Indulge Guilt-Free: Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls (The Best Healthy M&M’s Copycat Recipe)

Savor these delightful Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls, featuring a sweet, naturally-sweetened peanut butter core enveloped in rich dark chocolate. Craft them at home for a healthier, homemade twist on your favorite M&M’s!

Life’s simple pleasures often bring the greatest joy. This week, I found myself immersed in the pages of a hard copy book for the first time in 2020, and I must say, there’s a unique satisfaction in turning physical pages. While I cherish the convenience of audiobooks for my monthly book club – listening while tackling chores or applying mascara – there’s an undeniable magic in holding a tangible book, snuggled in bed with sheets pulled high. It’s these small, comforting rituals that truly feel normal and nice in our busy lives, and I find myself clinging to them more than ever.

The book that captivated me was Rachel Hollis’s “Didn’t See That Coming,” a truly insightful read that I wholeheartedly recommend. Just as I advocate for nourishing your mind with good literature, I also strongly encourage you to nourish your body with wholesome, homemade treats. With the holidays approaching – or any time you crave a sweet indulgence – it’s the perfect moment to start thinking about “clean candy” options that satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. And I have just the copycat recipe for you, one that starts with an ‘M’ and ends with an ‘M’, but with a delightful, healthy twist.

Introducing these incredible Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls! They feature a lusciously sweet, refined-sugar-free peanut butter center, meticulously crafted to perfection, then generously coated in a rich, decadent dark chocolate. These aren’t just a dessert; they’re a healthier indulgence that proves you don’t have to compromise on flavor to eat well. Prepare to be amazed by this plant-based remake of a classic favorite.

Remember the unparalleled joy of Peanut Butter M&M’s? That perfect balance of crunchy, salty, and sweet peanut butter goodness? For many of us, once we experienced them, regular M&M’s simply couldn’t compare. A quick search reveals that these beloved candies were sadly discontinued in the U.S. back in 2005. This explains their absence from candy aisles and makes this homemade, healthier rendition all the more timely and cherished. Now, you can recreate that nostalgic flavor with a wholesome, plant-based recipe that’s free from refined sugar, gluten, and oil, making them a truly guilt-free pleasure.

Crafting Your Clean Candy: What You’ll Need

Bringing these craveable candies back with a clean, homemade spin is surprisingly simple. We’re focusing on natural ingredients that deliver fantastic flavor and texture without any unnecessary additives. Here’s a detailed look at the core components required for these irresistible vegan peanut butter chocolate treats:

• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats provide a foundational texture and act as a wonderful binder for our peanut butter center. Using gluten-free oats ensures this recipe is suitable for those with sensitivities, making it a truly inclusive treat.
• Medjool Dates: Nature’s candy! Medjool dates are the secret to our refined-sugar-free sweetness and act as a powerful natural binder, helping to create that perfect sticky, chewy center. Their rich, caramel-like flavor perfectly complements the peanut butter.
• Almonds: Raw almonds add a subtle nutty depth and healthy fats, contributing to the overall richness and texture of the filling. They’re a fantastic source of protein and fiber.
• Peanuts: Essential for that classic peanut butter flavor, roasted and salted peanuts will be ground down to create a fine meal. The slight saltiness enhances the sweetness and provides a familiar “M&M’s” experience.
• Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter binds the filling together, offering its signature flavor and smooth consistency. Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to control the added sweetness.
• Hu Kitchen Gems: For the decadent dark chocolate coating, these hexagon-shaped chocolate gems are a game-changer. They’re certified paleo, vegan, and gluten-free, melting beautifully for a smooth, glossy finish that truly elevates these homemade delights.

That’s right, just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients transform into a truly extraordinary snack! Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and a commitment to healthy eating are what make these peanut butter chocolate balls so special.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter M&M’s

Creating these delightful vegan peanut butter chocolate treats is a straightforward process, primarily utilizing your high-speed blender or food processor. Follow these detailed steps to bring your healthy homemade candy to life:

Step 1: Prepare the Oat and Date Base. Begin by adding the gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats to your high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse them until they break down into a coarse flour-like consistency. Next, add the pitted Medjool dates. Process again until the mixture forms a sticky crumble. This combination provides the perfect base for your peanut butter filling. If your dates are on the drier side, a helpful tip is to soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding them to the blender. This softens them, making them easier to process and ensuring a smoother, stickier mixture.

