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These peanut butter protein balls are a simple, healthy, and satisfying snack that provides a boost of energy throughout the day. They’re quick to make, packed with nutrients, and incredibly easy to customize. Don’t be surprised when they quickly disappear from your fridge!
Table of Contents
❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe
- Nutritious: This recipe is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making peanut butter protein balls the ideal snack at any time of the day.
- Easy to make: There is no baking or blending required here! Just mix the ingredients together in a bowl and roll them into balls whenever you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite add-ins to make this recipe your own! Some of our favorites include chocolate chunks, pecans, dried cranberries, and coconut.
- Portable: Peanut butter protein bites are great for on-the-go or post-workout snacks. Just add them to a bag or container and pack them with you!
If you love these no-bake protein balls, you need to try our peanut butter balls, buckeye candies, mazapan, and 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies.
🥜 Easy peanut butter protein balls
Peanut butter protein balls are one of our all-time favorite snacks and for good reason! What started as a convenient, nutrient-dense option for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious folk has gained popularity in households everywhere.
In this particular recipe, we included ingredients like rolled oats, vanilla protein, natural peanut butter, and tons of chocolate chunks! Each bite of these bite-sized beauties provides a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with chewy and crunchy textures.
You can also feel comfortable knowing this snack is a no-bake recipe, meaning it’s easy to prepare even for beginner bakers. The best way to enjoy peanut butter protein bites is straight from the refrigerator or freezer, for a cool and refreshing snack.
🌱 Are protein balls vegan?
Peanut butter protein balls (and protein bites in general) can be vegan. A lot of recipes call for honey and whey protein powder, which are both not vegan-friendly.
However, you can easily make a vegan recipe by replacing honey with agave or maple syrup and choosing a plant-based protein powder over whey. Some of our favorite brands include Vega Protein and Greens, Garden of Life, and Four Sigmatic Protein.
🛒 Ingredients & substitutions
- Peanut butter: For the best taste and texture, use natural peanut butter. You can opt for chunky, but we typically choose smooth in our recipe. If you don’t have (or can’t have) peanut butter, try almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
- Agave: To add natural sweetness and stick the mixture together. If you don’t have agave, the next best options are maple syrup, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup.
- Vanilla: Enhances the other ingredients, adding depth of flavor. We recommend pure vanilla extract, but you can also use almond extract or a few drops of orange oil for a unique flavor profile.
- Salt: We use sea salt to bring out the sweetness in these peanut butter protein balls. If you have salted peanut butter, you can omit the additional salt.
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide structure and chewiness. Quick oats or steel-cut oats will work in a pinch, but the best texture comes from rolled oats.
- Protein powder: Use your favorite vegan protein powder brand! Both vanilla and chocolate work well in this recipe, but you can also use unflavored protein and add your favorite flavor essence.
- Flaxmeal: Ground flaxseeds add texture, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber to these no-bake protein balls. Purchase pre-ground flaxseeds, or blend your own in a spice grinder.
- Chia seeds: Add more fiber, omega fatty acids, and a crunchy texture. You can replace chia seeds with whole flaxseeds if you don’t have any on hand.
- Extra mix-ins: We love adding a mixture of dark chocolate chunks and chopped pecans for extra flavors and textures. Choose your favorite vegan chocolate, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), or even dried fruit.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.
📝 How to make peanut butter protein balls
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Combine the rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and salt in a bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined. It’s easiest to mix the dry ingredients first to more evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
Once the dry ingredients are stirred, add the peanut butter, agave, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick and hold its shape when rolled into a ball.
If it’s too dry, add the rest of the agave or a little plant milk until it sticks together. If it’s too sticky, add more oats or protein powder a tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Shape the protein bites
Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped pecans last, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Chill the protein balls
For the perfect peanut butter protein ball texture, let them chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy them as an on-the-go snack or post-workout treat. Happy eating!
If you have questions about making peanut butter protein balls, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!
🌡️ Storage
If you want to make peanut butter protein balls ahead of time, follow these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: You can keep no-bake protein balls in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
- Freezer: We always prefer storing our protein balls in the freezer because they come out ice-cold and firm when we’re ready to eat them. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
- Prep ahead: Make a double or triple batch and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack whenever you need one!
♻️ Variations
- Different butter: Instead of peanut butter, try almond or cashew butter. If you want a nut-free version, opt for tahini, sunflower butter, or pumpkin butter.
- Dried fruit: Add your favorite dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, or dates.
- Protein powder: Swap out vanilla protein powder for chocolate, mixed berries, or any other flavor you prefer.
- Spices: Use cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, apple pie, or pumpkin spice for a warming flavor.
- Zesty: Add a bit of orange, lime, or lemon zest for a bright and citrusy twist.
- Matcha: Mix in matcha powder for an antioxidant and caffeine boost.
- Chocolate: Drizzle your peanut butter protein balls with melted chocolate or dust them with cocoa powder.
- Coconut: Roll the balls in shredded coconut for a more tropical-inspired flavor.
🧑🍳 Top tips
- Natural peanut butter: Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor and healthiest option.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more oats or protein powder if the mixture is too wet. Increase the agave or add plant milk if it’s too dry and won’t stick together.
- Use a cookie scoop: For evenly-sized protein balls, use a cookie scoop.
- Chill the mixture: For an easier time rolling your peanut butter protein balls, try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes.
- Press firmly: Press the balls firmly in your hand when you’re rolling them to prevent them from falling apart.
- Proper storage: Store the protein balls in the fridge or freezer so they maintain an ideal shape, flavor, and texture.
💬 FAQ
Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats, but the flavor and texture won’t turn out the same.
Of course! Feel free to leave out the protein powder if you don’t have any or don’t enjoy the flavor. You may need to adjust the other ingredients to achieve the right consistency. Try peanut butter balls or buckeye candy for a similar recipe without protein powder.
Yes, you can make these peanut butter protein balls with sunflower butter, tahini, or another nut-free option. In addition, skip the chopped nuts as an add-in.
Yes, use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all the other ingredients are gluten-free.
Yes, you can make peanut butter protein balls without a sweetener, but they may be harder to stick together and the texture will likely be slightly dry and cakey.
🍴 More snack recipes
If you enjoyed these peanut butter protein balls, take a peek at some more peanut-forward snacks and treats like these:
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cups: Reese’s peanut butter cups copycat made dairy-free.
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: 20-minute cookie recipe that’s soft, chewy, and sweet.
- 2-Ingredient Fudge: Smooth, creamy fudge ready in 5 minutes!
- Palanqueta: A sweet and crunchy Mexican snack made from peanuts and caramel.
Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Equipment
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt optional
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 7-8 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chunks
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the peanut butter, agave, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be thick and hold its shape when rolled into a ball.
- If it’s too dry, add the rest of the agave or a little plant milk until it sticks together. If it’s too sticky, add more oats or protein powder a tablespoon at a time.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped nuts, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill the protein balls in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, or until they are firm enough to handle. Store the peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Happy eating!
Notes
- Natural peanut butter: Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor and healthiest option.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more oats or protein powder if the mixture is too wet. Increase the agave or add plant milk if it’s too dry and won’t stick together.
- Use a cookie scoop: For evenly-sized protein balls, use a cookie scoop.
- Chill the mixture: For an easier time rolling your peanut butter protein balls, try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes.
- Press firmly: Press the balls firmly in your hand when you’re rolling them to prevent them from falling apart.
- Proper storage: Store the protein balls in the fridge or freezer so they maintain an ideal shape, flavor, and texture.
- Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.
