3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls No Bake

Y’all, sometimes life in Texas just calls for a little something sweet, easy, and downright delicious. And as a busy mama of two rambunctious kiddos, I need recipes that are quick enough to whip up during naptime! These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls are exactly that. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count in my kitchen, and they are always a huge hit, from school bake sales to a simple weeknight treat. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the no-bake aspect makes them a winner year-round. I promise you, these little bites of heaven are about to become your new go-to recipe when you need a quick and easy treat!

Why This Recipe Works

Okay, let’s be real. We all love a good shortcut, especially when it comes to baking (or, in this case, not baking!). These peanut butter balls are not only ridiculously easy, but they’re also:

• Super Quick: Ready in under 15 minutes – perfect for those last-minute cravings.
• Kid-Friendly: My kiddos adore helping me roll these, and they disappear faster than I can make them!
• No-Bake: No need to turn on the oven, which is a lifesaver during those hot Texas summers.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.

Seriously, these peanut butter balls are a game-changer. I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over time, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as my family does.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer regular, not natural for this recipe)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter: I’ve found that regular peanut butter works best in this recipe because it has a smoother texture and doesn’t separate like natural peanut butter. However, if you’re committed to using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and consider adding an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to help bind the ingredients together.

Powdered Sugar: This is crucial for the right texture! Don’t substitute with granulated sugar, or you’ll end up with a gritty mess.

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the peanut butter balls. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends easily with the other ingredients. If you only have salted butter, omit a pinch of salt from the mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. I like to use a hand mixer for this step to make sure everything is nice and smooth, but you can also use a sturdy spoon and a little elbow grease! The mixture should be creamy and well-combined.

Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed (if using a mixer) or stirring with a spoon until it’s fully incorporated. The mixture will start to thicken and form a dough. Don’t worry if it seems a little crumbly at first; just keep mixing until it comes together.

Step 3: Once the dough has formed, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. After testing this several times, I learned that wetting your hands slightly helps prevent the dough from sticking. Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up. This will make them easier to handle and prevent them from becoming too soft at room temperature. They’re ready to eat once they are firm to the touch!

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Make-Ahead: These are fantastic for making ahead! You can prepare the dough, roll the balls, and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before chilling. They’re also perfect for batch-prepping and freezing for a quick and easy treat anytime.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter sticks, for a completely dairy-free version.

Chocolate Covered: Melt some chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) and dip the chilled peanut butter balls in the melted chocolate. Place them back on the parchment paper and let the chocolate set before serving. For an extra touch, sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts.

Peanut Butter Alternatives: While I haven’t personally tested it, you could try using other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might vary, so you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?

While you can use natural peanut butter, it may result in a slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier, so you might need to add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to get the right consistency. Also, make sure you stir the peanut butter really well before using it!

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?

Slightly wetting your hands with water before rolling the peanut butter balls can help prevent the dough from sticking. You can also lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar.

Can I add anything else to the peanut butter balls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a pinch of sea salt to the dough for added flavor and texture.

How long do these peanut butter balls last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these peanut butter balls will last for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Are these peanut butter balls kid-friendly?

Yes, these peanut butter balls are definitely kid-friendly! My kids love helping me make them, and they’re always a hit at parties and playdates. Just be mindful of any peanut allergies.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These are perfect for making ahead. You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days before rolling them into balls. You can also roll them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them.

What if my dough is too dry?

If your dough is too dry and crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or melted butter at a time until it comes together.

Okay, y’all, I truly hope you give these easy peasy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls a try! They’re a lifesaver for those days when you need a quick treat without a lot of fuss. They’re simple, sweet, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whip up a batch, share them with your loved ones, and let me know what you think in the comments below! And be sure to check out some of the other easy family recipes here on FamiliesRecipes.com. Happy baking (or, should I say, no-baking)!

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