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My 3 ingredient peanut butter balls are soft, fudgy, and full of peanut butter flavor. They take seconds to make.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Great recipe for a perfect snack! Thanks so much!” – Dana
Table of Contents
Peanut butter desserts are always a winning combination, and these 3-ingredient peanut butter balls are a staple in our kitchen. They are ridiculously easy to make and, frankly, even easier to eat. They take minutes to make and are so easy to customize, and they also have the best 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 love peanut butter desserts like we do, try my peanut butter protein balls, peanut butter oatmeal balls, no bake peanut butter balls, and healthy peanut butter bars next.
Key Ingredients
- Peanut butter. Smooth and creamy peanut butter, not the crunchy type! Substitute peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or tahini.
- 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? I’ve tested these with both blanched almond flour and oat flour and it worked just as well.
- 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
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
- 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!
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
Use corn syrup or confectioners’ sugar instead of maple syrup or honey. I find these to be a little sweeter but they will just as delicious.
More simple 3 ingredient desserts
- 3 ingredient banana bread
- 3 ingredient brownies
- 3 ingredient cookies
- 3 ingredient mug cake
- 3 ingredient fudge
If you tried this 3 ingredient peanut butter balls recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
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.
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.
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.