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Home » Holiday » Christmas

Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Balls

December 23, 2021 by Katie 10 Comments

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This healthy vegan peanut butter balls recipe is the ultimate healthy take on a classic. It's made with simple and clean ingredients and tastes just as good as traditional buckeyes. This recipe is vegan, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and gluten-free.
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vegan peanut butter balls

These Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect alternative to a Holiday classic. This delicious recipe has the perfect creamy peanut butter filling and dark chocolate coating. Whether you're looking for a vegan or healthier alternative to the classic, this recipe is for you!

a close up of the vegan peanut butter balls with a bite taken out of one to show the smooth and creamy center

Peanut Butter Balls or buckeyes have always been a Christmas classic in my family. However, the peanut butter balls I grew up eating were neither healthy nor vegan. Therefore I wanted to create delicious vegan buckeyes using simple and clean ingredients so that everyone can enjoy this classic Christmas treat. 

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This recipe features several affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.

Jump to:
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients:
  • How To Make This Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Recipe:
  • Substitutions:
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Variations:
  • What You Will Need To Make These Healthy Vegan Buckeyes:
  • How To Store These Healthy Peanut Butter Balls:
  • Top Tip:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
  • Related Vegan Christmas Recipes:
  • Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Balls
  • More Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes:

Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients:

This recipe is fantastic because it is made with 5 simple ingredients and tastes just like the classic treat. Here's what you'll need to make these healthy peanut butter balls.

  • Natural Peanut Butter -Provides a creamy and nutty base for the peanut butter balls, contributing to their rich flavor and texture. I recommend using a natural peanut butter that is just peanuts and salt. Natural peanut butter is a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, supporting heart health, and is full of plant-based protein as well as essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
  • Coconut Butter - This is what is used as the vegan butter replacement. It adds a velvety texture to the peanut butter balls and is oil-free and high in fiber.
  • Powdered Eyrithritol - There are no unprocessed substitutes for powdered sugar since it is such a highly processed food. However, there are healthier substitutes. One of my favorite refined sugar-free powdered sugar substitutes is powdered erythritol. It is a natural zero-calorie sweetener and therefore has a low glycemic index, causing minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
  • Vanilla Extract - Compliments the flavor of the peanut butter perfectly. I recommend using Mexican vanilla because it has a much deeper flavor.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chips - Any type of vegan chocolate will work. I love the rich chocolate flavor of dark chocolate, but milk chocolate will work as well.
  • Flaky Sea Salt (optional) - I love adding a touch of 

See the recipe card for quantities.

the vegan peanut butter balls stacked in a pyramid with a bite taken out of the top one

How To Make This Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Recipe:

These vegan buckeyes are one of my favorite quick and easy no-bake desserts because they are made with simple ingredients and they only require a few simple steps to make. 

.

  1. Soften Coconut Butter:
    • If the coconut butter is solid, gently soften it by microwaving it in short intervals or placing the jar in warm water until it reaches a soft, spreadable consistency.
  2. Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Butter:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter and softened coconut butter. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
  3. Add Sweetener and Vanilla:
    • Incorporate the powdered erythritol and vanilla extract into the peanut butter and coconut butter mixture. Stir until the sweetener is well combined and the mixture is evenly sweetened. It should look like a fluffy peanut butter filling. Place the large bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll Into Balls:
    • Use a 2-tablespoon small cookie scoop to scoop out individual peanut butter balls. Roll them into round balls and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Once you have rolled out all the balls, place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes. 
  5. Melt The Chocolate:
    • In a medium bowl melt the chocolate chips. You can do this either with a double boiler or in a microwave. If using a microwave I recommend only heating it in 30-second increments.
  6. ​Chocolate Coating:
    • Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to move them around the bowl and allow the excess melted chocolate to drip off. Place the vegan peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top the peanut butter balls with sea salt while the chocolate is still warm. Allow the peanut butter balls to set at room temperature until the chocolate has solidified. 
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once the peanut butter balls are firm, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can refrigerate them or keep them at room temperature.

Hint: I think this vegan peanut butter ball recipe tastes best when chilled. I recommend keeping them in the refrigerator.

three vegan buckeyes stacked on top of each other with a bite taken out of the top one

Substitutions:

There are a handful of delicious and easy substitutions that can be made to this recipe. Here are some of the common ones.

  • Nut-Free - If you have a nut allergy, these vegan chocolate peanut butter balls can easily be turned into vegan Sunbutter balls! You can use sunflower seed butter as a 1:1 substitute for peanut butter in this recipe.
  • Sweetener - If you're not a fan of using sweeteners like erythritol, you can use a combination of maple syrup and coconut flour to achieve a similar peanut butter ball. I recommend using ½ cup of each. This will not have the same consistency as traditional peanut butter balls, but it will still be delicious!
  • Nut Butter - You can use any natural nut butter in place of creamy peanut butter. Raw cashew butter, almond butter, and pistachio butter are all delicious options. 

If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed make sure to leave a comment and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!

Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Variations:

This recipe is great because it is so simple. Therefore there are plenty of ways to mix it up and enjoy them. Here are some of my favorite variations to make.

  • Crunchy - You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter in the peanut butter mixture for a delicious added crunch. 
  • Peanut Butter Protein Balls - You can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the peanut butter mixture for a delicious protein boost. My favorite is PlantFusion ("NATURALVEGAN" for 25% off).
  • White Chocolate - You can use vegan white chocolate chips for the chocolate coating for a delicious white chocolate variation. 
  • Peanut Butter Energy Bites - You can add ¼ cup of oats to these peanut butter balls to turn them into the perfect healthy snack.
the peanut butter balls stacked in a pyramid with a bite taken out of the top one

What You Will Need To Make These Healthy Vegan Buckeyes:

This healthy peanut butter balls recipe is great because it requires hardly any equipment and is super easy to make. It is the perfect holiday treat to make if you don't love baking or you are working with a small space.

