Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (for Toddlers)
Whether you are looking for easy on-the-go snacks or yummy calorie-packed snacks for your toddler, these Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter balls will surely be a new staple in your weekly meal preparation. When testing this recipe and having my husband try them, he was like, “Woah, that’s almost too good.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Make
With this recipe, all you need to do is measure, dump, and mix! This is a great recipe to make with your toddler up at their learning tower to get some time with you in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Snack
I like to make a batch of these, shape them into balls, and get them in the refrigerator to chill. Once they have hardened up, I’ll place them into a glass storage container for quick and easy access. You could also place them into a gallon Zip-Lock bag and keep them in the freezer.
Kid-Friendly and Customizable
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls are perfect for both toddlers and older kids! They’re soft, easy to chew, and full of flavor. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to fit your child’s preferences or dietary needs. Simply swap the chocolate chips for raisins, leave out the coconut, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to add a different flavor.
Healthy and Wholesome
These no-bake balls are packed with nourishing ingredients that support growing bodies. With oats for sustained energy, flaxseed, and chia seeds for fiber and omega-3s, and peanut butter for healthy fats and protein, you can feel good about serving these to your family any time of day.
Ingredients Needed
Oats – I use organic rolled oats and not quick oats. These are also called old-fashioned oats or rolled oats
Cocoa Powder- Any unsweetened cocoa powder will work.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut– This adds a great texture to the granola with another depth of flavor. You could substitute for coconut chips.
Mini Chocolate Chips- I get regular semi-sweet mini chocolate chips but you could substitute for any kind.
Flaxseed– To add additional protein, fiber, and omega 3’s. adds another depth of flavor and health benefits. I have so many on hand so I love having an opportunity to use them regularly.
Chia Seeds– To add additional texture and fiber to this no-bake ball.
Honey – We use raw honey. Buying locally is always best when possible. Substitute honey with maple syrup if making these for a child under the age of 1.
Peanut Butter– I use organic creamy peanut butter.
Vanilla Extract– Opt for vanilla extract rather than imitation.
You can find a full ingredient list with amounts in the recipe card below.
Supplies
Parchment paper
Measuring cups
Silicone spatula
How to Make Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Step 1: Measure out all of the ingredients into a bowl.
Step 2: Mix well to coat everything evenly.
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Step 3: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out a small amount, press, and roll it into a ball. It will feel sticky. You also may need to press them together to hold into a ball. Once they are chilled, they are no longer sticky.
Step 4: Chill the pan of no-bake balls in the refrigerator for an hour or more to let them harden. Transfer into a storage container or bag and keep in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Quick, easy, no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls make a great on-the-go snack or after meal healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 2 Tablespoons flaxseed
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Measure out all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Mix everything to combine and coat evenly.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out a small amount and roll it into a ball. It will feel sticky.
- Chill the pan of no-bake balls in the refrigerator for an hour or more to let them harden. Transfer into a storage container or bag and keep in the fridge.
Notes
- If making this for a child under one-year-old, replace honey with maple syrup. Both work well to bind the ingredients.
- Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to make this recipe nut-free.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of peanut butter or honey/maple syrup until the desired consistency is reached.
- Rolling Tip: If the mixture feels sticky when rolling, wet your hands slightly to make it easier to shape the balls.
- Keep these no-bake balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to swap chocolate chips with dried fruits, nuts, or cacao nibs. You can also skip the coconut or replace it with additional oats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sweetener?
I only tried this recipe with honey as the sweetener. Maple syrup would likely have a similar results.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! While I typically use honey, maple syrup is a great alternative, especially if you’re preparing these for a child under one-year-old, as honey isn’t safe for infants.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Absolutely! If your child has a peanut allergy or you prefer another option, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini can work well in this recipe.
Can I make this nut-free?
To make these no-bake balls nut-free, use sunflower seed butter and check that your other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are processed in a nut-free facility.
How long do these last?
These no-bake balls can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. They’re perfect for meal prep!
Can I skip the shredded coconut?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out or replace it with additional oats or another dry ingredient, such as ground nuts or seeds.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
Feel free to swap chocolate chips with cacao nibs, dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries), or even chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor.
Are these safe for toddlers?
Yes, they are toddler-friendly! Just make sure to use an appropriate sweetener like maple syrup if your child is under one year old.
Can my child help make these?
Definitely! In fact, this is a fun and simple recipe to make with toddlers. They can help measure ingredients, dump them into the bowl, mix, and even roll the balls. It’s a great way to involve them in the kitchen!
