Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Peanut butter balls are a delightful treat that often finds its way onto dessert tables, especially around the holidays. However, for those following a keto or low-carb diet, enjoying traditional peanut butter balls can pose a challenge due to the high sugar content and carbs in regular recipes. Fear not, because this Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls recipe offers a delicious, low-carb, and sugar-free alternative that allows you to indulge your sweet tooth without compromising your dietary goals.

These keto peanut butter balls are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied without raising your blood sugar levels. With just a few ingredient swaps, you can enjoy the same creamy, peanut butter-flavored goodness that makes these little bites of joy a fan favorite. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a post-workout treat, or a delicious low-carb dessert, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Why Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls?

Traditional peanut butter balls are often made with powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and other high-carb ingredients that don’t fit into a low-carb or keto diet. However, by replacing the high-carb ingredients with keto-approved alternatives, you can create a dessert that still tastes just as delicious without the guilt.

This recipe swaps out refined sugars for erythritol or stevia, two popular keto-friendly sweeteners. Instead of using milk chocolate chips, we use sugar-free dark chocolate, which is rich in flavor and low in carbs. These modifications allow you to enjoy the creamy, rich flavor of peanut butter without exceeding your daily carb limit.

Additionally, the fats from natural peanut butter and coconut oil help provide the necessary macronutrients for ketosis, while the almond flour and unsweetened cocoa powder contribute to the structure and texture of the peanut butter balls without adding unnecessary carbs.

Ingredients for Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls

To make these Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Peanut Butter Balls:

  • 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter (unsweetened and unsalted)
    Peanut butter is the star of this recipe. It’s high in healthy fats and protein while being low in carbs. Be sure to choose natural peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils. The smooth texture of peanut butter creates the creamy base of these peanut butter balls, making each bite rich and satisfying.
  • 1/2 cup Almond Flour
    Almond flour is a fantastic low-carb alternative to regular flour. It’s made from ground almonds and has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly. Almond flour is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it ideal for keto recipes.
  • 1/4 cup Erythritol (or Stevia to taste)
    Erythritol is a popular sugar substitute for those on a keto or low-carb diet. It’s a zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it a safe option for people on ketogenic diets. You can adjust the sweetness based on your preference, or you may opt for stevia if you prefer a more natural sweetener.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
    Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to the peanut butter balls. It enhances the taste of the peanut butter and helps create a rich, balanced dessert.
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
    Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter. This ingredient gives the peanut butter balls a deeper flavor profile while keeping the carbs low.
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)
    Coconut oil adds a silky texture to the peanut butter balls and helps hold them together. Additionally, coconut oil is a great source of healthy fats and helps support the body’s ketosis process.
  • 1/4 cup Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Chips
    For the chocolate coating, sugar-free dark chocolate chips are the perfect choice. They are low in carbs and sugar-free, making them ideal for a keto diet. They also give the peanut butter balls a satisfying chocolatey exterior.

Optional Ingredients:

  • Pinch of Salt
    A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the peanut butter balls and balances the sweetness of the erythritol.
  • Additional Erythritol for Rolling
    If you want a sugar-free, sweet coating on the outside of your peanut butter balls, you can roll them in erythritol before chilling. This gives them an extra touch of sweetness and a delicate crunch.

Instructions for Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls

Step 1: Combine Peanut Butter and Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup erythritol (or stevia), 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, cohesive dough. The mixture should be slightly firm but still pliable enough to roll into balls.
  2. If the dough seems too dry or difficult to mix, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil to help bind the ingredients together and create a smoother consistency. Be careful not to add too much oil, as the mixture can become too loose.
  3. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary. You can add more erythritol or stevia to your preference.

Step 2: Roll Into Balls

  1. Once the mixture is well combined, use a tablespoon to scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Aim for about 1-inch-sized balls for the perfect bite-size treat.
  2. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make the dough easier to handle.
  3. If you’d like a bit of extra sweetness, you can roll each peanut butter ball in additional erythritol or cocoa powder to give them a light coating. This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Chill the Peanut Butter Balls

  1. Once all the balls are rolled, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate, ensuring they aren’t touching each other.
  2. Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to help them firm up. Chilling them makes the texture denser and helps prevent them from becoming too sticky when you coat them in chocolate.

Step 4: Coat with Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate

  1. While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt 1/4 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  2. Once the peanut butter balls are firm, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is evenly coated. You can use a fork to lift the balls out of the chocolate, tapping off any excess.
  3. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Once all the balls are coated, return them to the refrigerator for an additional 15–30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden.

Step 5: Serve and Store

  1. After the chocolate has set, your Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls are ready to enjoy!
  2. Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to enjoy them at a later date. Just make sure they are stored in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information for Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls (per ball)

This recipe makes about 12 peanut butter balls, and the nutritional information per ball is approximately as follows:

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
  • Net Carbs: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Sugar: 0 g (because erythritol is used)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary slightly based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

SmartPoints (WW) Breakdown

For those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, these Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls offer great value. Each peanut butter ball is approximately 5 SmartPoints on the WW Green plan. For the Blue and Purple plans, the points may be slightly lower since they use healthier ingredients and are lower in carbs.

Conclusion

These Keto Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect solution for anyone craving a satisfying, sweet treat without the carbs and sugar found in traditional peanut butter ball recipes. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a sweet, smooth texture makes these little bites of joy a great choice for your ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or simply as a snack throughout the week, these keto peanut butter balls are sure to please your taste buds while helping you stay on track with your diet. Enjoy them chilled, as a post-workout treat, or anytime you need a quick dessert!

With only 2 net carbs per ball, they fit perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. This is a dessert you can feel good about eating, and it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Enjoy!