If you are a fan of the magical combination of chocolate and peanut butter, get ready to fall in love with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe. These little delights balance rich, smooth peanut butter with the deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate, all wrapped up in a crunchy peanut and coconut sugar coating. They are irresistibly bite-sized, perfect for a quick treat, a party platter, or a homemade gift. What makes these candy bites truly special is how simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a delightfully sophisticated flavor and satisfying texture that will win over anyone’s sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of well-chosen ingredients makes this Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe wonderfully approachable. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a touch of sweetness, or a crunchy contrast.
- Peanut butter: Use smooth, natural peanut butter without added oils or sugars for a perfect creamy base and authentic flavor.
- Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness, balancing the peanut butter.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the mixture together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Fine salt: Just a pinch to elevate sweetness and deepen flavor complexity.
- Roasted, salted peanuts: Chopped and mixed with coconut sugar for a crunchy, sweet coating.
- Coconut sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the coating, complementing the dark chocolate beautifully.
- Dark chocolate (70 to 72%): Finely chopped and melted to coat the candy bites with a luscious, glossy shell.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a thick, smooth batter with no lumps. This batter is the heart of your candy bites, delivering the rich and creamy flavor you crave in each bite.
Step 2: Shape the Candy Bites
Roll heaping tablespoons of the peanut butter batter into small, uniform balls—aim for about eight pieces. Placing each ball on a parchment-lined sheet pan will keep them from sticking and make handling easier for the next steps. This part is fun—forming these little bites feels like crafting tiny treasures!
Step 3: Make the Peanut and Coconut Sugar Coating
Using a food processor, pulse the roasted, salted peanuts together with the coconut sugar until they are finely chopped but not powdery. Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl; this coating adds that crave-worthy crunch and a touch of caramel sweetness, which contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
Step 4: Melt the Dark Chocolate
Melt your finely chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating carefully in short bursts to avoid scorching. Stir frequently until smooth and glossy. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer gentle, even heat. This melted chocolate will become the delicious shell encasing each candy bite.
Step 5: Coat the Candy Bites
Drop each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate and use a fork to rotate it, ensuring it’s completely covered. Tap off any excess chocolate, then immediately roll the coated ball in the peanut and coconut sugar mixture, pressing gently with the fork to adhere well. Place each finished bite back onto the parchment-lined pan.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the pan for about 20 minutes to let the chocolate coating harden perfectly, locking in all those amazing flavors and textures. Once set, the candy bites are ready to enjoy or store for later indulgence.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sea salt flakes or a few chopped peanuts on top of the chocolate coating before chilling adds a beautiful finish and an extra flavor pop. For a festive touch, try drizzling a little white chocolate over the set bites or dusting them lightly with cocoa powder or edible gold dust.
Side Dishes
Serve these candy bites alongside fresh fruit, such as strawberries or sliced bananas, to balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, dark roast tea, or even a glass of cold milk to make dessert time complete and cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe on a decorative platter lined with parchment or wax paper for parties. Wrap a few in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts. You can also serve them in mini cupcake liners for a charming, easy-to-grab treat at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover candy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crisp texture and freshness. Stored properly, they will stay delicious for up to a week, making for a handy snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the candy bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen, they can last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. If you want them softer, simply remove from the refrigerator and let them sit for 15 minutes before serving to bring out their creamy peanut butter goodness without compromising texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Smooth peanut butter is recommended for this recipe to get that silky batter, but if you prefer, you can try crunchy. It might change the texture slightly, creating a bit more bite inside, which some people enjoy!
Is it possible to make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, though the flavor will be more distinct. The batter might be a little wetter, so chilling it for 15 minutes before coating helps it firm up nicely.
How dark should the chocolate be for coating?
Using 70 to 72% dark chocolate strikes the perfect balance of richness and bitterness that complements the sweetness of the peanut butter mixture. You can adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Can I use a different sweetener than maple syrup?
While maple syrup adds a lovely depth and natural sweetness, you can substitute with honey or agave nectar. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What is the best way to prevent the chocolate from burning while melting?
Use short bursts of microwave heating and stir frequently, or melt the chocolate gently in a double boiler. Avoid overheating as it can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy.
Final Thoughts
If you want an easy, delicious treat that combines the timeless magic of chocolate and peanut butter in a wonderfully bite-sized form, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe is an absolute winner. With simple ingredients and steps, you can create mouthwatering candies that feel special enough for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they will quickly become your go-to sweet snack to satisfy any craving with rich flavor and fantastic texture.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 candy bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites that combine smooth peanut butter, dark chocolate, and a crunchy peanut and coconut sugar coating. These no-bake treats are easy to prepare, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with wholesome ingredients and a hint of natural sweetness from maple syrup.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Candy Bites
- 1/2 cup (128g) smooth peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons (18g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (60g) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (2g) fine salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup (80g) roasted, salted peanuts
- 1/4 cup (40g) coconut sugar
- 3.5 ounces (100g) 70 to 72% dark chocolate chips or bar, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to keep the candy bites from sticking during cooling.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, mix together the smooth peanut butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and fine salt until a thick, smooth batter forms. Use a spoon to combine thoroughly so there are no lumps.
- Form Balls: Roll heaping tablespoons of the batter into 8 individual small balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared parchment-lined pan.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: Pulse the roasted peanuts and coconut sugar in a food processor until the mixture is finely chopped but not powdery, creating a crunchy coating. Transfer this to a wide shallow bowl and set aside.
- Melt Chocolate: Add the chopped dark chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on HIGH for 30 seconds. Stir, then continue heating in 10- to 15-second bursts until nearly melted. Stir until fully melted and smooth, avoiding burning by checking often.
- Coat Candy Bites: Using a fork, dip one peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, rotating to coat evenly. Let excess chocolate drip off by tapping the fork on the bowl edge. Immediately roll and coat the ball in the peanut and coconut sugar mixture, turning several times for full coverage. Place coated balls back on the pan and repeat for all.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the coated candy bites for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden and the candies to set firmly.
- Storage and Serving: Store candies in the fridge to maintain their shape. You can serve them at room temperature for parties, but note they will soften and lose crispiness over time at room temperature.
Notes
- Nutrition per ball: Approximately 260 calories, 23.2g total fat, 8.7g saturated fat, 26.3g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 19g sugar, 209mg sodium.
- Use natural peanut butter without added oil or sugar for best results and authentic flavor.
- To make these nut-free, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, though this will alter the taste and texture slightly and may require chilling the batter before coating.
- Be careful when melting chocolate to avoid burning by stirring frequently and heating in short intervals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
