Irresistible No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (Low-Carb & Easy!)
Satisfy your chocolate and peanut butter cravings with these incredibly easy and delicious No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls! These rich, decadent bites are quick to prepare and firm up in the fridge, making them a perfect make-ahead, low-carb, and gluten-free treat.
IMPORTANT KETO NOTE: Traditional maple syrup and conventional chocolate chips are not low-carb or keto-friendly due to their high sugar content. This recipe specifically calls for sugar-free maple flavored syrup and sugar-free chocolate chips to maintain its keto status. Please ensure you use these specific varieties!
Yields: Approximately 18-24 balls (depending on size) Prep time: 10 minutes Chill time: 2 hours minimum
Ingredients:
- 1 cup no-sugar-added peanut butter (creamy or crunchy; choose a natural brand with only peanuts and salt, or minimal ingredients)
- ½ cup sugar-free maple flavored syrup (e.g., Lakanto, ChocZero, Mrs. Butterworth’s Sugar Free)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips (e.g., Lily’s, ChocZero), optional for mixing into the dough or for melting as a coating
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Sturdy spoon or rubber spatula (or electric mixer)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the no-sugar-added peanut butter, sugar-free maple flavored syrup, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If you are mixing chocolate chips into the dough, add them now.
- Use a sturdy spoon or spatula (or an electric mixer on low speed) to mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and a thick, uniform dough forms. It might take a few minutes of mixing to get it completely cohesive.
- Roll into Balls: Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into small, bite-sized balls between your palms. Aim for consistent size for even chilling.
- Chill: Place the rolled peanut butter balls onto a parchment paper-lined (or silicone mat-lined) baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the balls are firm and set. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape.
- Optional Chocolate Coating (If not mixed in): If you prefer a chocolate coating, you can melt the ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil (microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between). Dip the chilled balls into the melted chocolate, then return them to the lined baking sheet. Return to the fridge or freezer for 15-30 minutes for the coating to set.
- Store & Enjoy! Once firm, transfer the No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls to an airtight container.
Tips for Success:
- Peanut Butter Consistency: Natural peanut butter that requires stirring can sometimes be a bit oily. If your dough is too soft, add a tiny bit more cocoa powder. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more sugar-free maple syrup.
- Mixing Method: A sturdy spoon is fine, but a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer can make combining the thick dough easier.
- Even Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which also helps with chilling evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these as a quick dessert, a fat bomb, or a satisfying snack.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors. You could also add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. If storing in the freezer, let them thaw for a few minutes before eating for a softer texture.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Moderate protein from peanut butter.
- Low-Carb: Yes, when using sugar-free maple flavored syrup and sugar-free chocolate chips. Traditional versions would be high-carb.
- Keto: Yes, when using sugar-free maple flavored syrup, sugar-free chocolate chips, and no-sugar-added peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter: Crucial to use a natural, no-sugar-added brand.
- Sugar-Free Maple Syrup: Essential for keto.
- Cocoa Powder: Keto-friendly.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Essential for keto.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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