  • Mixing Bowls - You will need a large bowl for the peanut butter mixture and a medium bowl to melt the chocolate in. Make sure the medium bowl is a microwave-safe bowl if you are melting the chocolate in the microwave.
  • Fork - A fork will be your handy tool for dipping the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate. Its prongs provide an easy way to lift and coat each ball evenly.
  • Parchment Paper - To prevent the buckeyes from sticking to surfaces and ensure easy removal, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes the cleanup process a breeze.
  • Baking Sheet - Anything flat will work for chilling the vegan peanut butter balls.

As always you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my affiliate page.

How To Store These Healthy Peanut Butter Balls:

​Another reason I love this vegan peanut butter balls recipe so much is because they keep for the entire holiday season. I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for best results. Chocolate naturally gets a little sticky at room temperature, so I find keeping them in the fridge works best. If stored properly, these peanut butter balls will keep for up to 2 months!

Top Tip:

When coating the vegan peanut butter balls it is crucial that they are cold. If you try to coat room-temperature balls, they will get misshapen and fall apart.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I substitute for coconut butter?

If you don't have coconut butter, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

Are these peanut butter balls suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure the ingredients you use, especially the chocolate chips, are labeled gluten-free.

Can I customize the coating with different toppings?

Absolutely! Roll the coated peanut butter balls in shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder for added variety.

Related Vegan Christmas Recipes:

Looking for more festive treats to make this holiday season? Check out some of the other Christmas recipes on my website!

  • The Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Bark 
  • dubai chocolate strawberries featured image
    The Best Dubai Chocolate Strawberries (Viral Recipe)
  • The Best Healthy Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake
  • Healthy Dark Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups

If you try this Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!

vegan peanut butter balls

Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Balls

This healthy vegan peanut butter balls recipe is the ultimate healthy take on a classic. It's made with simple and clean ingredients and tastes just as good as traditional buckeyes. This recipe is vegan, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and gluten-free.
5 from 16 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
chill time 40 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Servings 24 balls

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing bowls
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • ¼ cup coconut butter ensure it is creamy and not dry
  • 2 cups powdered erythritol
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 bag plant based chocolate chips
  • flaky salt
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

Soften Coconut Butter:

  • If the coconut butter is solid, gently soften it by microwaving it in short intervals or placing the jar in warm water until it reaches a soft, spreadable consistency.

Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Butter:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter and softened coconut butter. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture.

Add Sweetener and Vanilla:

  • Incorporate the powdered erythritol and vanilla extract into the peanut butter and coconut butter mixture. Stir until the sweetener is well combined and the mixture is evenly sweetened. It should look like a fluffy peanut butter filling. Place the large bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Roll Into Balls:

  • Use a 2-tablespoon small cookie scoop to scoop out individual peanut butter balls. Roll them into round balls and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Once you have rolled out all the balls, place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Melt The Chocolate:

  • In a medium bowl melt the chocolate chips. You can do this either with a double boiler or in a microwave. If using a microwave I recommend only heating it in 30-second increments.

​Chocolate Coating:

  • Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to move them around the bowl and allow the excess melted chocolate to drip off. Place the vegan peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top the peanut butter balls with sea salt while the chocolate is still warm. Allow the peanut butter balls to set at room temperature until the chocolate has solidified.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Once the peanut butter balls are firm, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can refrigerate them or keep them at room temperature.
Keyword date sweetened, super healthy vegan dessert, vegan chocolate, vegan peanut butter balls
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
recipe card stating this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free

More Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes:

Are you a fellow peanut butter lover? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!

  • spring roll salad
    Delicious Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing
  • Double Chocolate Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Cookies
  • fluffernutter ice cream
    Vegan Fluffernutter Ice Cream
  • peanut butter marshmallow cookies featured image
    Vegan Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies
« The Best Healthy Snickerdoodles (Vegan And Gluten-Free)
Winter Vegetable Risotto »

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 16 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Kayla

    February 07, 2022 at 3:12 pm

    5 stars
    Loving these vegan peanut butter balls! So easy and delicious!

    Reply
  2. Natalie

    February 07, 2022 at 4:08 pm

    5 stars
    Such a yummy treat. I love the simplicity, and yet it looks so delicious and healthy. I will definitely try this recipe.

    Reply
  3. Shilpa

    February 07, 2022 at 11:24 pm

    5 stars
    These peanut butter balls are so good! And so easy to make. Perfect to snack on.

    Reply
  4. Michelle

    February 08, 2022 at 4:10 am

    5 stars
    Oh heavens, these are just divine!! Addictive 🙂

    Reply
  5. Joshua

    February 08, 2022 at 10:22 am

    5 stars
    I could eat these in one sitting. They are so good!

    Reply
  6. nancy

    February 08, 2022 at 6:31 pm

    5 stars
    i must need lots of energy because i can't stop eating these!

    Reply
  7. Anaiah

    February 08, 2022 at 7:51 pm

    5 stars
    I love these! I’m going to make an even bigger batch next time so I can freeze them for later.

    Reply
  8. Samantha

    February 09, 2022 at 12:36 am

    5 stars
    Ohh these are just perfect!! Definitely making again!

    Reply
  9. Jan McClellan

    November 02, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    Ingredients list says almond flour. Procedure says coconut flour. Which is it?

    Reply
    • Katie

      November 02, 2022 at 8:45 pm

      almond! Apologies for the typo!

      Reply

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