roll into balls.
TY so much! Trying the protein upped version today. Love all ur protein recipes, esp. the breakfast ones, btw. Also made ur Empress Chicken for the first time yesterday, and it was a big hit. Many thx!
Love that, Barry. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know!
So easy and is almost like fudge. I used Almond flour as that’s what I had in and added the extra 1/4 Cup. ( total 1Cup). Very good !
Thanks Dittie. Good thinking on the almond flour and increasing it a tad for structure- this is one of those recipes where the coconut flour can be substituted for oat or almond, provided it is a little more 🙂
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooogood
Haha, thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed these!
These came out really good and it only took a few minutes to make them. They don’t stick to your hands when you roll them, which is a problem I’ve encountered with some other peanut butter or energy ball recipes. My son whose been begging me for peanut butter balls is very happy
Yes! Absolutely, Crystal. We make sure it is as easy as possible and NOT sticky like other ones! 🙂 I’m so glad your son enjoys them too 🙂
Nice ,I love it
Thanks for the lovely feedback and star rating, Debbie 🙂
Peanut butter balls are great.
Thanks for the feedback, Jim!
So easy
Thanks so much, Jim- so glad you’ve enjoyed the recipe!
Very tasty treats for when I’m feeling hungry (and to use up the mountains of peanut butter I seem to have purchased). I substituted almond flour for the coconut flour, and agave for the maple syrup as per one of the comments below. They didn’t turn out like little balls because I scooped small portions with a spoon and then just pushed them gently onto parchment paper (I don’t really care what they look like, honestly). I keep them in the fridge as they do soften pretty quickly, and I jammed a chocolate chip into each one just because. Thanks for these!
Cat, thank you for sharing your feedback- I love the changes you made! This is one of the few recipes where almond flour and coconut flour can be swapped quite easily, and the syrup, too. Next time, try brown rice syrup if you can find some- I recently used that, and found it to work just as well, too.
Thank you for sharing your recipes!
My favorite peanut butter balls recipe, yummy!!
Love to hear that, Hollie- it’s such a simple one, too.
They all look so delicious. I can almost taste them.
This seems very moist am I right?
These look good but can you substitute almond flour for the coconut?
Hi Pam- yes, I’ve updated the FAQ’s to address this 🙂
I don’t buy or use coconut flour so what can I use instead please
Hi Sheila- oat flour or almond flour will work. You’ll need to add one to two tablespoons more to compensate for the thickness.
Can you use almond flour instead of coconut?
Yes, that is fine. You’ll likely need a tablespoon or more flour for a thicker filling 🙂
Awesome recipe, instead of coconut powder, try adding low carb protein powder for a tasty treat. I used weight watchers chocolate peanut butter powder.
could you/would you try making these with PB2 and what would you recommend? I might try it but I’m curious what you think too 🙂
They were amazing!
I enjoy viewing your recipes. I am not a maple flavor anything person and I see it used quite frequently in your recipes. Would natural honey be considered a good substitute? Just curious. Thanks.
Absolutely! Or agave nectar!
Any tips on what to do if I’d like to reduce the amount of maple syrup?
Thanks so much!
Number of your recipes call for protein powder can you make any of those same recipes without the protein powder?
Thank you for healthy recipes,Delicious.love💝
Awesome recipe, instead of coconut powder, try adding low carb protein powder for a tasty treat. I used weight watchers chocolate peanut butter powder.
Thank you I’m so happy with the recipes I make. My grandchildren love them
Can i use normal flour instead of coconut flour?
Yes as long as you heat treat it first
What is “sticky sweetener?”I’m so new to keto 🙂
I can’t wait to try these! Thank you for a quick and easy snack.
They came out perfect.
Can you interchange coconut flour with almond flour?
I don’t recommend it, they both work very differently.
Arman,
I made these yesterday and added some Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips and they turned out real good. I enjoy your recipes. Even this amateur cook has had success with. Thank you.
What can I use instead of coconut flour? I have problems with coconut products. And I don’t want to do an uncooked flour like oatmeal or rice flour or arrowroot powder. Thanks
You can try oat flour or almond flour.
Could u use sugar free pancake syrup for the sticky sweetner?
I don’t recommend it as it doesn’t stick!
My grandkids and I love these little bites of Super power as my
G-kids call them. My granddaughter asked me if we could add coconut flakes inside as well. Do you think that would be ok to add just a little?
I was searching for an easy snack and these hit the spot because of the protein and I added chocolate chips and coconut on the outside and I used date syrup they are so delicious thank you for this recipe
Hello,
I just want to say that I’M SO HAPPY I FOUND YOU ON IG!! 💙
So glad to have you here 🙂
My mixture is to thin and sticky can I add more coconut flour?
Yes please do!
Would oat flour work in this recipe? I’m not crazy about coconut flour. Maybe I’d use less, since oat flour absorbs lots of liquid?
Hi! sure will, you’ll need to add more oat flour.
Can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour
Not that I’ve tried but you can experiment and see
Has anyone made these with almond flour?
Several have, it needed at least twice the amount of coconut flour.
Great recipe for a perfect snack! thanks so much!