Step 2: Set Aside and Prep for Nuts. Once your oat and date mixture is ready, remove it from the blender and set it aside in a bowl. There’s no need to clean your blender yet; we’ll be using it for the next step, and a little residual oat/date mixture won’t harm the flavor.

Step 3: Create the Nut Meal. Add the raw almonds and roasted salted peanuts to the same blender. Process them until they are transformed into a fine, flour-like meal. This fine texture is crucial for a smooth and cohesive peanut butter center.

Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter. Now, add the creamy peanut butter to the nut meal in the blender. Pulse the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined, creating a rich, nutty paste. For the best flavor, I highly recommend using salted peanuts and a good quality salted peanut butter. This thoughtful touch enhances the sweetness of the dates and gives your homemade M&M’s that irresistible sweet-and-salty balance. If you’re using unsalted nuts or peanut butter, a small pinch of Himalayan sea salt can be added at this stage to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients. Finally, return the oat and date mixture to the blender with the peanut butter and nut meal. Process everything until it comes together to form a loose, workable dough. The consistency should be pliable enough to roll. If, after processing, the mixture appears too dry or isn’t coming together well, simply add an extra Medjool date (or half, depending on its size) and process again. This will introduce more moisture and stickiness, ensuring your dough is perfectly moldable.

Shape Them Your Way: Customizing Your Peanut Butter Balls

Now for the fun part: shaping! Scoop out small portions of the freshly made dough. While the recipe suggests aiming for tiny round balls, roughly 1/2 teaspoon in diameter, the true beauty of making your own Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls lies in your freedom to customize. Feel free to make them as small as mini-M&M’s or as large as delightful bite-sized truffles – it’s entirely up to your preference and how you plan to enjoy them.

Once shaped, carefully place the peanut butter balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy removal. Pop the entire tray into the freezer for approximately 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the balls to firm up and harden, which is essential for achieving a clean, even chocolate coating in the next stage. As a little bonus, I highly recommend tasting a ball or two (or three!) before they get their chocolate coat. They are absolutely delicious even without the chocolate, offering a delightful sneak peek of the wholesome goodness inside!

The Perfect Coating: Why Hu Kitchen Gems are the Best Chocolate Choice

For the ultimate dark chocolate coating that truly elevates these vegan peanut butter treats, I wholeheartedly recommend Hu Kitchen Gems. These hexagon-shaped chocolate pieces are, without a doubt, a superior choice for several reasons. They are made from 70% dark chocolate, ensuring a rich, deep cocoa flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the peanut butter center. What truly sets them apart, however, are their clean ingredients and dietary certifications. Hu Gems are certified paleo, vegan, and certified gluten-free, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.

Whether you’re baking with them, enjoying them as a standalone snack, or using them to create clean, homemade candy like these peanut butter balls, Hu Gems perform exceptionally well. They melt down beautifully, creating a smooth, glossy, and consistent chocolate coating that adheres perfectly to the frozen peanut butter centers. This ensures a professional-looking finish and a delightful snap with every bite, making your homemade chocolate balls not just healthier, but incredibly gourmet as well.

Mastering the Chocolate Dip: How to Prepare Your Coating

Once your peanut butter balls have chilled sufficiently in the freezer (about 30 minutes), it’s time to prepare the chocolate coating. Melt the Hu Kitchen Gems in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in short, 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully runny and perfectly melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop for a more controlled melting process, stirring continuously until smooth. Avoid overheating the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize or burn.

With the chocolate perfectly melted and the peanut butter balls firm from the freezer, it’s time for dipping. Using a spoon or two forks, carefully dip each frozen peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Swirl it gently to ensure the entire surface is completely coated. Lift the ball out and allow any excess chocolate to drip off back into the bowl. This helps prevent thick, uneven coatings and ensures a clean finish.

