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
