No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a beloved classic that combines the irresistible duo of peanut butter and chocolate. This easy, no-bake recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into decadent, truffle-like confections perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat.
The secret to their appeal lies in the textural contrast – a creamy, rich peanut butter center studded with graham cracker crumbs for structure, all enrobed in a smooth chocolate shell. Their simplicity makes them ideal for novice cooks and children helping in the kitchen, while their sophisticated taste appeals to even the most discerning dessert lovers.
These bite-sized treats are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, homemade gifts, bake sales, or as a make-ahead dessert. The recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings, and the balls freeze beautifully, allowing you to prepare them well in advance. The basic recipe also welcomes variations – try different types of chocolate for coating, add crushed nuts for extra crunch, or experiment with crunchy peanut butter for texture variation. Whether served chilled from the refrigerator or at room temperature, these peanut butter balls deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Yield: 36 balls Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
Instructions:
- Mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, graham crackers. Mix well.
- Roll into 1-inch balls. Freeze 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate and shortening.
- Dip balls in chocolate. Place on wax paper.
- Refrigerate until firm.
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 2 weeks
- Freeze up to 3 months