For years I’ve been trying to give up sugar but time and time again, it is a losing battle. I love sweets. So my quest is to create low sugar treats that satisfy the palate. One of my all time favorite treats are chocolate covered peanut butter balls so I set out to create, dare I say, a healthier alternative.
I prefer almond butter or NuttZo 7 Seed + Nut Butter which is a blend of organic peanuts, cashews, almonds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds. These balls are packed with maca and are low in added sugar.
Maca is a root that belongs to the radish family. Grown in the mountains of Peru, it has been called “Peruvian ginseng.” Recently popularized as a superfood, maca’s benefits have been long valued. Maca is said to be an adaptogen which helps your body cope with stress and is high in vitamin B, C and E. It is also claimed to regulate hormones, balance moods and boost libido.
1 c organic nut butter
2 tbsp maca powder
2 c almond meal/flour
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 c dark chocolate, 70%
- In a medium bowl hand mix nut butter, maca powder, almond flour and maple syrup.
- Place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes to chill. This will make rolling balls go much smoother!
- While nut butter is chilling, melt the chocolate. In a microwave start with 30 seconds then add 5-10 seconds at a time or use a double boiler. Be very mindful not to burn the chocolate.
- Once balls have chilled and chocolate is melted, using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out nut butter and roll in your palms to form balls.
- Using a spoon, gently roll the balls in the melted chocolate, covering all sides, then place them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
- Place balls in the freezer or refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened.
Makes 18 balls.
hi! Where do you purchase Maca?
Loved these! So easy to make. Thank you for sharing your creation.
I am SO going to try to make these! My mom made PB balls when I was growing up, but only for “special occasions.” They are, to this day, one of my favorite desserts! But, I am rarely home on “special occasions.” (I still do not know what constitutes a”special occasion.” Especially one so special, only that “special occasion” deserves PB balls, when I think surviving teaching one dance class to one middle school class for one hour is a VERY special occasion…which means I deserve multiple peanut butter balls each day, 5 days a week) I am going to make these, take a photo of them with me sticking my tongue out in the background, and send it to my Mom. 🙂