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Home » Recipes » Snacks » Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Published: May 14, 2020 · Updated: May 20, 2020 by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links · 64 Comments

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Nutty, sweet, and utterly delicious, these Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a simple snack that is both satisfying and good for your health. These protein balls are made with just a few ingredients, loaded with flavor and incredibly addictive. REFINED SUGAR-FREE and packed with nutrients, these bites make perfect energizing snack.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls with oats, peanut butter, and flax seeds

How do you guys handle being locked inside a house and snacking? Man, I'm so bad at suppressing the urge to snack like ALL THE TIME! I often find myself raiding kitchen cabinets or fridge, and my husband is right there behind me. We're both looking for some easy snacks, and that happens a few times throughout the day. Which is very unusual but completely understandable considering the current situation.

Snacking is a normal body reaction to mental exhaustion. Luckily, I don't keep anything in kitchen cabinets that would ruin our healthy diet. And our fridge is full of fresh fruits, salads, and healthy spreads. Not junk snacks, comfort foods, and no sugary sweets. That's our secret!

Energy balls are the perfect solution for lockdown stress and sudden hunger strikes. The combination of fiber, protein and fats in energy balls helps control blood sugar levels and suppress hunger, while protein helps with stress. (1) Healthy omega's from nuts and seeds give brain a needed energy boost. When I make energy balls, I love adding some extras - mood boosters like maca powder or raw cacao. Chocolate Maca Balls and Chocolate Cinnamon Balls are the PERFECT treat for the stressful exhausted mind. Also, these Peanut Butter Protein Balls are the blast!

These peanuty beauties are deliciously sweet but made without refined sugars, filled with superfoods, and packed with protein and healthy fats. They are soft, chewable, and utterly addictive. But very satisfying so you won't find yourself eating a whole bowl. You'll eat one or two, and you will fill full and happy. They are also super easy to make, with few pantry ingredients and no equipment needed.

No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls with oats, peanut butter, and flax seeds served in a bowl

Peanut Butter Protein Balls ingredients

To make these protein beauties, you will need ONLY 5 ingredients that are very common in everyone's pantry. I also offer plenty of substitutions, so there's no excuse to not make them almost instantly.

The main ingredients are:

  • OATS: I used rolled oats here. Oats excellent source of fiber, especially beta-glucan that is known for its power to lower cholesterol and therefore keep your heart healthy (2). Also, oats are high in vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants, as well as proteins.
  • PEANUT BUTTER: I used creamy all natural peanut butter here. Peanut butter is versatile protein-packed spread that is not only super tasty but super healthy too. It’s packed with proteins and healthy fats, as well with fibers. (3) Peanut butter is low in carbs and suitable for people with type 2 diabetes or those following a low-carb diet. Also, half of the fat in peanut butter is made up of oleic acid, a healthy type of monounsaturated fat that promotes good heart health.
  • PROTEIN POWDER: I used vegan hemp protein powder here but you're welcome to use any protein powder you like or use regularly. Also you can substitute protein powder with collagen. 

To sweeten these protein balls, I used raw honey. To boost these protein balls with some extra superfood super-powers, I also added some ground flax seeds. Flax seeds  have omega-3s, and consuming these fatty acids improves mood, and fight inflammation, which can happen after stress, any physical exhaustion even workout.

I love to use spices that promote good health, so I also added some Ceylon cinnamon. Of course, I added a splash of vanilla too, just to make these beauties more irresistible.

No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls with oats, peanut butter, and flax seeds served in a bowl

How to make Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Usually, to make energy balls, you would need a food processor. But these Peanut Butter Protein Balls require no extra equipment - only mixing bowl and spatula.

  • Start with preparing and measuring all ingredients using measuring cups.
  • In a large mixing bowl add honey, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix using spatula or whisk until you get nice tick and sticky mixture. 
  • Add in oats, protein powder and ground flaxseeds. Mix everything together using spatula. 
  • Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll between your palms to form a little bite-size ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Place balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
  • Makes 22 bite-sized balls. Recommended serving size is 2 balls.

PRO TIPS:

  • If peanut butter is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
  • Use natural soft peanut butter. Crunchy won’t work well here.
  • You can sift protein powder before adding to get rid of any lumps. 
  • If you notice that mixture is to dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of warm water.

No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe

Substitutions

  • Substitute ground FLAX SEEDS with ground chia seeds or hemp seeds. 
  • Substitute PROTEIN POWDER for collagen powder. 
  • Substitute HONEY with maple syrup or date syrup.
  • You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, or any nut butter or nut-free butter.
  • FOR GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.
  • FOR VEGAN: Use vegan protein powder. 

