Low-Fat Peanut Butter Protein Balls for Weight Loss

Low-Fat Peanut Butter Balls coated in dark chocolate are simple to make with just five ingredients. This timeless peanut butter and chocolate pairing delivers all the flavor you crave with fewer calories and less fat.

These treats are low in fat thanks to peanut butter powder, which provides the peanut flavor with significantly fewer calories and less fat than traditional peanut butter. It’s a great option when you want the taste of peanut butter but want to cut back on fat and calories.

Each ball contains about 5 grams of protein and roughly 64 calories, making them a satisfying small dessert or snack without the guilt.

The melted chocolate can be seasoned with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick. If you prefer a classic sweet flavor, simply omit the cayenne—the balls are delicious either way.

How to make low-fat peanut butter balls

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter powder, powdered sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Add the water and stir until incorporated. The mixture will be very thick, similar to cookie dough.
3. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion 1-tablespoon mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up; this yields about 16 evenly sized balls.
4. Melt the dark chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring every 20–30 seconds until smooth and glossy. If desired, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper and allow the chocolate to cool slightly but not harden.
5. Remove the dough from the freezer and roll each portion into a smooth ball with clean hands.
6. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat, transfer them back to the waxed paper, and refrigerate until the chocolate sets.

Taste the dough before forming the balls and adjust the salt if needed. If the dough feels too loose or sticky, add a tablespoon more of peanut butter powder at a time until it firms up.

You can use a powdered sugar substitute if you prefer. When using a confectioners-style sweetener, you may need to increase the water slightly to reach the right 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 like

• Flourless Chocolate Cookies
• Homemade Almond Butter
• Homemade Nutella

Low-Fat Peanut Butter Balls

Amy Duska

Low-fat peanut butter balls coated in dark chocolate are easy to make with only five ingredients. It’s a classic peanut butter and chocolate combination that’s lighter but still satisfying.

Prep Time 10 mins

Freeze Time 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 64 kcal

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

• Whisk the peanut butter powder, powdered sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the water and stir until well combined—the mixture will be stiff.
• Portion the dough into 1-tablespoon scoops and place them on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm.
• Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 20–30 seconds until smooth. Stir in cayenne if using. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly but not harden.
• Roll the chilled dough into smooth balls.
• Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, return to the waxed paper, and refrigerate until set. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Notes

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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