Ever find yourself wandering down the bustling streets of Bangkok, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of street food wafting through the air? Or maybe you dream of savoring treats from a vibrant market in Barcelona, where each bite tells a story. Well, get ready to take a bite out of adventure with these Healthy Peanut Butter Balls that are both vegan and gluten-free! Forget the travel brochures; the ticket to flavor town is found right in your own kitchen.
Why make this recipe?
These delightful little bites are not just snacks; they’re small rounds of joy bursting with flavor, and each nibble takes you on a gastronomic journey. Rich, creamy peanut butter meets the sweet symphony of maple syrup, all wrapped in a decadent chocolate coat – it’s like having a vacation in your mouth! Plus, they’re packed with energy, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or post-workout fuel. So come on, indulge in this wanderlust-inspired treat without a single passport stamp!
How to make Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
Ready to dive in? Grab your aprons, channel your inner street foodie, and let’s craft these globetrotting goodies!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups natural peanut butter (no added fat or sugar)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate; use vegan chocolate if needed)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (I used refined for no coconut taste)
Directions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, unleash the magic by stirring together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Let the flavors mingle like old friends.
- Next, toss in the coconut flour and watch it absorb the goodness. At first, it’ll be a watery affair—don’t fear! Just let it sit for about 10 minutes as the coconut flour soaks it all up like a sponge.
- Get your freeze on! Pop that bowl into the freezer for an hour or wrap the dough in plastic and stash it for up to three months in a Ziploc bag. The goal here is to make the dough easier to roll into those perfect little balls of joy.
- Time to play with chocolate! In a small bowl or pot, mix together the chopped chocolate and coconut oil like it’s the most important secret sauce in the world. Give it a gentle melt; we want silky smooth consistency, not a volcanic eruption!
- Roll the dough into 28 ball-shaped treasures (20 grams each), and place them on a tray small enough to fit into your freezer.
- Pop them into the freezer to firm up, and resist the urge to snatch one!
- Grab a ball, dip it into that velvety melted chocolate, and let the excess drip off like a runway model swishing her gown. Place it onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet, and finish the rest before refrigeration.
- Cover those beauties and let them chill out in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for a delicious treat for months to come. If it’s not too warm, you can bask in the glory of leaving them at room temperature for a few days too!
How to serve Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
Serve them up as an after-dinner treat or pack them for a snack on your next adventure! Pop them in a colorful travel tin for your next road trip or share them at your next potluck with friends (they’ll never guess they’re healthy!).
How to store Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a week, or freeze them for extended joy. Just remember, they may disappear faster than you can say “Peanut Butter Wonderland,” so stock up if you can!
Tips to make Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
- If you want to add an extra punch of flavor, toss in some crushed nuts or dried fruit into the mix.
- Experiment with different nut butters – almond or cashew could give it an exciting twist!
- For a touch of spice, sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt on the chocolate coating.
Variations
The adventure doesn’t end here! You can switch up the chocolate for a yogurt coating and even drizzle a touch of caramel for a sweet surprise. Feeling fruity? Add in pieces of dried cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different sweetener besides maple syrup?
Yes, you can swap maple syrup for agave or another liquid sweetener, but remember—the flavors might differ a tad! -
Are these really gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure your ingredients, especially chocolate, are certified gluten-free. -
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
If you’re finding that chocolate cracking is a common issue, try tempering the chocolate for a shinier finish with less brittleness!
Embark on this delicious food journey, and may your taste buds travel around the globe with each irresistible bite! Enjoy, and remember—life is too short for boring snacks.
Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Add in the coconut flour and let it sit for about 10 minutes as it absorbs the mixture.
- Refrigerate the mixture for an hour or freeze it, wrapped in plastic for up to three months.
- In a small bowl or pot, melt together the chopped chocolate and coconut oil until smooth.
- Roll the dough into 28 balls and place them on a tray.
- Freeze the balls for firming up.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.