Delicious Donkey Balls: Sweet & Savory Snack Perfection
Why Make This Recipe
Delicious Donkey Balls are an exciting twist on traditional snacks. They combine sweet and savory flavors in one bite, making them perfect for many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a tasty treat during movie night, or preparing snacks for the kids, these delightful bites don’t disappoint. They are simple to make, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen, and they offer a range of flavors to satisfy different taste preferences. Plus, they are sure to impress your guests and family!
How to Make Delicious Donkey Balls
Creating these delightful snacks is a straightforward process, whether you choose the sweet or savory version. Below is a detailed guide to making Delicious Donkey Balls that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
Sweet Version:
- 1 cup Peanut Butter (Almond butter can be used as a substitute.)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.)
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs (Crushed pretzels or oats can also work.)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Optional for those with nut allergies.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Coconut extract offers a fun twist.)
- 1 cup Chocolate (for coating) (Dark chocolate for a richer taste.)
Savory Version:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Ensure it is well-seasoned.)
- 1 cup Cheese (Choose your favorite type.)
- 1 tablespoon Spices (Customize with garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
Directions:
Sweet Version:
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Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Add Crumbs and Nuts: Gradually add the graham cracker crumbs and chopped nuts (if using) to the bowl. Mix them in until well combined.
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Flavor It Up: Add the vanilla extract (or coconut extract) and stir it into the mixture. It should become easier to blend as you add these ingredients.
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Form Balls: Use your hands to shape small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Chill: Refrigerate the formed balls for about 30 minutes, allowing them to set.
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Coat with Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Dip each chilled ball into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment-lined sheet.
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Final Chill: Return the coated balls to the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Savory Version:
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Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and season with spices of your choice (like garlic powder and onion powder).
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Mix in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and well mixed with the beef.
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Form Balls: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before shaping it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet.
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Bake (Optional): If you prefer a crisp texture, bake the savory balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they firm up a bit and get a nice color.
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Cool: Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Donkey Balls
Delicious Donkey Balls can be served in a variety of ways. For the sweet version, they can be served as a dessert treat at parties. Arrange them on a platter or tray and garnish with some additional chocolate drizzle or crushed nuts for a more festive look.
The savory version is perfect as an appetizer or a fun party snack. You can serve them with dips like ketchup, ranch dressing, or your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor. These versatile snacks can also be paired with various side items such as vegetables or bread sticks to create a more substantial meal.
How to Store Delicious Donkey Balls
When it comes to storing Delicious Donkey Balls, the method will depend on whether you made the sweet or savory version.
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Sweet Version: Store any leftover sweet donkey balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about a week. If you want them to maintain their firmness, keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
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Savory Version: The savory donkey balls should also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can typically last for about three to four days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to warm them up.
Tips to Make Delicious Donkey Balls
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Consistency Matters: If the sweet mixture is too sticky, add a bit more graham cracker crumbs until you reach a good consistency that holds together well.
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Chocolate Options: You can use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dairy-free chocolate chips for coating, depending on your preference.
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Customize Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match various nuts, spices, and even fillings (like mini marshmallows or chocolate chips) to create unique flavors and textures.
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Keep Them Small: Make sure to keep the balls around the same size for even cooking and presentation.
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Resting Time: Allow the balls to chill properly so they’re firm and easy to handle. Patience is the key to the best results!
Variation
If you’re interested in trying different flavors, you can make the sweet version with other nut butters, like cookie butter or hazelnut spread, for an interesting twist. For the savory version, you can experiment with different meats, such as ground turkey or chicken, and incorporate different cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a unique taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make these Donkey Balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both sweet and savory donkey balls a day in advance. Just refrigerate them in an airtight container and serve them chilled or reheat them as needed.
2. Are there any alternatives for the nut butter in the sweet version?
Absolutely! If you’re avoiding nuts altogether, you can use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter as a tasty alternative.
3. What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
No worries! You can use crushed pretzels or rolled oats instead. They will add a different texture and flavor but work just as well.
With these simple instructions, Delicious Donkey Balls can be a fun addition to your snack repertoire. Whether you lean toward sweet or savory, these little bites are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
PrintDelicious Donkey Balls
An exciting twist on traditional snacks, Delicious Donkey Balls combine sweet and savory flavors, perfect for parties or casual movie nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (Sweet Version), Non-Vegetarian (Savory Version)
Ingredients
- Sweet Version:
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Chocolate (for coating)
- Savory Version:
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 cup Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Spices
Instructions
- Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add Crumbs and Nuts: Gradually add the graham cracker crumbs and chopped nuts (if using) to the bowl, mixing until well combined.
- Flavor It Up: Stir in the vanilla extract (or coconut extract) to make blending easier.
- Form Balls: Shape small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt the chocolate and dip each ball, placing them back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is firm, about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then season with spices.
- Mix in Cheese: Remove skillet from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Form Balls: Shape the beef mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake (Optional): For a crisp texture, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Cool: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Store sweet version in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. Store savory version for 3-4 days; reheating is recommended.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
