Peanut Butter Protein Balls
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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 each packs over 10 grams of protein!
I’m one of those people who always needs something to snack on between meals, or else things can go downhill fast (ask my partner, who’s learned to spot it coming). That’s why I started making these protein peanut butter balls- they keep me full, satisfy my sweet tooth (a snack non-negotiable), and are easy enough to throw together in minutes.
I didn’t reinvent the wheel, though. I came up with this recipe after testing a few different versions of my homemade protein bars and protein balls, but neither had that rich, peanut butter flavor I was craving. So, I doubled the peanut butter- and it made all the difference.
Now, these are a staple in our fridge: my partner grabs them before workouts, I rely on them for that 3 pm energy boost, and my sister… well, she actually enjoys a few for a quick breakfast!
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- 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.
- Customizable. Swap the nut butter, add all sorts of mix-ins, or use a flavored protein powder.
- Healthy. Each protein ball is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with zero refined sugar.
Key Ingredients
- Rolled oats. 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 denser energy ball. The only type of protein I don’t recommend is whey protein, as it can be challenging 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 the protein powder and oats in a bowl.
Step 2- Melt the peanut butter and maple syrup together. Whisk.
Step 3- Combine. Add the peanut butter mixture to the oats and mix until combined.
Step 4- Shape. Using your hands, roll out balls and place them on a plate. 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 water or milk.
- Swap the nut butter. If you’d rather avoid peanut butter, use cashew butter or almond butter instead.
- Nut-free. I’ve made a nut-free version of this for my nephew (he has a nut allergy) and used sunflower seed butter. No one could tell the difference!
- Mix-ins. Try mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or raisins.
Storage and snack prep
To store: Place the energy bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 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 make the mix thicker. To compensate, I usually add 1-2 tablespoons of water (or more as needed).
You can! Although I do suggest making my peanut butter oatmeal balls instead. They are very similar, and you won’t need to adjust the peanut butter/liquid sweetener ratios to compensate for the lack of protein.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
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 the oats and protein powder and mix until combined. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter and maple syrup. Microwave until the peanut butter has melted. Add the peanut butter mixture to 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
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to one month or the freezer for 6 months.
Nutrition
More high-protein snacks
- Cookie dough protein bars
- Protein granola bars
- Protein popcorn
- Cranberry protein balls
- Banana protein balls
Originally published June 2023
Thank you for an easy and healthy recipe. I added 4 teaspoons of water to my nut butter maple syrup mix before putting it in the microwave. I also used a combination of peanut butter and almond butter (didn’t have enough peanut butter) along with some dark chocolate chunks to melt. They rolled into perfect balls and taste delicious!
Thanks for the tips! Glad you enjoyed these.
I made these and it was so simple and easy. I will definitely make them many more times.
I am allergic to peanuts so I used sunbutter. It is a thinner consistency. It got really thick when I put it in the microwave so next time I will just mist the sunbutter with the maple syrup. No heating.
For more nutrition I added 2 TBS flax seed meal. These are very good, satisfying and doesn’t blow my carbs.
Thanks so much for the recipe.
Well, I followed the recipe exactly and it tasted Amazing! Wait a minute….it was dry as dust, it could not be formed. So I added cold water 2 tbsps at a time and mixed forever and it worked! I started forming the balls and someone opened the cupboard door and a bag of chocolate chips fell into the bowl, what a shame. All in all this was so much fun to make, tastes terrific and the nutrition is exactly what I was looking for. This is a real keeper recipe.
You’re recipes are delicious 😋 thank you!
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
Can I add full serving of protein powder? What do you say?