Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter Bites
Since many of us eat decadent chocolate treats in February, it seemed the perfect time to share this delightful bite. I recently made these for a course at the clinic. They were the perfect afternoon snack when participants needed a pickup to carry them through the rest of the afternoon.
Be warned, these chocolates are not tempered and melt quickly. It shouldn’t be a problem as you will love them so much they will not stay around long! And because they are dark chocolate, eating just one feels like the perfect portion.
What You'll Love About This Recipe:
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: This recipe utilizes natural, whole-food ingredients that are nutrient-rich. Natural peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Unsweetened cocoa powder is loaded with antioxidants, known as flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other fats and can have beneficial effects on metabolism.
Low Processed Sugar Content: The recipe uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener, which is a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Maple syrup contains some minerals like manganese and zinc and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This makes the recipe more suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake, including individuals with blood sugar concerns.
Customizable and Allergy-Friendly Options: This recipe is adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. For instance, for those with peanut allergies, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used as alternatives. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by ensuring the maple syrup and chocolate are vegan-friendly.
Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter Bites
Active prep time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1.5 hours
Servings: 20-25 bites
INGREDIENTS
For Peanut Butter Filling:
1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, room temperature
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt
For Chocolate Coating:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons maple syrup
A pinch of sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until it's firm enough to be shaped.
Shape the Filling:
Once firm, use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to form small peanut butter balls. Place these balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Freeze the peanut butter balls for about 1 hour, or until they are very firm.
Make the Chocolate Coating:
In a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of coconut oil over low heat.
Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
Coat the Peanut Butter Balls:
Dip each frozen peanut butter ball into the chocolate mixture, ensuring it's completely coated. Use a fork to retrieve the ball, letting any excess chocolate drip off.
Place the chocolate-coated balls back onto the parchment paper. The cold peanut butter balls will help the chocolate coating harden quickly.
Chill to Set:
Chill the chocolate-coated peanut butter bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate shell to harden and the peanut butter center to thaw slightly.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
make with heart molds:
Add an extra touch of elegance and fun by using small chocolate molds to shape these treats, creating beautiful and uniform chocolates. I use a silicone heart mold (from Ikea).
Keep the peanut butter filling at room temperature.
Once the chocolate coating is prepared, pour in enough chocolate to cover the bottom of each mold.
Place the molds in the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
Once set, spoon a small amount of the peanut butter mixture into each mold, leaving room at the top for a final layer of chocolate.
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter to seal each mold. Gently tap the molds on the counter to remove any air bubbles and even out the chocolate.
Return the molds to the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until completely set.
Once the chocolates are set, they will easily pop out of the molds. Keep the chocolates in the freezer or refrigerator until ready to serve as they soften quickly at room temperature.
The combination of the hard chocolate shell and the creamy peanut butter filling makes these bites a tantalizing treat. They're a healthier take on traditional peanut butter chocolates, using natural ingredients without compromising on taste. The subtle sweetness from the maple syrup, the richness of the cocoa, and the savory touch of sea salt create a perfectly balanced and indulgent treat for this special occasion.
Krista
xo