Natural Peanut Butter Balls

Natural Peanut Butter Balls Recipe from USA - Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Puffed Rice & Chocolate

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Peanut butter balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. These natural peanut butter balls are a healthier alternative to traditional peanut butter balls, as they are made with natural ingredients and no added sugars.

History

Peanut butter balls have been a popular treat for many years, with variations of the recipe being passed down through generations. This recipe for natural peanut butter balls puts a healthier spin on the classic treat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

1 jar of unsalted crunchy natural peanut butter
0.5 - 0.75 jar of salted crunchy natural peanut butter
1 stick of softened butter
1 and 0.33 cup of powdered sugar
7 or more cups of puffed rice cereal ("rice krispies")
1 or 2 packages of chocolate bits

How to prepare

Using a mixer, blend peanut butter and butter with sugar.
Add the rice cereal and mix well. The dough should have a very stiff consistency, and it may be necessary to mix the last cup by hand.
Chill the dough thoroughly.
Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and place them on wax paper. Freeze until they become solid.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
Dip each ball into the chocolate to cover it completely.
Return the balls to the wax paper and chill or freeze them until the chocolate has set.
Store the balls in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different twist on the recipe.

Notes

makes 6-7 dozen
Add additional peanut butter, sugar, or rice krispies as needed to provide desired taste/texture
The dough will be fairly sticky even after it is chilled. Food preparation gloves are helpful for rolling it into balls.
Freezing the balls in a metal brownie tin, and then placing the tin on a flat ice pack to stay cold while dipping them in the chocolate makes that step much easier.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly chill the dough before rolling it into balls, as this will make it easier to work with.

- Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate for dipping, as this will help prevent it from burning.

- Store the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent the chocolate from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these natural peanut butter balls as a dessert or snack at your next gathering, or enjoy them as a sweet treat throughout the week.

Cooking Techniques

Use a mixer to blend the peanut butter and butter for a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Chill the dough before rolling it into balls to make it easier to work with.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a natural sweetener.

- Use gluten-free rice cereal for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

These natural peanut butter balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the peanut butter balls on a platter and drizzle with melted chocolate for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with chopped nuts or sprinkles for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve these natural peanut butter balls with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the peanut butter balls in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of natural peanut butter balls contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of natural peanut butter balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of natural peanut butter balls contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of natural peanut butter balls contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut butter is a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium, which are essential for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and dairy, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

These natural peanut butter balls are a delicious and nutritious treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a great snack option.

Summary

These natural peanut butter balls are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional peanut butter balls. Packed with protein and healthy fats, they make a great snack or dessert option for any occasion. Enjoy these guilt-free treats and indulge in a sweet and satisfying treat without the added sugars.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Natural Peanut Butter Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious homemade treats, and that day she had a special surprise for me.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most heavenly aroma coming from the kitchen. Martha had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of what looked like little balls of golden goodness. "Try one," she urged me. "I think you'll love them."

I popped one of the peanut butter balls into my mouth and instantly, I was transported to a world of rich, nutty goodness. The combination of creamy peanut butter, honey, and oats was simply divine. I couldn't stop at just one. Martha laughed at my enthusiasm and revealed that the recipe was actually quite simple.

She had learned to make these natural peanut butter balls from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a family favorite, and Martha had perfected the recipe over the years. I begged her to share it with me, and she graciously agreed.

As Martha walked me through the steps, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of the preparation. All it took was some creamy peanut butter, a generous drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of oats, and a dash of vanilla extract. Mix it all together, roll them into balls, and voila! A delightful treat that was both delicious and nutritious.

I made a mental note to add this recipe to my collection, knowing that it would become a staple in my own kitchen. Martha and I spent the rest of the day baking together, swapping stories and laughter as we filled her cozy cottage with the warm scent of freshly baked treats.

When it was time for me to leave, Martha handed me a jar of her homemade peanut butter balls to take home with me. "A little taste of our day together," she said with a smile. I thanked her profusely and promised to make them for my own family.

And so, the recipe for Natural Peanut Butter Balls became a beloved tradition in my own kitchen. I would make them for special occasions, for family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Each time I rolled those little balls of goodness in my hands, I would think of Martha and our wonderful day together.

Years passed, and Martha and I remained close friends. We continued to bake together whenever we could, sharing recipes, secrets, and laughter. The natural peanut butter balls became a symbol of our friendship, a reminder of the joy and warmth that comes from simple pleasures shared with loved ones.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Martha's cottage, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Natural Peanut Butter Balls has not only brought me great joy and delicious treats over the years, but it has also served as a reminder of the power of friendship and the magic of homemade goodness.

So here's to Martha, to her grandmother, and to the simple pleasures that make life sweet. And here's to the recipe for Natural Peanut Butter Balls, a little taste of love that will always have a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.