OLD FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls are an easy and fun no bake snack for any day of the week. This might just become your new favorite snack. These might seem outdated to you at first glance, but I can assure you that these are a classic treat and a family favorite.

One of the most amazing thing about these old fashioned peanut butter balls are they are made with minimal ingredients. They’re naturally gluten-free and so delicious. Once in a while, its nice to have a recipe that is no fuss and just easy. Plus, these treats are no bake which is perfect during the hot summer days.

OLD FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS ARE A HOLIDAY CLASSIC

It is so hard to believe that a recipe with such simple ingredients can bring so much joy during the holidays. These treats are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

This is something I have recently started making and giving to all my friends and family. You can make these all year long or even make these to give during the holidays. To me, there is nothing like having something home-made given, especially during the holidays.

THESE ARE ONE OF THE EASIEST TREATS TO MAKE

At first, making these might seem difficult at first, but I promise that this recipe is quick and simple. The best part about these peanut butter balls is it’s one of the easiest desserts to make. With only a handful of basic ingredients that are in your pantry, it honestly couldn’t get any easier than that.

ARE THESE TREATS KID APPROVED?

Yes, kids love these treats. They’re small and easy to hold. These are great to bring to a kids Birthday party. Just do make sure that none of the kids have a nut allergy.

This is one of those recipes that you should definitely have your kids help with. Teaching our kids how to cook is such a wonderful experience. They’re not only gaining experience but bonding at the same time.

ARE THESE CONSIDERED A SNACK OR A DESSERT?

These no bake peanut butter balls are the perfect snack or a simple yet easy dessert. You can make these all year long or even make these to give during the holidays.

Personally, I think these are great just how they are. If you decide you want to jazz them up, you can dip them in chocolate for the most perfect of treats. Honestly for me, there is no better combo than peanut butter and chocolate.

WHAT IS A DOUBLE BOILER?

First, you’re going to need to a double boiler. You might be thinking- I don’t know what a double boiler is or how to assemble one at home. I’m gonna lay this out step by step to make it easy for you.

1. A double boiler is actually quite easy to use. First and foremost, a double boiler is just two pots: a large one that looks like a regular saucepan and a smaller, more shallow pan that nestles inside. To use one, you fill the bottom pan with 2 to 3 inches of water and set the shallow pan on top. In most cases, I personally use a glass mixing bowl as the insert. 

2). Once the stove is turned on, the water in the bottom of the pan starts to simmer and give steady heat to whatever you’re cooking above. As you are stirring, make sure you check to make sure you haven’t run out of water or that the heat isn’t too high.

3). A double boiler is used for cooking delicate ingredients that have a tendency to seize or separate over direct heat. Such examples are tempering chocolate or whisking anything egg based. You can certainly find a double boiler online if you use one often. If not, you can make one at home that is super easy and is just as effective. Even so, the options are endless once you have mastered using a double boiler.

HOW TO MAKE HOME-MADE CHOCOLATE FOR DIPPING?

1. Start by melting some semi sweet chocolate or dark chocolate over a double boiler over medium heat. I am honestly so obsessed with dark chocolate. That’s what I prefer to use for these Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls.
2. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted.
3. When the chocolate is nice and smooth, its time for dipping.
4. After the refrigerated peanut butter balls are set- remove the balls and dunk them into the chocolate.
5. I recommend doing this in sections as you do not want the peanut butter balls to come to room temperature.
6. I use a spoon a roll it into the chocolate sauce until it is nice and evenly coated. Using two spoons helps the balls get evenly coated and keeps the round shape. Forks also work. I do find that using forks does allow the excess chocolate to fall through instead of ending up all over you or the baking sheet. You can use your hands but it does get rather messy.
7. Keep repeating until all the peanut butter balls have been rolled into chocolate.Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put in the fridge until the chocolate has set.

ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS YOU CAN USE?

The options are endless when considering elevating these sweet treats.

