These no bake 3 ingredient peanut butter balls are packed with peanut butter flavor. They’re made with pantry items and are so easy to make — and even easier to gobble down!
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I am such a huge fan of peanut butter, and I’m an even bigger fan of easy-to-make recipes. Yes, I love spending time in my kitchen — there’s a reason why I’m a food blogger!
But, sometimes, I want to whip something up that I know is super simple and just as equally yummy.
If you love PB just as much as I do, you may want to check out my recipes for chewy peanut butter cookies, 4 ingredient peanut butter blossoms (gotta love the addition of Hershey Kisses), or even my peanut butter balls with graham crackers.
And if you want an even simpler recipe than those, I know you’ll love today’s dessert: 3 ingredient peanut butter balls.
You get all of the flavors of a peanut butter cookie without any of the baking! Yup, you read that right: these are no bake peanut butter balls!
Not only is this recipe no bake, but you likely have all of the ingredients in your pantry. No baking, no running out to the store…say no more, am I right?
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- How to mix the batter for your no bake 3 ingredient peanut butter balls so that you get a perfect consistency.
- The 3 ingredients you’ll need to make these no bake peanut butter balls, plus some optional add-ons.
- Answers to some common questions that you may have before you get started.
This fun snack takes just 20 minutes to put together. You’ll have to have a bit of patience as they chill in the fridge, but it’s totally worth the wait!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Before you begin the batter, make sure to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll need it to place the no bake peanut butter balls in the fridge to chill.
STEP TWO: Place the peanut butter and butter in a large mixing bowl. It’s best to use a handheld mixer to combine them — this will give the final results the smooth consistency you’re after. Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if you decide to include it) and beat until the mixture is fully combined. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl!
STEP THREE: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of batter at a time and form the peanut butter balls with your hands. Place them on the baking sheet, then place them in the fridge to chill for at least 20 minutes before enjoying!
Do 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls Have To Be Refrigerated?
I definitely recommend it! If you leave them out at room temperature for too long, you could end up with a melted mess. I usually store mine in an airtight container in the fridge.
They will keep for up to 2 weeks — however, in my house, they only last a few days. They’re that delicious!
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
If you want to make a double batch of my no bake 3 ingredient peanut butter balls recipe to freeze, feel free to go for it! This dessert/snack freezes up so well.
Simply follow the recipe instructions and then once the PB balls have chilled, place them in a freezer-safe bag where they will keep for up to 3 months!
Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to dig in.
Should I Coat No Bake Peanut Butter Balls In Chocolate?
I like keeping mine as is, but they taste delicious coated in chocolate!
If you’re interested in a different chocolate-covered version, I encourage you to check out my recipe for peanut butter balls with graham crackers or peanut butter balls with rice krispies (the PB filling for these recipe does involve extra ingredients) or these hot cocoa balls with peanut butter.
How Do You Keep Peanut Butter Balls From Sticking To Your Hands?
If you find that batter keeps sticking to your hands as you form the balls, you can put a bit of butter on them! This quick trick goes a long way with overly sticky batter.
Other Sweet Recipes You’ll Love:
- Butterscotch Chip Cookies
- 2 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
- 3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Edible Sugar Cookie Dough
- White trash recipe
- Chocolate Kiss Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Recipe
- Saltine Cracker Toffee
More Recipes to Try
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup butter softened (salted or unsalted)
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
- Melted chocolate for dipping or drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer to cream the peanut butter and butter together until well combined. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if using) and beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Form the batter into tablespoon-sized balls, then place on the baking sheet. Chill for at least 20 minutes before devouring.
Video
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Looking for a good afternoon protein snack for my hubby, but I don’t think he would go for these plain. Would mini chocolate chips added to the dough work out okay? I also want to thank you for all the air fryer recipes. I’ve been enjoying my new 6-quart Instant Vortex Plus and your site has been a great help. Keep up the good work. It is much appreciated. 🙂
Hi Addir, yes, mini chocolate chips will be fine to add to the batter! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the air fryer recipes too! 🙂
When I was a kid we sometimes added raisins in them and we would also coat them with coconut. They were very good.
Hi Ross, That sounds delish!
I’m curious as why the peanut butter stays soft. I didn’t have to much luck I’m hoping that being in the fridge helps harden them up??
Hi Tena, have you already refrigerated them? Chilling them is needed for the peanut butter to harden up as peanut butter is naturally soft at room temperature.
Do you think Crunchy Peanut Butter would work?
Hi Alex,
I believe crunchy peanut butter would work but it will give it a crunchy texture instead of a smooth one that these peanut butter balls have.
Thanks 🙂
Haven’t had these since I was a kid and mom passed on without sharing the recipe!
Thanks for sharing and bringing back such wonderful memories!
I am so glad that this brought back wonderful memories for you, it makes me happy to hear it.
Will natural sugarless PB work? How much more of the other ingredients will I have to add to make it stable?
Absolutely, you can use natural sugarless peanut butter in this recipe!
However, as natural peanut butter has a different texture than regular peanut butter with stabilizers, a few adjustments might be needed.
To counter its runnier consistency, consider using slightly less than the full 1 cup of peanut butter stated in the recipe to avoid a too-soft mixture. Additionally, tweak the amount of powdered sugar for the right consistency; begin with a smaller amount and gradually increase it until the mixture is easily shaped into balls. Be mindful that adjustments depend on your specific natural peanut butter’s brand and consistency. Tasting and adapting during the process will ensure the right balance of flavors and texture. Have fun creating and cooking!
I make these a couple times a year for my hubby & son…I must triple the amount of ingredients or more…they love them. I think they are very tasty but I’m a diabetic so I must watch what I eat..
Hi Rosann, I love that you make them throughout the year, not just during the holiday! I love to double/triple this too when I’m baking this time of year. Enjoy!
They are very good actually I have a dog who I had to give medicine to had a awful trying to give it to her they I thought of these it worked hid in the balls it worked wonders so if anybody out there has the same problem I did try that it worked good not to mention I liked them to i.only made so many I have a awful sweet tooth so u can’t eat what’s not there lol anything they are the bomb
Hi Tina, I am so glad that worked for him! I would be careful for others doing the same as these do contain sugar.
Can I refridgerate over night? Should I cover them?
Hi Mark, Yes, these will do best covered in the fridge for short term storage. If you’d like to keep them longer than 2 weeks, you can freeze them for us to 3 months. Enjoy!
I was searching for my mom’s old recipe, she passed on and she used condensed milk in hers. I can’t find that recipe so I tried this. She froze hers so I don’t know what yours taste like in the refrigerator, but they are great frozen. Although they’re not the ones I was looking for, they are still absolutely delicious and I will be making these again, thank you.
Hi Kerri, I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I want to try this recipe, as I’ve had a craving for peanut butter recently, but I don’t want as much sugar as you have in the recipe, do you think they would still be good if I added half as much sugar?
Hi Dallas, The powdered sugar helps the peanut butter balls retain their shape. The recipe may still taste fine with less sugar, but they would likely be very sticky. If you’d like to experiment with reducing the sugar, then I suggest adding some peanut butter powder which would help to create the dough-like consistency you want for this recipe. I hope this helps!
They were really good my family loved them especially my dad he loves anything with peanut butter. Thank you for the awesome recipe!!
You’re so welcome, Izzy! I’m so glad your family loved them!
Thank you for the recipe its lasted less than 10 seconds I had to make a new batch already thats how good they are