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Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s naturally dairy-free, indulgently rich, and downright addictive, you’re going to love this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe. These bite-sized delights combine creamy peanut butter and crispy Rice Krispies, all wrapped in a silky vegan chocolate shell. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll be hooked—and I’ll walk you through every step so your batch turns out perfect!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Balance: The crispy Rice Krispies add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut butter filling.
  • Simple, Real Ingredients: Few, wholesome ingredients come together for a treat that feels homemade but tastes gourmet.
  • Vegan-Friendly and Allergy-Adaptable: This recipe skips dairy without missing out on richness, plus you can swap peanut butter for almond butter if nuts are a concern.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these in advance and keep them refrigerated or frozen for whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving strikes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe lies in simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each component brings texture, flavor, or structure, so picking quality items will make a noticeable difference.

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, vegan peanut butter treats, dairy-free chocolate snacks, easy vegan dessert, healthy vegan candy - Flat lay of creamy light brown peanut butter swirled softly beside smooth, pale yellow vegan butter chunks, fine white powdered sugar dusted gently near crispy golden Rice Krispies cereal clusters, shiny dark vegan chocolate chips scattered loosely with a glossy texture, and small glistening blobs of refined coconut oil gleaming softly, all beautifully arranged with balanced spacing and natural flow, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: I always go for creamy, not natural chunky, because it makes the mix smooth and helps the balls hold together better.
  • Vegan Butter: Adding a bit of vegan butter gives these bites rich flavor and helps imitate that classic peanut butter ball softness.
  • Powdered Sugar: It sweetens and thickens the mixture so the rolls stay firm without being dry.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: This is the crunchy surprise that keeps each bite fun and light.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chips: I recommend brown or semi-sweet for that deep, luscious chocolate coating that hardens just right.
  • Refined Coconut Oil: It smooths out the chocolate for dipping and hardens quickly, though I prefer refined to avoid coconut flavor dominating.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like it nutty, sweeter, or with a little crunch, there’s a way to adjust. I always encourage you to experiment a bit and find what hits your sweet spot.

  • Nut Butter Swap: When I’m avoiding peanuts, using almond butter gives a nice twist—just keep in mind the flavor and slight texture changes.
  • Crunch Boost: Adding chopped roasted peanuts inside ups the crunch factor beautifully.
  • Sweetness Level: Depending on your peanut butter brand, you might want to adjust the powdered sugar a little—taste as you go!
  • Chocolate Varieties: Dark chocolate chips add a richer feel, while vegan white chocolate chips can make it more festive.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up that Peanut Butter Mixture

Start by adding the creamy peanut butter and softened vegan butter to a large bowl. I find using a hand mixer here saves time and gives the smoothest, creamiest blend you can get, which helps your balls hold together. Beat them for about a minute until combined. Then, lower the speed and add powdered sugar and Rice Krispies. The mixture will become thick—perfect for forming into balls!

Step 2: Shape & Chill

Grab a tablespoon and scoop out the mixture, rolling it quickly between your palms to create uniform balls. I always line a pan with parchment paper so the balls don’t stick—we’ll thank ourselves later! Once shaped, pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms them up, making the chocolate coating easier and cleaner.

Step 3: Melt & Dip the Chocolate

I like melting my vegan chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until silky and smooth. If you prefer, you can do this on the stovetop with a double boiler. Using a fork, I dip each peanut butter ball in the chocolate, tapping off the excess before placing it back on the parchment-lined pan. This keeps your bites neat and not overly messy.

