Chocolate Balls
This vegetarian builds unsweetened cocoa powder, puffed rice cereal and chopped nuts into an easy meal you can have ready in about 65 minutes. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 7 steps.
At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.
What you'll need
Shopping list (4)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: vegetarian — no meat or fish, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Dairy Peanut Tree nuts
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- In a large bowl, stir the peanut butter and melted butter together until smooth and glossy, then mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Sift the cocoa powder and icing sugar together, then add to the bowl a little at a time, beating well after each addition, until you have a thick, slightly stiff chocolate dough that holds its shape.
- Fold in the puffed rice cereal and chopped nuts with a spatula, working gently so the cereal stays mostly intact and crisp.
- If the mixture feels too soft to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes until firm enough to handle.
- Scoop out level tablespoons of the mixture and roll between your palms into balls roughly 2.5 cm across.
- Spread the desiccated coconut on a small plate and roll each ball to coat the outside evenly.
- Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving; store chilled in an airtight container.
Ingredient substitutions
- Butter
- olive oil (¾ the amount) · coconut oil · margarine
Tips & common questions
How long does Chocolate Balls take to make?
About 65 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 7 steps and 9 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of butter?
Try olive oil (¾ the amount). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
Is Chocolate Balls vegetarian?
Its ingredients contain no meat, fish or shellfish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheese for animal rennet if that matters to you.
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Adapted recipe — rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Chocolate Balls is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Chocolate Balls with Cocoa Powder.jpg by روتانا, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.