Low-Fat Peanut Butter Energy Bites for Snacking

Low-Fat Peanut Butter Balls coated in dark chocolate are simple to make with just five ingredients. This classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing delivers big flavor with fewer calories.

These treats get their lower fat content from peanut butter powder, which retains peanut flavor while cutting calories and fat compared to traditional peanut butter. It’s a great option when you want the taste without the same level of richness.

Each ball contains about 5 grams of protein and roughly 64 calories, so you can enjoy a sweet bite without the usual guilt. The chocolate coating can be spiced with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat—leave it out if you prefer a straightforward chocolate finish.

How to make low-fat peanut butter balls

1. Whisk the peanut butter powder, powdered sugar and salt in a mixing bowl to combine evenly.
2. Add the water and stir until the mixture comes together; the dough will be very thick, similar to cookie dough.
3. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out 1-tablespoon mounds onto wax paper. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up. This yields about 16 evenly sized balls.
4. Melt the dark chocolate chips and let the chocolate cool slightly but remain pourable. Stir in a pinch of cayenne if using.
5. Roll the chilled dough portions into smooth balls with your hands.
6. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, place on waxed paper, and refrigerate until the coating is set.

Taste the peanut butter dough before chilling and adjust the salt as needed. If the dough feels too sticky or loose, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter powder at a time until it firms up.

If you prefer a lower-sugar version, powdered sugar can be replaced with a confectioners-style sugar substitute. When using sugar substitutes you may need to add a bit more water to reach the correct dough consistency.

For best texture and flavor, let the finished peanut butter balls chill in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Other recipes you might enjoy

• Flourless Chocolate Cookies
• Homemade Almond Butter
• Homemade Nutella

Low-Fat Peanut Butter Balls

Dark chocolate-coated low-fat peanut butter balls made with peanut butter powder — classic flavor with fewer calories.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Freeze Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Servings: 16

Calories: 64 kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Filling

• 2 cups peanut butter powder
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup water

Chocolate Coating

• 8 oz dark chocolate chips
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk peanut butter powder, powdered sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Add the water and stir until well combined; the batter will be very stiff.
2. Measure 1-tablespoon portions with a cookie scoop and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and glossy. Stir in cayenne if desired and allow the chocolate to cool slightly.
4. Roll the chilled portions into smooth balls by hand.
5. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, return to the waxed paper, and refrigerate until set. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This recipe was originally posted in December 2014 and updated in July 2018.