Dear Diary,
I’m about to do something terrible.
I’m about to get people hooked on something so addictive that it will surely be their undoing….
A little candy that can be whipped up with a handful of ingredients and minimal skill? A candy that can easily be made to satisfy a nostalgic craving for the peanut butter balls of your youth? A peanut-free version of this much loved favorite? One that’s packed with a healthier nut butter and the high fiber, high protein punch of coconut flour?
Please forgive me, for I have sinned.
Faux Peanut Butter Balls: Holiday Recipe Redux
- 2 cups (16 ounces) creamy almond butter (I use Barney Butter, a “peanut-safe” variety)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted**
- ¼ cup coconut flour*
- pinch of salt
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (use a corn-starch free brand if you are corn-free)
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free crispy rice cereal, such as Erewhon
——-
- 1 – 12 ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips of your choice
- 2 tablespoons non-hydrogenated shortening**
* This recipe will also work with your favorite gluten-free flour mix if you don’t have coconut flour.
** If you eat dairy, feel free to substitute butter for the coconut oil and the non-hydrogenated shortening in the chocolate coating.
→ In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, melted coconut oil, coconut flour, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix with a large spatula until well combined.
→ Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until thoroughly distributed.
→ Chill for 2-3 hours.
→ Working with 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, form round, smooth balls with your hands. You need to work quickly since the dough will melt in the warmth of your hands. You can dust your hands with a bit of gluten-free flour or tapioca starch to keep things less sticky. Place the dough balls on a sheet pan and chill for 30 minutes before dipping.
→ While the dough is chilling, slowly melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler (or you can use your microwave). Stir until smooth and shiny. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before dipping the candy balls.
→ Give the chocolate one more quick stir and then dip the chilled candy balls one at a time into the chocolate. I use a large fork and give each ball a couple of bounces on the fork to allow excess chocolate to fall before I transfer them to a wire rack or sheet pan that has been lined with parchment.
→ Garnish with crisped rice and chill for 30 minutes before serving. These store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. A great holiday treat to make ahead and have on hand for last minute guests, if they last that long!
It’s a teensy bit evil posting ridiculously delicious treats like this – you know if I tried to make this – first I’d eat all the ingredients before they made it too the bowl and second they’d never turn out this good. Why oh why wasn’t I born with the patience to cook…
Very nice looking balls! They will make great gift.
These little treats are enticing and worthy of a holiday celebration, just lovely! I really like the almond instead of the peanut butter; a touch of elegance.
We are peanut and tree-nut free–do you think it would work with sunflower seed butter?
Hi Laura,
I think that substitute would work really well! I haven’t made it that way, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Let me know if you give it a go.
Thank you! I’m going to have to try it soon, I think. My son will probably want to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
My husband would love those!
What a lovely treat! I love the fact that you replaced the PB witb almond butter. Mmmhhh…
Cheers,
Rosa
I love that idea way better than with the boring old peanut butter inside!! Beautiful picture…
I’ve always felt that these peanut butter balls are too much. your addition of rice crisps must have been the best revelation for me.
This is great. Simply great.
This looks delicious. Would love for you to share this with us over at foodepix.com.
You are forgiven! If these treats are your peace offering…definitely! I will try these the soonest! In batches! Love your post!
I love that you mix the crispy rice cereal in there. I always appreciate when there is some crunchy texture in it and you just made it right for me!
Ohhhh this is a great PB balls… so cute and they are great gift too!
What an amazing idea and great for all of us that don’t use peanut butter! They look so good with the almond butter. Must see if we can get it here – worth trying since I’d love to make them!
Another hit! Loved these great treats and nice crunch to inside and top. Just in time for the holidays….Thanks….PM
Wow! What a delicious post! Not only does the recipe look amazing, but what FUN read, too! Thanks! (amazing photos, too!) Yummy!
What a great idea, I would wolf the lot down!
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Hi again I just wanted to know do you happen to know what will be the best semi-chocolate chips to purchase. I have not had chocolate in over a year now and I do crave it sometimes but was’nt too sure of which brand is gluten and corn free. Plus I know that my husband would love this treat!!!
Enjoy life chocolate chips are the only one I know of that is completely corn free (they’re gf too). Most other brands have vanilla extract in them, which is not corn free unless specified. http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chocolate-for-baking/mini-chips/
GREAT!! Thank you again for the help!!