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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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
- Cookie dough protein bars
- Protein granola bars
- Protein popcorn
- Protein cheesecake
- Or any of these recipes with protein powder
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Video
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
Originally published June 2023, updated and republished November 2024
Can I add full serving of protein powder? What do you say?
Wow thank God I have peanut butter at home. Will make these.
Can I also use instant oats with flavour chocolate? Would it be better taste?
Many of your high protein recipes include peanut butter. I like that. I like so much peanut flavour.
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!
I made them last week. They really turned out amazing. Thanks!
Which would be better, crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
5 stars! Awesome
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!
Ingredients I always have at home. Will do them! Peanut butter protein bowls!!
Can I make it with hemp protein powder?
Yes!
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.
Great addition!!
Can honey be used in the place of the maple syrup?
Yes!!
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.
Looks good
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!