Name: Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup natural peanut butter; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup coconut flour; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; 1 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips

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This is such an easy recipe to make for a sweet treat that is loaded with protein! These vegan chocolate peanut butter balls are one treat that everyone loves. While it is a vegan recipe, it will fool everyone. It makes the perfect little bite of sweet and savory to give you a boost of energy. Make these in big batches or just a few at a time!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

I grew up eating buckeye candies which are basically a round peanut butter cup mixture dipped in chocolate. They usually aren't completely coated but leave part of the peanut butter mixture visible. A tasty little confection, they are not vegan, but can easily be made vegan. This recipe, while not exactly a buckeye candy, is very similar and is a perfect substitute.

If you like little no-bake treats, you might also enjoy the no-bake chocolate coconut balls or even the white chocolate OREO cheesecake truffles. While neither are vegan, they can easily be adapted to a vegan option to suit your needs.

Do I Have to Use Vegan Chocolate Chips?

If you are not following a vegan lifestyle or plant-based diet, then the vegan options are not necessary. You can use any chocolate you prefer in this recipe in place of vegan. I like the Enjoy Life brand of vegan chocolate chips as they are nearly identical in flavor and ability to melt as other non-vegan options on the market.

Can I Dip These in Different Chocolate or Candy Melts?

If you want to create a little different flavor, you can easily dip these in different chocolate flavors. I usually reach for semi-sweet chocolate for peanut butter balls, but that's not the only flavor that compliments this recipe. Below are some flavors that would work really well with the peanut butter for a unique new flavor that is a bit different than standard chocolate and peanut butter.

White chocolate
Dark chocolate
Sea salt caramel chocolate
Extra dark sea salt chocolate

You can also use some candy melts, but be aware that most are actually not vegan. So, look specifically for the verified vegan options that contain no dairy or milk powder.

Can I Decorate These Balls?

Yes! If you want to add a little something on top of these as a decoration, you can definitely do that. As with other things mentioned, just make sure what you sprinkle on top of the balls is also vegan if that is a personal need. Below are some ideas that work well with this.

Chopped or crushed peanuts
Flaky sea salt
Drizzled additional chocolate
Edible gold leaf
Sprinkles in holiday colors

How Do You Dip Balls in Chocolate

When you decide to dip anything in melted chocolate, you probably already know it's not going to be an easy process. Melting chocolate will get hard too fast, create messes, and sometimes comes out clumpy on things like this. But, there are a few secret hacks that make it a bit easier to manage.

Freeze or chill whatever is being dipped so it is less likely to fall apart when it is placed into the melted chocolate.
Melt chocolate in smaller batches so you have less waste.
Use cocktail forks, toothpicks, or a skewer to hold the item being dipped so it can be dunked completely and easily slid off onto the mat or paper to harden.
Prepare your work station before you begin so all tools are handy and you aren't juggling to find something while holding a dripping chocolate ball.

Do I Have to Refrigerate These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls?

While you don't have to refrigerate them, I highly recommend doing so. The chocolate easily melts and when refrigerated, they last much longer. If making these to share, you can wrap them individually or you can put them into an airtight container to store for up to a week in the refrigerator.

If you want to make these in larger batches for a later date, you can easily keep them for up to 3 months in the freezer. I like to flash freeze them, then put them into a labeled and dated storage bag. For storing longer, make sure you double bag them so they are less likely to have any freezer burn occur.

Ingredients

Natural peanut butter
Pure maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Salt
Coconut flour
Coconut oil
Vegan chocolate chips

Handy Kitchen Tools

How Do You Make Peanut Butter Balls from Scratch?

In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

To this mixture, stir in the coconut flour (a wooden spoon makes this easier).

Cover and place this mixture into the refrigerator for two hours to chill.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once chilled, remove the mixture and use a small cookie scoop to divide into 12 portions.

Roll these into balls, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet, loosely cover, and place into the freezer for 20 minutes.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together for 45-seconds. Stir, and continue heating in 30-second increments until melted and smooth.

Dip the balls into the melted chocolate, and then lay onto the parchment lined baking sheet to harden.

Chill until ready to serve.

More Chocolate Recipes

If you are like me and love chocolate, you'll love these other chocolate treat ideas. I'm a huge fan of having something delicious as a snack, and nothing beats the goodness of chocolate, no matter when you share it with friends and family.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12