These peanut butter protein balls are the ultimate no bake snack using just 4 ingredients! 10 grams of protein each and NO added sugar needed.
Tired of buying store bought protein snacks? Try these protein peanut butter balls.
I combined two of my favorite protein snacks- protein balls and homemade protein bars. The key feature is using EXTRA peanut butter, which makes these protein balls with peanut butter taste incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this peanut butter protein balls recipe
- Just 4 ingredients. All you need are oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder.
- 10 grams of protein each. This is the kind of snack you can enjoy between meals and feel energized until your next meal.
- Healthy. These balls are refined sugar free, full of whole grains and healthy fats. They are also vegan and gluten-free.
- Easy to customize. Add chocolate chips, use flavored protein powder, or make them as cookies- the possilbities are endless.
Ingredients needed
- Rolled oats. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, if needed.
- Protein powder. I recommend using a vanilla protein powder as it has a subtle flavor but unflavored also works.
- Peanut butter. Creamy peanut butter with no added sugar.
Ingredient swap
Not a fan of peanut butter? Any nut butter works. You can swap it out for almond butter, or cashew butter. Seed butters also work too, like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Maple syrup. Sweetens the balls, but also holds them together. You can also use agave nectar or honey.
How to make peanut butter protein balls
1. Make the dough: Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix until a thick batter remains. If using chocolate chips, fold them through at the end.
2. Shape into balls: Lightly wet your hands and roll out small balls and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
3. Chill: Place the peanut butter protein balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Choose the right protein powder. Casein protein powder or brown rice protein powders are best, as they have the correct texture to achieve perfect protein balls. Avoid using whey protein powder as it tends to make snacks and baked goods sticky or dry.
- Adjust the consistency: If you the find the protein ball mixture too crumbly or too wet, adjust it as needed. If it’s wet, add more oats. If it’s too dry, add a drop or two of water.
- Sweeten to taste. This recipe relies on maple syrup and protein powder for sweetness. If your protein powder is unsweetened, consider adding an extra tablespoon of syrup.
- Experiment with mix-ins: While peanut butter and protein powder form the base of the recipe, you can add various mix-ins to enhance the flavor and texture. Raisins, pecans, mini chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, chia seeds, and cranberries are all fantastic additions.
- Chill the balls. Allow at least 30 minutes chilling or freezing time for the peanut butter protein balls to firm up.
- Use a food processor. If you prefer uniform and smooth protein balls, you can whiz everything together instead of mixing it all up.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to four weeks.
To freeze: Place the energy bites in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Food processor. For smooth and uniform protein balls.
- Mixing bowls. My preferred method of making the mixture.
- Spatula. To ensure everything is evenly mixed in.
More healthy snack recipes to try
- Granola bars
- Oatmeal bars
- Peanut butter oatmeal balls
- Peanut butter balls
- Fruit leather
- Keto protein bars
Frequently Asked Questions
If your protein powder contains casein in it (often found in protein blends), it can create a thicker mix. To compensate for this, add 1-2 tablespoons of water (or more as needed).
Casein or brown rice protein powder is best and yields the best flavor. Whey protein can sometimes be difficult to work with, so use sparingly.
These peanut butter protein balls are not suitable for a keto diet as they contain oats. For something similar, try making keto energy balls.
You can swap out the oats for quinoa flakes or buckwheat flakes.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add your oats and protein powder and mix well, until combined. In a microwave safe bowl, add your peanut butter and maple syrup. Microwave until the peanut butter has melted. Add the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Using your hands, form small balls using the batter and place them on a lined plate. Refrigerate for at least an hour, to firm up.
Notes
Nutrition
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These are delicious. To this original recipe, I added a handful of mini chocolate chips and a handful of chia seeds. The chocolate chips melted in the warm peanut butter. If you don’t like them melted, you could add at the end when you are making the little balls. I needed a little more syrup to help bind everything because of the additions, and I just drizzled a small amount of agave syrup. Delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I’ll sub out hemp hearts for the oats for keto/low carb-perfect way to increase protein and omega’s! Thanks Arman!!! Love seeing your posts on FB!!! :))))
Thank you, Monica!