Introduction
When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Weight Watchers (WW) followers and anyone trying to stay mindful of their nutrition goals face a common challenge—finding quick, simple, and delicious dessert options that don’t compromise on flavor or points. The WW Three Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls offer a perfect solution to this dilemma.
These no-bake peanut butter balls are indulgent, creamy, and packed with flavor, but most importantly, they’re low in SmartPoints, making them an excellent treat for anyone on a WW or low-carb plan. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or a satisfying treat for a party or special occasion, these peanut butter balls hit all the right notes. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a slight sweetness creates a perfect balance that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why the WW Three Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls should be added to your go-to dessert recipe collection:
- Easy to Make: With only 3 ingredients, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare. No need for baking, special equipment, or complicated steps. Just mix, shape, and refrigerate!
- Low SmartPoints: At just 2 SmartPoints per ball on the Blue, Green, and Purple WW plans, you can indulge in these chocolate peanut butter balls without guilt. You get all the sweetness and flavor, but at a fraction of the points that typical dessert options would cost.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls store well in the refrigerator, making them perfect for preparing in advance. You can make a batch, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy them over the course of several days.
- Kid-Friendly: Not only are these peanut butter balls great for adults, but they’re also a hit with kids! The chocolate and peanut butter combination is loved by all ages, and they’re easy enough to make together as a family project.
- Versatile: You can enjoy these balls as a post-workout snack, a light dessert after dinner, or a portable treat on the go. They’re great for satisfying a sugar craving while keeping you on track with your healthy eating goals.
Ingredients for WW Three Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these low-point, no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls:
Main Ingredients:
- Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy): ½ cup (use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the healthiest option). Peanut butter is the heart of this recipe, giving the balls that creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: ¼ cup. Choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher) for a more intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate also has fewer carbs and sugars, making it a better fit for WW and low-carb diets.
- Powdered Erythritol: 1 tablespoon (or other zero-calorie sweetener). This is your sweetener of choice, as erythritol won’t spike blood sugar levels. You can adjust the sweetness to taste. Monk fruit sweetener is another great option.
Optional:
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon (optional for extra flavor).
- Cocoa Powder: 1 teaspoon (optional for an extra chocolatey kick).
- Chopped Nuts: Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be added for extra crunch if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
The first step in making these no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls is to melt the dark chocolate chips. To do this, you have a couple of options:
- Microwave Method: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be sure to monitor the chocolate closely to avoid burning.
- Stovetop Method: Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over low heat on the stove. Place the chocolate chips in a small saucepan and stir frequently until melted and smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the peanut butter mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter and Sweetener
In a medium bowl, add the peanut butter and powdered erythritol (or your preferred sweetener). If you’re using vanilla extract or cocoa powder for extra flavor, add them now. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The peanut butter should be soft enough to mix easily, but if it’s too firm, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up.
Step 3: Combine the Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Once the peanut butter mixture is smooth, add the melted dark chocolate into the bowl. Stir until the chocolate is fully incorporated into the peanut butter mixture. The result should be a thick, slightly sticky dough-like mixture.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Now it’s time to shape the mixture into balls. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form 10-12 small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball between your palms to make them smooth and round.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Once the balls are shaped, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate the balls for at least 1 hour or until firm. This helps them hold their shape and gives them the texture of traditional truffles or chocolate peanut butter bites.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After the balls are fully chilled and firm, they are ready to enjoy! Store the leftover balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months). Simply let them thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Below is the nutritional breakdown for 1 ball (assuming you make 12 balls). Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the brands and specific ingredients used. The following data assumes powdered erythritol is used as the sweetener.
Per Serving (1 ball):
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 1g (from the peanut butter and chocolate)
- Calcium: 1% of the daily value
- Iron: 2% of the daily value
WW SmartPoints
For those on Weight Watchers, each WW Three Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Ball has 2 SmartPoints per serving on all three plans (Blue, Green, and Purple). This makes them a great choice for a low-point snack or dessert, especially when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to go over your daily point allowance.
Tips for Success
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: When selecting peanut butter, choose a natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Many commercial peanut butters contain added sugars and oils that can increase the carb and calorie count. Look for brands that list only peanuts (and possibly salt) as ingredients.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sweetener you need may vary based on the type of sweetener used and personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and taste the mixture before shaping the balls. Add more sweetener if needed.
- Make Them Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, simply use dairy-free dark chocolate and avoid any optional dairy ingredients like butter.
- Chill Before Serving: These peanut butter balls are best enjoyed chilled. If you leave them at room temperature for too long, they may soften. Refrigeration ensures they hold their shape and texture.
- Mix in Add-Ins: Feel free to add extra texture by mixing in chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the peanut butter mixture before forming the balls. You can also roll the balls in shredded coconut or cocoa powder to give them a different finish.
Conclusion
The WW Three Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey—just what you need when you’re craving something sweet yet healthy. These low-point treats are quick to prepare and make for a satisfying snack or dessert that fits right into your Weight Watchers plan. With just 3 ingredients and 2 SmartPoints per ball, they’re an excellent choice for those on a WW or low-carb lifestyle. So why not indulge in these guilt-free bites today and enjoy a delicious treat that won’t derail your progress?
