Peanut Butter Protein Balls

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5 from 472 votes
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Satisfy your sweet tooth AND meet your protein goals with my peanut butter protein balls. They’re made with just 4 ingredients and pack over 10 grams of protein each!

Ready for more no bake energy bites? Try my cranberry protein balls, banana protein balls, and coconut energy balls next. 

peanut butter protein balls.

If there’s one thing my family knows about me, I can’t be left hungry for long. I always need a snack between meals, lest I become a raging hangry machine.

That’s where my peanut butter energy balls come in. They’re essentially a mix of my two favorite protein snacks, protein balls, and homemade protein bars. The key difference is that I used EXTRA peanut butter, adding another layer of rich, satisfying flavor layer. 

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make peanut butter protein balls
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More protein powder recipes
  8. Peanut Butter Protein Balls (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • 4 simple ingredients. All you need are oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder. 
  • No gritty texture or fake aftertaste. So long as you use a protein powder you enjoy the taste of, you won’t even notice it. 
  • Quick and easy. All you need is one bowl and a plate to store them. 
  • Customizable. Swap the nut butter, add all sorts of mix-ins, or use a flavored protein powder. 
  • Healthy. Each protein ball is full of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and zero refined sugar. 
homemade peanut butter protein balls.

Ingredients needed

  • Rolled oats. Also known as old fashioned oats, these are the bulk of the protein balls. I also tested instant oats and found them to be a bit too chewy. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. 
  • Protein powder. To add protein and bind the ingredients. I used vanilla plant-based protein powder, though casein protein powder will yield an even more dense energy ball. The only type of protein I don’t recommend is whey protein, as it can be difficult to work with. 
  • Peanut butter. Opt for creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. If you prefer a salty-sweet combination, use salted peanut butter or add a pinch of salt. 
  • Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the dry ingredients. Honey and agave nectar work too. 

How to make peanut butter protein balls

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder in a bowl.

Step 1- Mix. Combine the oats and protein in a bowl. Microwave the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth, then stir the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. 

rolled balls of dough.

Step 2- Shape and chill. Use a cookie scoop to shape the balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Chill until firm.

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Adjust the consistency. If the protein mixture is too wet, add more protein powder or even ground flax seeds until it reaches your desired texture. If it’s too firm, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk. 
  • Swap the nut butter. If you’d rather avoid peanut butter, use cashew butter or almond butter instead. 
  • Nut-free. To make a nut-free recipe, use sunflower seed butter or tahini. 
  • Mix-ins. Try mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or raisins. 

Storage instructions

To store: Place the energy bites in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to one month. 

To freeze: Freeze the energy bites in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. 

peanut butter protein balls with chocolate chips.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my peanut butter protein balls dry?

If your protein powder contains casein (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).

More protein powder recipes

peanut butter protein balls recipe.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

5 from 472 votes
Satisfy your sweet tooth AND meet your protein goals with my peanut butter protein balls. They’re made with just 4 ingredients and pack over 10 grams of protein each!  Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 12 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

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

TO STORE: Place the energy bites in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to one month. 
TO FREEZE: Freeze the energy bites in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSodium: 82mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 12IUCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 10g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published June 2023, updated and republished November 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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5 from 472 votes (455 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love this easy recipe and this is the second time in a month using this recipe thanks for the video great snack when I don’t have time to make something

  2. 5 stars
    I just made the peanut butter protein bars and they’re delicious! I’m on a quest to add more protein to my diet at the age of 63 (female) and I thank you!

  3. 5 stars
    So good! Luckily I had purchased a plant based protein powder and everything came together very easily with a spatula and a bowl. I feel better about sweets like this because they provide protein, fiber and some nutrients and are lower in sugar- and taste great!

  4. 5 stars
    I’ve made this multiple times.
    Great recipe!!!
    The kids love them.
    They’re filling too.
    I’m going to make them with toasted coconut next time.

  5. 5 stars
    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.

  6. 5 stars
    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!!! :))))