If you’re on the hunt for a wildly crowd-pleasing, no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then this Donkey Balls Recipe will hit the sweet spot every single time. With a dreamy mix of creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and a decadent chocolate shell, each bite delivers rich flavor and playful crunch. Whether you whip up a batch for holiday platters or a midnight snack, these little balls of joy are guaranteed to disappear fast—so get ready to make a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Donkey Balls Recipe has a purpose, from the nutty richness of the peanut butter to the subtle snap of Rice Krispies. The beauty is in their simplicity—there’s no complicated prep, just pure dessert bliss!
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The star of the show, bringing luscious nutty flavor and that irresistible silky texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds a touch of richness and helps the mixture come together smoothly.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Gives just-right sweetness and helps bind everything into perfect bite-sized morsels.
- Rice Krispies Cereal (1 1/2 cups): Delivers that delightful crispy crunch that keeps each bite interesting.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of aromatic warmth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate Chips (2 cups, semi-sweet or milk): Melted and ready for dipping, they create an irresistible candy coating.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening (1 tablespoon, optional): Ensures the chocolate melts silky-smooth for the perfect dip.
How to Make Donkey Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Peanut Butter Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding in the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and Rice Krispies. This step is all about getting your hands involved—use a sturdy spatula or even your hands to combine everything until you have a thick, slightly sticky mixture that holds together easily.
Step 2: Roll and Chill
Once your dough is ready, roll the mixture into one-inch balls. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. Pop the tray into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the balls are nice and firm—this will make dipping a breeze later on.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
As your peanut butter balls chill, pour your chocolate chips (and coconut oil if you’re using it) into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing and ensures you’ll get that shiny, snappy chocolate shell.
Step 4: Dip and Set
Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing them back onto the baking sheet. Don’t stress if they’re not all perfect—each Donkey Ball will have its own kind of charm!
Step 5: Chill Again
Put the tray back in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is beautifully set. Once they’re ready, you can serve them chilled for a firmer bite or let them rest at room temperature for softer, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
How to Serve Donkey Balls Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re feeling a little extra, try sprinkling some flaky sea salt, finely chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it sets. These small touches make your Donkey Balls Recipe pop with color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these treats with cups of strong coffee, cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They’re also a fantastic sweet ending after a savory meal or a fun addition to a dessert platter at gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Donkey Balls Recipe in a small mountain on a pretty cake stand for a showstopping centerpiece, or nestle them in colorful mini cupcake liners for a party-ready touch. They even make adorable edible gifts tucked into cellophane bags with ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any extras in an airtight container and store them in the fridge, where they’ll happily wait for you for up to a week. They stay fresh, chewy, and absolutely delicious until the last bite.
Freezing
You can freeze your Donkey Balls Recipe for longer storage—just arrange the balls in a single layer on a tray first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Enjoy within two months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you prefer them softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes after chilling or freezing. They’ll be just as scrumptious as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture that makes each bite even more interesting. You can also toss in chopped roasted peanuts for an extra-crunchy Donkey Balls Recipe twist.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
The microwave is quick and easy, but you can also use a double boiler on the stovetop for even, gentle melting. Just remember to stir frequently and avoid overheating to keep the chocolate silky-smooth.
Can I make Donkey Balls Recipe nut-free?
Yes—simply swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another favorite seed butter. Be sure to check all labels for cross-contamination if you need them entirely nut-free.
Do these ship well as gifts?
They do! Pack the fully set Donkey Balls Recipe in a sturdy box with wax paper layers between the balls. Ship them chilled if possible to keep the chocolate coating looking its best.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Adding coconut oil or shortening helps chocolate melt evenly and gives a glossy finish. Dip your balls while the chocolate is still warm and shake off excess gently for the prettiest shells.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you share this Donkey Balls Recipe with your friends and family, you’ll be asked for the recipe on repeat. It’s simple, irresistible, and always the highlight of any dessert table. Give it a try—you’re just a few steps away from homemade no-bake happiness!
Print
Donkey Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Donkey Balls, a no-bake treat featuring a creamy peanut butter center coated in rich chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Balls: In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and Rice Krispies until well combined.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips (with coconut oil if using) in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on the baking sheet.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate dipped balls until chocolate sets (about 15–20 minutes). Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped nuts for added texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
