Looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without crushing your diet? Give this recipe, originally shared in February 2020, a try.
You know what’s interesting (at least to me)? I am not a big fan of chocolate, but I do love the pairing of peanut butter and milk chocolate. For example, I don’t eat candy bars, but if I did, a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup would be near the top of the list. Peanut M&Ms would be right up there as well.
I think what I like about the peanut butter and chocolate pairing is that you have that nice balance of salty and sweet. Whereas so many chocolate desserts are sweet on sweet on sweet, peanut butter and chocolate desserts can keep themselves in check with that bit of saltiness.
With a schedule to create a treat that would work well as a homemade valentine, my mind wandered to the world of kinda healthy. Sure it’s Valentine’s Day, but not everyone appreciates a highly indulgent treat. That’s how I came to ponder a way to work peanut butter powder into a treat. And this is where I ended up.
I have been using peanut butter powder for several years and have been pleased with all of its uses so far. I’ve used it to make frozen yogurt and just to add flavor to plain yogurt. I’ve used it in rehydrated format as a topping for crackers and pita bread. However, I haven’t used it to make a dessert like this. But if it works well on its own as a cracker topping, shouldn’t it work well as a filling for a peanut butter ball?
The answer is a resounding yes! Not only are they delicious, but they really are much healthier than a regular peanut butter ball. Made with peanut butter powder they have half the calories and one-fifth the fat. Yes, you read that correctly, these really are much better for you. Not that they’re a health food per se, but if you’re going to indulge, this is the way to do it.
One additional bonus, since they are peanut butter balls, they are easy to package and present as a beautiful gift for your someone special. Go ahead! Make a couple batches. Then you’ll have plenty to gift and some for yourself to enjoy as well! (If you’re feeling indulgent, give these peanut butter balls a try.)
Kinda Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups powdered peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk
Instructions
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Combine peanut butter powder, powdered sugar, and water in a small bowl.
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Stir until fully combined.
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Scoop 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture with a spoon; using your hands quickly shape into small balls.
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Place on a waxed or parchment paper-lined plate.
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Freeze for at least 45 minutes.
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Place chocolate chips in small bowl.
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Microwave in 20 second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted.
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Place one peanut butter ball in melted chocolate.
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Roll quickly to coat all sides; remove each ball using a fork to help remove excess chocolate.
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Return to prepared plate.
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The plate can be placed in the refrigerator to harden the chocolate more quickly.
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Store peanut butter balls in refrigerator.
I really want to make this recipe and have the ingredients mixed up in the bowl, but how on earth am I supposed to shape it into balls? It sticks to everything it touches. Did I miss some important ingredient or step? (Do I have to coat my hands in butter?)
I didn’t find the mixture to be that sticky when I made them. If you are having that issue, I think coating your hands with butter or nonstick cooking spray would be a good solution.