Tips for storing

  • Keep covered in air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • HOW TO FREEZE: Place balls in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw for 10 minutes on room temperature.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls with oats, peanut butter, and flax seeds served in a bowl
Peanut Butter Protein Balls with oats, peanut butter, and flax seeds served in a bowl

Everything about these Peanut Butter Protein Balls is absolutely amazing. They are:

  • no-bake and made with only few simple pantry ingredients,
  • full of high-quality dietary fibers that promote good digestion, weight loss, and a healthy digestive system,
  • loaded with protein,
  • rich in healthy omega-3s,
  • free of refined sugars,
  • gluten-free and vegan,
  • low in calories, kid-friendly and very satisfying,
  • perfect everyday snack for whole family.

Enjoy!

No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls with oats, peanut butter, and flax seeds served in a bowl

Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe

By Natalie
These Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a simple snack that is both satisfying and good for your health. These protein balls are made with just a few ingredients, loaded with flavor and incredibly addictive. Refined sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free.
4.9 from 46 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American, British, International
Servings 22 balls
Calories 72 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing bowls
  • Flexible silicone spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
  • 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl add honey, creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix using spatula or whisk until you get nice tick and sticky mixture.
  • Add in 3rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseeds. Mix everything together using spatula.
  • Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll between your palms to form a little bite-size ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Place balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Makes 22 bite-sized balls. Recommended serving is 2 balls.
Keep covered in an air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
PRO TIPS:
If peanut butter is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
Use natural soft peanut butter. Crunchy won’t work well here.
You can sift protein powder before adding to get rid of any lumps.
If you notice that the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of warm water.
Substitutions
Substitute ground FLAX SEEDS with ground chia seeds or hemp seeds.
Substitute PROTEIN POWDER for collagen powder.
Substitute HONEY with maple syrup or date syrup.
You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, or any nut butter or nut-free butter.
FOR GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.
FOR VEGAN: Use vegan protein powder. 
Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword no bake peanut butter balls, no bake peanut butter protein balls, peanut butter balls recipe, peanut butter protein balls
Tried this recipe?Pease take a moment and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.

More energy balls recipes

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  • No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

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About Natalie

Natalie Knezic is a certified nutrition coach, and weight loss specialist, and creator of Natalie's health blog. She's passionate about helping others live healthier more fulfilled lives through a healthy diet and active lifestyle. She actively coaches, creates recipes, and writes about a healthy lifestyle. Her articles have been featured on many popular websites, like Shape, Men’s Fitness, Greatist, Pure Wow, Mashed, The Huffington Post, ELLE Magazine, and many more.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristen says

    March 19, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Hi! Can you tell me what protein powder you use or recommend? I’ve had a hard time finding one that I like. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Natalie says

      March 19, 2021 at 9:46 am

      Hi Kristen, there are so many factors to consider when choosing a protein powder. It mostly depends on your current needs and goals. Is it building muscles? Or you simply want to supplement your diet and have more energy? If you workout, the best powder to choose is whey isolate or casein protein powder. To supplement your diet, you can use ANY whey protein powder.

      I'm currently using MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate: https://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/impact-whey-isolate/ I take him daily before my workouts. Another good choice is Impact Diet Whey. It's low in calories and has added nutrients. It's great as a meal supplement: https://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/impact-diet-whey/ I take diet whey on my rest days, I use them in my cooking and baking too.

      Flavor-wise, they are all the same to me, to be honest. I just really dislike vegan protein powders. They taste different and not to my likings. Let me know if you have any more questions. :)

  2. agnes says

    May 19, 2020 at 7:52 am

    This will be a hit in the kitchen when I make one. Thanks for sharing the snack.

    Reply
  3. Candice says

    May 18, 2020 at 11:15 pm

    5 stars
    These are the best snack to keep in the fridge! I love how easy they are to make, how protein-packed they are, and all the peanut-buttery cinnamon deliciousness. Thank you for this great recipe!

    Reply
  4. Rosey says

    May 18, 2020 at 9:31 pm

    Protein is a big deal here. My mom is living with us now and she is low on protein.

    Reply
  5. Aarika says

    May 18, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    I love protein balls! This recipe look so easy and delicious. Protein balls are perfect on-the-go snack. I can't cannot wait to try your recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
  6. Alin says

    May 18, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    5 stars
    We've been working out again and need all the protein snacks we can get - This peanut butter one is a keeper!! Love it!

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Natalie, a certified nutrition coach, and a healthy foodie. I love creating recipes that taste delicious using wholesome ingredients that contribute to our wellbeing. On my blog, you'll find many such recipes plus tips on how to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. I'm so glad you are here! Find out more about me!

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