• Finely Chopped Nuts
• Shredded Coconut
• Dipping in White and Dark Chocolate
• Crushed dried fruit
• Powdered Sugar
• GF Crushed Kix Cereal or Corn Flakes Crushed
• Rice Krispies
• Sea Salt
• Sprinkles for added color
• Drizzle of caramel Sauce

TIPS FOR PERFECT MELTED CHOCOLATE FOR DIPPING

1. I firmly believe that using high quality chocolate is so important.
2. Chocolate that is cut into small pieces melts better and smoother than if using chocolate chips. I have found that when using chocolate chips, the consistency and texture is not the same. If you do use chocolate chips-add shortening to make the chocolate smoother and glossier. Just remember to stir frequently.
3. Do not use high heat when melting chocolate.
4. When using your double boiler- make sure your glass bowl is not touching the simmering water.
5. Do not leave the chocolate unattended while it’s melting.
6. Stir frequently.
7. Adding a little fat will make chocolate chips extra smooth when they melt. It also gives the chocolate a slight shine to it. Butter or coconut oil would work just fine.
8. If using a microwave- place chocolate in a glass bowl and heat in the microwave 15-20 second increments. Then stir and put back in the microwave and keep repeating these steps.
9. When working with melted chocolate, you need to work fast. If you do notice that the chocolate is hardening-you can microwave it for about 10 seconds.
10. If using a microwave- If your chocolate is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable of vegetable shortening into the melted chocolate and stir.

SHOULD THESE TREATS BE EATEN RIGHT OUT OF THE FRIDGE?

These delightful treats are best eaten right out of the fridge while they are still firm. These need to set in the fridge for 2 hours before eating. If you are dipping in chocolate, then these cannot be eaten until the chocolate has set and is hardened. Let these sit out and harden at room temperature-then put back in the fridge.

I know it can be so hard to wait, but I promise its worth it. Another idea would be use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.

PEANUT BUTTER TIPS-

Natural peanut butters do not work well in this recipe. The natural peanut butter tends to be more soupy and the balls don’t seem to set quite as well. If you find the peanut butter is too crumbly, add a touch more peanut butter. If it too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.

HOW TO STORE OLD FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS?

These treats need to be left in the fridge. I recommend putting in an air tight container. These will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze these as well. Just make sure they’re sealed well. Then, when you’re craving something sweet, you can pull a couple out and enjoy after its thawed for a bit.

HOW TO MAKE THESE KETO FRIENDLY?

You can make these using a no sugar sweetener like swerve and by using coconut flour instead. To make these key friendly, look for a dark chocolate like Choc Zero. They have a variety of keto friendly chocolates.

ARE OLD FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS HEALTHY?

I can say that while peanut butter might be healthy, these do have some sugar. However, you can substitute maple syrup or even honey to make them a little more healthy.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED-

• 2 1/2 Cups Plain Peanut Butter- Jiffy or Skippy smooth is preferred
• 1 Stick Softened Unsalted Butter
• 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 -4 Ounce Bars Semi Sweet Chocolate Bars or Dark Chocolate Bars
• 2 Tbsp Vegetable Shortening-only use if using chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO MAKE OLD FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS-

• In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter and Vanilla Extract until creamy.
• With the mixer running on low, gradually add in the powdered sugar. Gradually increase speed until it’s very well combined.
• Using a hand mixer, mix until well combined and you no longer see any powdered sugar or chunks of sugar.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you find the peanut butter is too crumbly, add a touch more peanut butter. If it too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.
• Using a small cookie scoop and your hands- roll into evenly sized balls. Keep repeating until you done.
• Place the balls onto the baking sheet and chill until set about 2 hours.
• In a double boiler, melt the chocolate slowly over medium heat. Make sure your glass bowl is not touching the simmering water and do not have the water boiling.
• Stir well and frequently until the chocolate is smooth.
• I like to coat mine with a sprinkling of sea salt. I love the combo and texture it provides. For this recipe, I chose to not add the salt but feel free.
• Let the chocolate cool for about 15 minutes.
• Dip the balls into the melted chocolate and make sure each one is evenly coated. You can use either two spoons or two forks to coat each ball into the chocolate. A toothpick also works well for this.
• Leave out until the chocolate has somewhat set then place in the fridge for another 1-2 hours.
• Store in an airtight container and enjoy.

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