3 Ingredient No Bake Keto Peanut Butter Balls (Paleo, Vegan, Low Carb)
An easy 3-ingredient recipe for no bake keto peanut butter protein balls! Soft, chewy and low in carbs, these protein balls are the perfect snack ready in 5 minutes! Peanut-free, nut-free, and paleo option! Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free.
Peanut butter recipes are a huge snack favorite around here, like the healthy peanut butter no bake cookies and healthy low carb peanut butter bars!
No Bake Keto Peanut Butter Balls
When it comes to snacking, peanut butter always somehow makes an appearance. If you checked out my weekly grocery haul, peanut butter would always make its way in there…even with 4 unopened jars at home!
While enjoying peanut butter straight from the jar is my usual go-to, sometimes we need a portable and satisfying snack.
For me, I need my snacks to be low in carbs, but high in healthy fats and protein. I’ve also found that ketogenic friendly snacks tend to keep my energy levels higher. This is where the magical ingredient that peanut butter is taking center stage!
Is Peanut Butter a low carb food?
All natural peanut butter is indeed a low carb food. It is high in healthy fats, has moderates amount of protein and has a relatively high amount of fiber.
A two-tablespoon serving sees it providing a mere 3.5 grams of net carbs!
Not only is peanut butter low carb, it is also suitable for a ketogenic diet. Although compared to other nuts the carb count is a little higher, on a large scale, it is negligible.
As such, including peanut butter in many of my snack and dessert recipes have been a lifesaver. it’s one of the cheapest nut or seed spreads on the market, easily accessible and tastes delicious. Not only that, it is super simple to make- I simply blend up raw peanuts until a smooth paste remains!
Is peanut butter paleo?
Peanut butter is NOT allowed on the paleo diet as technically, it isn’t a nut but actually a legume. However, as I want my paleo readers to have a tested alternative, I tried this out with both cashew butter and almond butter. Both work beautifully, but I prefer the cashew butter, as the flavor was more mild and rich.
To make these 3-ingredient no bake keto peanut butter balls, you only need 3 ingredients-
- Peanut butter
- A sticky sweetener of choice
- Coconut Flour
While there are peanut-butter free options for my paleo friends, there are definitely options for my nut-free and allergen-friendly friends too. Sunflower seed butter and soy nut butter are both two fantastic alternatives, which have the same consistency as peanut butter.
In terms of a sticky sweetener, the only keto-friendly sweetener I’ve tested (and used in this recipe) is a monk fruit sweetened maple syrup. It is low carb, 100% sugar free and keto-approved.
Other sweeteners (which aren’t keto, but are paleo/vegan) are pure maple syrup, agave nectar or honey. Any of these can also be used.
Finally, the coconut flour gives these protein balls the thick, chewy and fudgy texture. Do not swap it out for another flour, as it simply won’t work. Coconut flour absorbs liquids differently and acts like a sponge. Even if you were to double or triple the amount of another flour, you’ll find that the texture will be gummy and have less of a peanut flavor.
Want more energy ball recipes?
- No Bake Coconut Energy Balls
- 3 Ingredient Low Carb Energy Balls
- No Bake Unicorn Bites
- 3 Ingredient Brownie No Bake Bites
- Chocolate Coconut No Bake Balls
3-ingredient No Bake Keto Peanut Butter Balls (Paleo, Vegan, Low Carb)
Ingredients
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter * See notes
- 1/2 cup sticky sweetener of choice ** See notes
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
Instructions
- Line a large tray or plate with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients and mix well. If the batter is too thick, add some liquid (milk or water) until a thick batter remains.
- Using your hands, form the dough into small balls and place on the lined plate/tray. Refrigerate the peanut butter no bake balls for 30 minutes, or until firm.
Video
Notes
Key Recipe Equipment and Ingredients
Nutrition
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Will sugar free maple syrup work?
I’ve only tried the keto maple syrup or traditional maple syrup.
These take less than 5 min. to make — so easy. I’m thinking of drizzling semi-sweet chocolate over them. Checking my cabinets now for a high cacao block😆
That sounds fabulous! 😀
Could you use protein powder instead of coconut flour?
I haven’t tried so cannot vouch for it.
Where do you store them and for how long will they last?
Hi! Store them in the fridge and they will keep for at least 4 weeks 🙂 They can be stored in the freezer too, for up to 6 months.
I used manilife creamy peanut butter and the consistency is very runny not allowing me to make balls. Did you come across this?
Hi there! I’d use a different brand, one that is super silky and runny 🙂
My partner is allergic to coconut, do you have a suggestion for what I could try instead? Our usual default is almond flour but I can see that texture being off. Thanks in advance! This recipe looks delicious and easy.
Hi Anthony! Can you tolerate oat flour? That will be a suitable option 🙂
Hi Arman
What do you think of “Fiber Syrup” by Sukrin (3 net carbs)? Have you ever used it?
I’ve never tried it myself, feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to hear if it works out!
These look amazing to me but I don’t eat any kind of sugar or sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave) or artificial sweetener of any kind (stevja). Can I exclude the sweetener entirely and/or can you think of anything else that I could use as an alternative?
I’ve only tried this as written- Feel free to experiment and see 🙂
These look great! How long do they last if just refrigerated?
Hi! At least 2 weeks 🙂
I got my peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter at WINCO my last trip. They each have their own grinder and grind the nuts right before your eyes, nothing added but is between smooth and chunky but I think it will work. I’m getting ready to make these. I usually make my go to cream cheese fat bombs made with cream cheese, vanilla, formed into balls and rolled in coconut flakes. But I need a little variety.:) I’ve lost 60 lbs since June on Keto and am always looking for something new to try. Thank you.
Congrats, Teresa- That is fantastic!
If I’d like to make them more protein heavy, can I add protein powder to the recipe?
I haven’t tried, but feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to know if it works! I think it should be fine- Start with 1 scoop then add a little milk to thicken.
So delicious!! Mine seemed very soft even after sitting in the fridge. Maybe it was too humid today to make them.
Still very good kids loved them. Thank you!!
That’s fantastic to hear, Sara- You can store them in the freezer for firmer bites 🙂
Can I use almond flour instead of the coconut flour? Would I use the same amount?
Hi! I haven’t tried but I don’ see why not, try 1.5 the amount stated.
Hello! I have crunchy ( I like texture) all natural pb. As I’m sure you know, the all natural kind is FULL of oil and more on the liquidy side, even after mixing profusely. Will this affect the balls holding their shape?
Hi Danielle- Not necessarily, it will just be difficult forming into balls 🙂
Has anyone read through the comments from beginning to end?!!! It will give you a laugh how many times the same question is asked and answered! Power to you Arman for not getting frustrated answering people that ask questions over and over without taking the time to read the comments. Much patience you must have. Recipe is Great btw! Thanks
You are a legend, Dave!