Step 4: Set & Store

Once all balls are coated, refrigerate for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens. This is when I sometimes drizzle any leftover melted chocolate back over the balls—for that fancy homemade touch! Keep your balls in the fridge when you’re not eating them, since room temperature can make the chocolate soft and the texture less enjoyable.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

  • Stick to Creamy Peanut Butter: Natural or chunky peanut butter can make balls crumbly—creaminess ensures smooth, firm bites.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling steps; the firmer the balls before dipping, the cleaner the chocolate coat.
  • Use Refined Coconut Oil: Keeps chocolate shiny but won’t add unexpected coconut flavor that might clash.
  • Handling Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within two weeks to keep freshness.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, vegan peanut butter treats, dairy-free chocolate snacks, easy vegan dessert, healthy vegan candy - The image shows a tray lined with white parchment paper holding multiple round chocolate treats. Each treat has a smooth, glossy dark brown chocolate coating with a light drizzle of thinner chocolate stripes on top, giving a textured look. The treats are arranged in neat rows, with some stray drizzles of chocolate on the paper between them. The tray is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate before it sets—just that tiny hit of salt elevates the peanut butter and chocolate combo. Sometimes I add crushed peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These balls pair fabulously with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy almond milk latte. For a fun twist when serving at parties, I like to offer fresh fruit slices or vegan vanilla ice cream alongside for a contrast of fresh and indulgent textures.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation ideas is to stack these balls in a small glass jar with wax paper layers—perfect as a gift or pretty party favor. Another is arranging them on a slate board with colorful edible flowers and drizzled vegan caramel. It makes every bite feel like a special occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to two weeks, which makes me happy because I love having a sweet snack ready to go without any guilt. Just grab and enjoy straight out of the fridge!

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze mine in a zip-top bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They freeze wonderfully and thaw quickly in the fridge, so you can always have them ready for last-minute cravings.

Reheating

These treats don’t really need reheating because they’re best enjoyed chilled. But if you prefer a softer bite, just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 5 seconds—just don’t overdo it, or the chocolate will melt away.

FAQs

  1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

    While you can technically use natural peanut butter, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less creamy, which can make the balls crumbly and harder to form. Stick with creamy peanut butter for the best texture and ease of rolling.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Traditional Rice Krispies contain gluten, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free puffed rice cereal to keep this recipe gluten-free without changing texture or taste drastically.

  3. How long do Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls last?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they last up to two weeks. For longer-term storage, freezer-friendly options keep them good for 2-3 months.

  4. Can I make these nut-free?

    If peanut allergy is a concern, try swapping peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative to keep these balls safe and just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe is truly one of those little indulgences that never fails to put a smile on my face. The ease of making them, along with the amazing texture and flavor combo, means I often find myself making double batches just to share (or not!). You’ll enjoy the creamy, crunchy, chocolaty goodness in every bite, and the best part? It’s all vegan and freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy them anytime. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 28 balls
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Delicious vegan chocolate peanut butter balls made with creamy peanut butter, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and crispy Rice Krispies, coated in melted vegan chocolate and coconut oil. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert that is easy to make and gluten free adaptable.


Ingredients

Peanut Butter Balls

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 6 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal

Chocolate Coating

  • 2 cups vegan chocolate chips (12 oz, 1 bag)
  • 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil


Instructions

  1. Mix peanut butter and vegan butter: Add the peanut butter and softened vegan butter to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until combined, about 1 minute.
  2. Add powdered sugar and Rice Krispies: Now add the powdered sugar and Rice Krispies cereal. Mix together on low speed until combined; the mixture will be thick.
  3. Form balls and chill: Form tablespoon sized balls and place them on a pan lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
  4. Melt chocolate and coconut oil: In a medium bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips and refined coconut oil in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Alternatively, melt them on the stovetop if preferred.
  5. Dip balls in chocolate: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate using a fork to help. Tap off excess chocolate and place back onto the parchment-lined pan.
  6. Set chocolate coating: Once all balls are coated, place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set the chocolate.
  7. Optional drizzle and storage: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the balls if desired. Store the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator to keep firm as they soften at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use creamy peanut butter rather than all-natural for consistent texture and taste.
  • Refined coconut oil is preferred to avoid coconut flavor; unrefined coconut oil can be used if you don’t mind coconut taste.
  • These peanut butter balls freeze well and can be made ahead of time. They keep up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
  • If allergic to peanuts, almond butter can be used instead.
  • For gluten free, use a certified gluten free Rice Krispies or similar gluten free crispy cereal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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