You are so welcome! 🙂
Have you tried it with almond nut butter? Sometimes difficult to get smooth sugar- and additive free peanut butter🙄!
Sure have! https://thebigmansworld.com/keto-almond-butter-balls/
Have you tried it with almond nut butter? Sometimes difficult to get smkoth sugar- and additive free peanut butter🙄!
Sure have! https://thebigmansworld.com/keto-almond-butter-balls/
Has anyone read through the comments from beginning to end?!!! It will give you a laugh how many times the same question is asked and answered! Power to you Arman for not getting frustrated answering people that ask questions over and over without taking the time to read the comments. Much patience you must have. Recipe is Great btw! Thanks
You are a legend, Dave!
Hello! I have crunchy ( I like texture) all natural pb. As I’m sure you know, the all natural kind is FULL of oil and more on the liquidy side, even after mixing profusely. Will this affect the balls holding their shape?
Hi Danielle- Not necessarily, it will just be difficult forming into balls 🙂
Can I use almond flour instead of the coconut flour? Would I use the same amount?
Hi! I haven’t tried but I don’ see why not, try 1.5 the amount stated.
Arman, I often go to your site to read a new recipe, thanks for teaching me how to cook delicious and healthy food.
So delicious!! Mine seemed very soft even after sitting in the fridge. Maybe it was too humid today to make them.
Still very good kids loved them. Thank you!!
That’s fantastic to hear, Sara- You can store them in the freezer for firmer bites 🙂
If I’d like to make them more protein heavy, can I add protein powder to the recipe?
I haven’t tried, but feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to know if it works! I think it should be fine- Start with 1 scoop then add a little milk to thicken.
I got my peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter at WINCO my last trip. They each have their own grinder and grind the nuts right before your eyes, nothing added but is between smooth and chunky but I think it will work. I’m getting ready to make these. I usually make my go to cream cheese fat bombs made with cream cheese, vanilla, formed into balls and rolled in coconut flakes. But I need a little variety.:) I’ve lost 60 lbs since June on Keto and am always looking for something new to try. Thank you.
Congrats, Teresa- That is fantastic!
These look great! How long do they last if just refrigerated?
Hi! At least 2 weeks 🙂
These look amazing to me but I don’t eat any kind of sugar or sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave) or artificial sweetener of any kind (stevja). Can I exclude the sweetener entirely and/or can you think of anything else that I could use as an alternative?
I’ve only tried this as written- Feel free to experiment and see 🙂
Hi Arman
What do you think of “Fiber Syrup” by Sukrin (3 net carbs)? Have you ever used it?
I’ve never tried it myself, feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to hear if it works out!
My partner is allergic to coconut, do you have a suggestion for what I could try instead? Our usual default is almond flour but I can see that texture being off. Thanks in advance! This recipe looks delicious and easy.
Hi Anthony! Can you tolerate oat flour? That will be a suitable option 🙂
I used manilife creamy peanut butter and the consistency is very runny not allowing me to make balls. Did you come across this?
Hi there! I’d use a different brand, one that is super silky and runny 🙂
Where do you store them and for how long will they last?
Hi! Store them in the fridge and they will keep for at least 4 weeks 🙂 They can be stored in the freezer too, for up to 6 months.
Could you use protein powder instead of coconut flour?
I haven’t tried so cannot vouch for it.
These take less than 5 min. to make — so easy. I’m thinking of drizzling semi-sweet chocolate over them. Checking my cabinets now for a high cacao block😆
That sounds fabulous! 😀
Will sugar free maple syrup work?
I’ve only tried the keto maple syrup or traditional maple syrup.
can I use stevia drops instead of sticky sweetener? Does it need to be sticky sweetener?
It would be best to use a sticky sweetener, as it will yield a creamy and smooth texture.
Do I have to use a sticky sweetener or can I leave this out?
Hi there, it is needed for sweetness and to provide a creamy texture.
After I get to my goal weight. Thinking these with a very light dusting of coco powder. Oh goal weight here I come?.
YUMMY!!!
I’m new to keto. What type of peanut butter should I get?
A smooth, all natural kind
How many balls does this recipe make?
20-40 🙂
Sooooo good, love how simple and quick these are to make…thank you!!
So welcome!
Looks like such a great snack!
Love how simple these peanut butter balls are! They look incredible!
Hi can I use something like swerve or stevia?
Technically you can, but you need to add some milk to make it smoother.
Can’t wait to make these to have on hand in the freezer! only 3 ingredients that I always have on hand too…could it get any easier?! 🙂
Honey is not vegan. Really annoying to have to keep saying this.
Well aware of that, as it clearly states that for strict vegans, don’t use honey. Enjoy
I checked on ordering the monk fruit maple syrup and it in fact contains 21 calories and 12 grams of carbs. Where do you find the zero calorie and low carb?
It is using net carbs, as calculated by the calorie calculator 🙂
Holy Moley. These are super quick to make and absolute heaven to eat. I don’t worry about carbs etc or numbers. I eat what I like and am healthy, fit and slim at 58.
Ladies, don’t panic. Just put aside your Diet Coke and have this instead.