Granola Peanut Butter Balls
I have a chef friend, Nancy Russman in Louisville Kentucky, who spends a lot of her time teaching kids to cook and eat healthier snacks. When she first met me and my son there at a Julia Child birthday party I was cooking for, she made a big impression on him, much bigger than Julia! Probably because she's very short, and closer to his size than Julia. She taught him the cheer of "Go Cats!" in support of the Louisville Wildcats. We also had a nice tour of the Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Factory, a visit to a bourbon distillery for another Julia party and a visit to my favorite goat cheese maker, Judy Schad, in nearby Greenville Indiana. This is one of Nancy's kid-friendly recipes that the kids can help make.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Rubber Spatula or sturdy spoon
- 1 Set of Measuring Spoons
- 1 Set of Measuring Cups
- 1 Baking sheet or plate for chilling
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 cups granola
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the honey and peanut butter. Using a spatula, stir in the granola. Add enough milk to just moisten--you want it to stick together. Form into balls. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
This is a fantastic no-bake recipe, ideal for quick energy bites. The key to success lies in the consistency: add milk gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture just holds together when pressed. Over-moistening will make the balls sticky and difficult to form, while too little will result in a crumbly texture. For enhanced flavor and nutrition, consider using a high-quality, low-sugar granola. You can also experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew. For added indulgence, fold in mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or finely chopped dried fruit. Rolling the finished balls in a light coating of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts before chilling also adds visual appeal and texture. Ensure adequate chilling time (at least 30 minutes) for the balls to firm up, making them easier to handle and store.