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.
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.