Once adequately coated and drained of excess chocolate, place the chocolate-covered ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process methodically, one by one, until all the peanut butter balls are dipped and neatly arranged on the baking sheet. If your chocolate starts to thicken during this process, simply reheat it in the microwave for another short interval (e.g., 15-20 seconds) to restore its smooth consistency.

Serving Your Healthier M&M’s: Creative Ideas & Toppings

While I adore these Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls with their simple, elegant dark chocolate coating, one of the greatest joys of homemade treats is the ability to personalize them! You can easily elevate their visual appeal and add extra bursts of flavor and texture with some creative decorations.

Before the chocolate has fully set, while it’s still slightly tacky, is the perfect time to add your favorite plant-based toppings. Consider sprinkling them with vibrant chia seeds for an added nutritional boost and a subtle crunch, or use hemp hearts for a mild, nutty flavor and healthy fats. Freeze-dried fruit pieces, crushed into smaller bits, can add a beautiful pop of color and a tart counterpoint to the sweet chocolate and peanut butter. For a classic touch, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top will further enhance the sweet-and-salty dynamic. If you’re making these for a festive occasion like Halloween, you might even find plant-based sprinkles to add a fun, colorful touch!

After decorating (if desired), place the baking sheet back into the freezer for another 30 minutes. This final chill time allows the chocolate coating to fully harden and set, ensuring your peanut butter chocolate balls maintain their beautiful shape and texture. Once firm and perfectly set, they are ready to be enjoyed immediately! Prepare to be delighted by these rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying healthier homemade M&M’s.

Storage Tips for Your Vegan Peanut Butter M&M’s

These delectable vegan peanut butter chocolate balls are perfect for meal prepping your sweet cravings. For immediate enjoyment and short-term storage, simply place any leftover balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for 1-2 weeks.

For long-term storage, these bites freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for several months. They make fantastic grab-and-go treats straight from the fridge or freezer. A quick thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, or even enjoyed slightly frozen, transforms them into a decadent dessert or a satisfying plant-based snack whenever a sweet craving strikes. Having a batch on hand ensures you always have a healthier option readily available.

Enjoying Your Homemade Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls

These Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls are a true triumph: sweet, intensely chocolatey, and wonderfully creamy, with that unmistakable peanut butter crunch. They offer a fulfilling and wholesome alternative to store-bought candies, satisfying even the most intense sweet cravings with their naturally delicious ingredients.

For those with peanut allergies or who simply prefer an alternative, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily create a peanut-free option by substituting almonds for the peanuts in the filling and using almond butter instead of peanut butter. This variation yields a delicious almond butter chocolate ball that is just as satisfying. Other nut butters like cashew butter could also work for different flavor profiles.

These homemade treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them an ideal addition to any gathering. Serve them in a colorful bowl as a fantastic party favor for your next Halloween celebration, or package them beautifully in individual food storage bags or mason jars tied with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful, edible gift. You’ll love seeing their surprise when they learn these indulgent-tasting candies are completely vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, and crafted with just six simple ingredients! Enjoy every guilt-free bite!

Explore More Vegan Candy Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these healthier peanut butter chocolate balls, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delectable vegan candy recipes that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, sharing with loved ones, or celebrating any occasion, guilt-free:

• Superfood Chocolate Maca Cups

• Vegan Chocolate Nougat Bars

• Dark Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups

• Vegan Salted Snickers Bars

• 4-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles

• Vegan Salted Snickers Bars

• Chocolate Caramel SunButter Cups

• Vegan SunButter Date Caramels

• Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Eggs

• Vegan Peanut Butter Butterfingers

• Chocolate Dipped Coconut Bars

We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls recipe, don’t keep it to yourself – share your experience with us!

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This post is proudly brought to you by Hu Kitchen, whose commitment to high-quality, clean ingredients perfectly aligns with our mission for healthier eating. All words and culinary creations, however, are entirely my own. We appreciate you supporting the sponsors that keep us passionate and hungry for more delicious, plant-based recipes!

Photography for this delectable recipe was skillfully provided by Hot Pan Kitchen, capturing the irresistible appeal of these vegan peanut butter chocolate balls.