No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Balls: Quick and Irresistible Treats
Ingredients
For the Peanut Chocolate Balls:
- 500 g (17.6 oz) biscuits, broken into small pieces
- 120 g (4.2 oz) peanuts (or walnuts), chopped
- 120 g (4.2 oz) sugar
- 60 g (2.1 oz) cocoa powder
- 250 g (8.8 fl oz) milk
- 150 g (5.3 oz) butter
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 80 g (2.8 oz) milk chocolate
- 80 g (2.8 oz) dark chocolate
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Preparing the Base Mixture
Begin by taking 500 g of biscuits and breaking them into small pieces. The size should be about the size of a thumbnail, which will help the mixture bind together well while still offering some texture. Place these biscuit pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Next, chop 120 g of peanuts (or walnuts, if you prefer a different flavor). The nuts should be finely chopped but not ground into a powder—this way, they add a crunchy texture to the final product. Add the chopped nuts to the bowl with the biscuits and stir to combine.
2. Making the Cocoa Syrup
In a medium saucepan, mix together 120 g of sugar and 60 g of cocoa powder. This dry mixture forms the base of a rich chocolate syrup that will hold everything together. Gradually add 250 g of milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the cocoa is evenly distributed. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and add 150 g of butter. Stir the mixture until the butter is fully melted and the syrup has thickened slightly.
3. Combining the Ingredients
Once the syrup is ready, pour it over the biscuit and peanut mixture in the bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly. The goal is to ensure that every piece of biscuit is coated with the rich chocolate syrup, creating a sticky and cohesive mixture.
Once well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to cool at room temperature. This step helps the mixture firm up slightly, making it easier to shape into balls later.
4. Shaping the Balls
After the mixture has cooled, it’s time to form the chocolate balls. Lightly grease your palms with a bit of vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Scoop out a small amount of the mixture using a spoon—about the size of a walnut—and roll it between your palms to form a ball.
Place each ball on a parchment-lined tray as you go. Continue until all the mixture is used up, making sure the balls are uniform in size for even coating later. Once all the balls are formed, place the tray in the refrigerator and let them chill for 1-2 hours. This will help them firm up before dipping in chocolate.
5. Preparing the Chocolate Glaze
While the balls are chilling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate glaze. In a heatproof bowl, combine 80 g of milk chocolate and 80 g of dark chocolate. You can melt the chocolate either in a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or over a double boiler on the stove.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in 20 ml of vegetable oil. The oil helps to thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier to coat the balls evenly and giving the finished product a beautiful, glossy finish.
6. Coating the Balls
Take the chilled peanut balls out of the refrigerator. Using a fork or a skewer, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the ball back onto the parchment-lined tray.
After all the balls are coated, return the tray to the refrigerator to let the chocolate set. This should take about 20 minutes.
7. Serving the Chocolate Peanut Balls
Once the chocolate has hardened, your No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Balls are ready to serve! Arrange them on a plate or in a decorative box if you’re giving them as a gift. These treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to special celebrations.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 30 balls
- Calories per serving: 140 kcal
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 9 g
- Protein: 2 g
Conclusion
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Balls are a delightful combination of crunchy, sweet, and rich flavors. With their ease of preparation and the fact that they require no baking, they are a go-to dessert that you can make anytime the craving strikes. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy these treats twice a week, and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your household.