I am giving all the credit to Brian on this one because he made them for me a few years ago for the first time and they were DELICIOUS and now they’ve become a Christmas tradition! Conventional peanut butter balls are made with hydrogenated oils and refined sugar and corn syrup…so these are much better for you because we use high quality ingredients – such as a small amount of pure maple syrup (which has vitamins and minerals and antioxidants), non-gmo puffed rice cereal, and organic peanut butter! They are super easy to make and you can enjoy 1 per day and it’s such a filling treat.
INGREDIENTS FOR ABOUT 16-18 BALLS
- 1 heaping cup organic peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (optional add-in)
- about 1 cup puffed rice cereal (plain – no added sugar)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips for melting and dipping
METHOD
Take a large bowl and stir the peanut butter, almond butter if using, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the puffed rice cereal and stir until combined. If the consistency is difficult to mold into balls at this step you may put the bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and then it will be easier to manipulate (I find if the peanut butter was purchased fresh and at room temperature then this freezing step will be necessary…if the peanut butter has been in the fridge already for a day or longer, you should be able to form into balls quite easily).
After you’ve formed into about 16-20 balls, stick in freezer again for 15-20 minutes. Next, take a double boiler (a medium pot with water, and a glass bowl on top of it) and melt the chocolate slowly and carefully over medium-low heat. Dip each ball into the chocolate and coat evenly on all sides and place back onto the plate.
Once all balls have been coated, stick in fridge to let harden before serving.
Enjoy! Keep leftovers in the fridge.
Kelly Hayman Fitness 