Say hello to the perfect busy day snack! Peanut Butter Protein Balls are made with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients like oats, honey, chia seeds, protein powder, and more! They're little energy balls wrapped up into bite sized peanut buttery snacks.
A nutrient rich, filling snack
Who else is a victim of multiple snack times each day? I know I am! I love snacking and find myself doing it between meals all day, every day. And that's totally okay! Our bodies need fuel, so it makes sense to snack to give it little bursts of energy between meals.
When I go for snacks, however, I like to go for whole, healthy options (with the occasional indulgence snuck in, of course!). One of my favorite go-to snacks are these good old peanut butter protein balls. They're sweet and savory at the same time, and because of all of the extra protein they do a really great job of curbing both my hunger and my cravings. They provide a kick in energy too!
You can customize these however you'd like. Sometimes I'm feeling chocolate chips and add a whole bunch, other times I go for dried cranberries and chopped nuts. Make them your own or make a few different kinds to switch things up.
Keep these protein energy balls on deck by keeping a batch in your fridge for easy grab-and-go access whenever your stomach gives you a little pang of hunger.
Oh, and the best part? They're no-bake!
Items included in peanut butter protein balls
Rolled oats are the star of this show and serve as the perfect base. After that, mix with protein powder, chia seeds and various flavorings for protein balls that stay together and pack a flavorful but nutritious punch!
- Rolled oats
- Protein powder (I use a plant based chocolate kind)
- Cinnamon
- Chia seeds
- Salt (only if the peanut butter isn't already salted)
- Natural peanut butter
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Almond milk (or water)
Tools used to make this peanut butter recipe
We'll only need four main tools to make this recipe, which is great news, isn't it?! The fewer the tools, the smaller the clean up. Grab your mixing tools, a tray, and your measuring cups and let's get started!
Here's everything you'll need:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing utensil
- Plate or tray
- Measuring cups: 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, ¼ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup.
How to make peanut butter protein balls
Do you see that? There's no baking required! Instead, we will mix the protein ball ingredients, form the mixture into little balls, and then stick them in the fridge to fully form. Prep should only take 10 minutes (or less).
It's important to use natural peanut butter when making these oats because you want that runny texture to help hold them together. If you find that your peanut butter isn't as runny, you may want to add a tablespoon of coconut oil, or just add more water.
First, combine the oats, protein powder, cinnamon, chia seeds, and salt in a medium bowl.
Then, in a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine. If using a spoon or spatula proves difficult, you can use your hands.
Next, add the liquid (almond milk or water) as needed. From here you should be able to roll the mix into balls that stick together.
Wet your hands and then form the mix into tablespoon-sized balls.
Set the formed balls on a plate or tray, and then place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before eating. Enjoy!
Storing protein snacks
Once you've prepared a good amount of protein snacks and are ready to store them for snacking throughout the week, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep them nice and solid, and fresher for longer!
If you'd like to freeze them, again use an airtight container, and eat within 6 months. You can make a huge batch and transfer them to the fridge in smaller amounts as you're ready to eat them!
Watch & learn how to make peanut butter protein balls
A healthier protein snack
We all know that homemade foods are often healthier than what we find on grocery store shelves, but why? In addition to being heavily processed in order to stay fresh as long as possible, preserved dry snacks are pumped with chemicals and less-than-ideal ingredients.
All of these things combined mean that if you can make it at home, that's definitely the way to go! Here's the lowdown on some of the ingredients included in these homemade peanut butter protein balls.
Rolled oats
Rolled oats are a nutritious powerhouse. They provide protein, fiber, healthy carbs and are known to be heart and body-healthy!
Protein powder
Gotta have the protein powder in the protein balls! Though this recipe would be protein-rich on its own, adding powder really helps each bite provide lots of it.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are included in this recipe because they're a fantastic binding agent that helps keep the balls from crumbling. However, they're also great health-wise and provide fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
Natural peanut butter
You know what I always say - peanut butter is one of those ingredients that has to be all natural! The processed versions are just too icky. Stick to natural and you'll be receiving a healthy dose of fats and protein in one.
Honey
You guys know I love my all natural sweeteners! Honey is my sweetener BFF (alongside maple syrup) and tastes wonderful in pretty much every recipe it's a part of. It's a fantastic alternative to granulated sugar, and one that I always go for!
Almond milk
We use almond milk in this recipe because it tastes great and is a healthier option than regular whole milk.
Step-by-step Instructions on how to make Peanut Butter Protein Balls
More healthy peanut butter recipes
If you're like me and can't get enough peanut butter, here are some more recipes to satiate your cravings! They're all so tasty that it makes it hard to recommend just one, but I think out of these options the Healthy Peanut Butter Fudge is my ultimate favorite!
- Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
- Healthy Peanut Butter Fudge
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
- Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream
Recipe by Erin Antoniak and Photos by Bake and Bacon
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Combine oats, protein powder, cinnamon, chia seeds, and salt in medium bowl
- In a large bowl, combine pb, honey, vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to oat mixture.
- Add in liquid (almond milk or water) as needed. You should be able to roll into balls that will stick together.
- Get dirty - Wet your hands and then use em to form into tablespoon size balls.
- Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Keep in fridge up to 7 days or freezer for 6 months.
Anne says
Favorite energy ball recipe
Erin says
Hi Anne, so glad you love them!
Kelly says
These have become a weekly staple in our house!!! So nice to have on hand in the fridge for a quick snack. We’ve been doubling the recipe and freezing half for the next week and they hold up excellent!
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so happy you loved them so much!! 🙂
Carly says
So easy to make. They were delicious!
Erin says
Hi Carly, so happy you loved them!! 🙂
Nicole says
I love these, I made them to prep for postpartum and keep them in the freezer. The my thaw quickly so there’s no need to plan or think haha which I love!
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so glad you love them! 🙂
Dalton says
So so good!! I made these thankfully the day I went into labor and I am so glad I did because they are perfect for a quick bite! I added chocolate chips to mine and they are so tasty!
Molly S says
So yummy and easy to make!! New favorite snack to make and have around the house!
Erin says
Hi Molly, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Avery says
Such a great snack! Delicious recipe!
Erin says
Hi Avery, so glad you liked them! 🙂
Susan says
Can you confirm the amount of protein powder in grams? The only Active Stacks protein powder that I can find online is whey, not plant based as you mentioned in your description. My protein powder also has a large scoop and I want to make sure that I’m not adding too much. Thanks.
Erin says
Hi Susan, yes it is 20 grams! 🙂
Jessica says
Forgot to put a star rating, so I reposted!
Erin says
Thank you!!!
Jessica says
Love these! I’ve made them at least 5x now. They’re the perfect consistency and flavor! We make a batch early in the week; they keep well in the fridge (although they’re always gone by end of week), and it’s so convenient to pop one when hunger (or sweet tooth) strikes. I omit cinnamon bc I’m not a fan, but they’re great without! I’ve also subbed maple syrup for honey when I was out
Erin says
Hi Jessica, so happy you loved them so much and made them your own! 🙂
Nicole says
So easy to make! I prepped a batch (doubled) for postpartum snack and lactation support. They’re delicious and I had all the ingredients already. Also love how they’re so easy to make different variations. ELW has done it again! 👏🏼
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so happy you love them so much! 🙂
Kaitlyn says
Yum! Enjoyed making these with my toddler. They’re delicious! We added sprinkles too 🙂
Erin says
Hi Kaitlyn, so happy you both loved them and great idea!! 🙂
Kelsey Scott says
These are so good
Erin says
Hi Kelsey, so happy you enjoyed them!! 🙂
Nicole says
Just made these and OMG they are so easy and so delicious. I doubled the recipe and placed them on a pan on parchment paper to freeze, with a plan to pull them out once baby arrives! Thanks for another awesome recipe, Erin!
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so happy you love them so much and great idea!! Congratulations!! 🙂
Lisa Taras says
These taste just like no bake cookies, SO good! I think these will be a new staple in our house. They're even kid approved!
Erin says
Hi Lisa, so happy you enjoyed them so much!! 🙂
Karen says
would these be appropriate for a dialysis diet?
Erin says
Hi Karen, I am not sure. Please check with your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Kelly Green says
I wanted to love these, but they made me so frustrated! It didn’t mix well even when adding more liquid. The recipe called for one scoop of protein powder, and the scoop that came with mine was larger so the protein powder was overpowering. 1/4 cup would’ve been better. I can’t eat them, I get a horrible headache right after one bite! I will stick with the oat flour recipes that I love so much!!
Erin says
Hi Kelly, I'm sorry that you did not like the recipe. I've heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn't work out for you!
Maureen says
Hi! Do you have a specific brand of chocolate protein powder that you would recommend for these? I have made energy balls before with protein powder and they were very granular and strange in texture, so would like to avoid that if possible. Thank you!
Erin says
Hi Maureen, I love active stacks brand!
Anna says
These are soooo yummy!!
Erin says
Hi Anna, so glad you loved them!!
Alisha says
I just recently started making these and they’re so easy and good! Perfect snack to take with me when I’m rushing out the door!
Erin says
Hi Alisha, so glad you enjoyed them!!