Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
Creamy peanut butter and coconut combine with crunchy nuts and a chocolate coating, creating irresistible bite-sized treats perfect for parties, snacking, or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peanuts or pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine melted ⓘ
- 1 package (16 oz.) powdered sugar sifted ⓘ
- 1 jar (12 oz.) crunchy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 packages (12 oz. each) semi-sweet chocolate morsels ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, flaked coconut, chopped peanuts or pecans, melted butter, sifted powdered sugar, crunchy peanut butter, and vanilla in a bowl, stirring well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- Combine semi-sweet chocolate morsels and shortening in the top of a double boiler with boiling water.
- Reduce heat to low and cook until the chocolate melts completely, stirring frequently.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Place dipped balls on wax paper to cool and set.
- Repeat until all balls are coated. Serve once chocolate is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy. You can also substitute almond butter for a nutty twist. If you want to cut down on sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar by a half cup. Ensure the chocolate is tempered properly by stirring constantly to avoid burning. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate morsels instead.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls make an excellent dessert or snack and are perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a warm beverage, like coffee or hot chocolate, for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with Cherry Chiffon Dessert (Easy & Quick) for a sweet spread. Consider adding a fresh fruit platter for a balanced dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, layer the balls between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls contains roughly 2445 calories, with 3g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 208g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute chopped almonds or walnuts for the peanuts or pecans. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences. If you have nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can provide a similar crunch without the allergens.
How do I get the chocolate to coat evenly?
To ensure an even chocolate coating, make sure each peanut butter ball is chilled before dipping. This helps the chocolate adhere better. Additionally, use a fork to dip the balls, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the wax paper.
Can I make these without coconut?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of coconut, you can replace the flaked coconut with an equal amount of additional graham cracker crumbs or crushed rice cereal for added texture. This will not only maintain the consistency but also provide a different flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).