These peanut butter protein balls are an easy snack packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a little sweetness. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for meal prep, road trips, or satisfying a sweet tooth with nutritious options!
Protein: 5 grams per ball
Peanut butter protein balls get their protein boost from powdered peanut butter, almond flour, and ground flaxseed. These ingredients combine for a powerhouse of healthy protein, fiber, and healthy fats. When I first made these, I loved how quickly they came together with no special equipment—just a wooden spoon and a medium bowl!
Contents
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Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy: Quick and easy to make with no baking required.
- Protein: Packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats.
- Simple ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Make ahead: Perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacks.
- Make it your own: Customizable with different flavors or mix-ins.
- Healthy sweet: Satisfies your sweet tooth with natural sweetness!
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds texture and fiber. Substitute with quick oats for a softer texture.
- Almond Flour: A gluten-free base that adds protein and healthy fats.
- Powdered Peanut Butter: Packs protein with less fat than regular peanut butter. Use cocoa powder or a chocolate protein powder for a fun twist.
- Filtered Milk: Adds enough moisture to bind everything together. Brands to look for are Fairlife (US) or Arla Bob (UK), but some supermarkets like Aldi are starting to carry their own too. Almond milk or cashew milk works for a dairy-free option.
- Ground Flaxseed: Boosts fiber and omega-3s. Chia seeds can be a great alternative.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a hint of sweetness and warmth.
- Liquid Stevia: A sugar-free way to sweeten. Use pure maple syrup or honey for a natural substitute.
- Powdered Peanut Butter (for dusting): Optional, but adds a fun finishing touch.
How to make peanut butter protein balls
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients—oats, almond flour, powdered peanut butter, milk, flaxseed, vanilla extract, salt, and stevia—into a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and add extra liquid stevia if needed for a touch more sweetness.
- Shape the Balls: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Optional Dusting: Roll the balls in extra powdered peanut butter for a pretty finish and a flavor boost.
- Chill (Optional): Pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Enjoy: Dig in right away or store for later. These little protein bites are the perfect easy snack!
Recipe notes and tips
- Consistency Check: If the dough feels too crumbly, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
- Chill Time: Chilling makes the balls easier to handle if they’re too soft after mixing.
- Protein Boost: Swap powdered peanut butter with your favorite protein powder for even more grams of protein.
- Double Batch Fun: These freeze well, so make extra for easy snacking!
Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls: Add cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder for a rich, chocolatey twist. You may need a splash more milk here.
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in chopped nuts or crunchy peanut butter for added crunch.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter, oat flour, or pea protein powder for a nut-free option.
- Sweet Treat: Toss in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted milk chocolate for a little sweetness.
- Vanilla Bliss: Use vanilla protein powder for a smooth, cookie-dough-like flavor.
- Coconut Lovers: Roll the balls in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
- Energy Boost: Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or more ground flaxseed for extra healthy fats and fiber.
Storage instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if you’ll snack on them quickly.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and firmness.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months!
- Grab-and-Go: Let frozen protein balls thaw for a few minutes before eating—or enjoy them cold for a firmer texture.
What to serve with peanut butter protein balls
- Fruits: Serve with fresh berries, apple slices, or banana chunks for a naturally sweet pairing.
- Yogurt: Pair with a bowl of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Smoothies: Enjoy alongside a creamy almond milk smoothie, chocolate protein smoothie, or my healthy apple pie oats smoothie!
- Coffee or Tea: Perfect with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of herbal tea.
- Trail Mix: Complement with a handful of nuts and dried fruit for a balanced snack.
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in each ball?
This depends on the ingredients used, but each ball typically contains about 5 grams of protein.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or cashew milk and ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What if my mixture is too sticky to roll into balls?
No problem! Just add a little more almond flour or powdered peanut butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture firms up. Easy fix!
More protein powder recipes you will love
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Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These peanut butter protein balls are an easy snack packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a little sweetness. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for meal prep, road trips, or satisfying a sweet tooth with nutritious options!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup powdered peanut butter - like PB2 or PBfit
- 1/2 cup filtered milk - fat free fairlife or arla bob
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 10-20 drops liquid stevia - add to taste
- extra powdered peanut butter - to dust
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl, and mix well with a wooden spoon.1/4 cup old-fashioned oats, 1.5 cups almond flour, 3/4 cup powdered peanut butter, 1/2 cup filtered milk, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 10-20 drops liquid stevia
- Taste and add extra liquid stevia if needed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch-sized balls.
- Optional: Roll the balls in powdered peanut butter to coat the outside.extra powdered peanut butter
- Dig in and enjoy or chill in the fridge for later!
Notes
- Consistency Check: If the dough feels too crumbly, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
- Chill Time: Chilling makes the balls easier to handle if they’re too soft after mixing.
- Protein Boost: Swap powdered peanut butter with your favorite protein powder for even more grams of protein.
- Double Batch Fun: These freeze well, so make extra for easy snacking!
Storage instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if you’ll snack on them quickly.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and firmness.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months!
- Grab-and-Go: Let frozen protein balls thaw for a few minutes before eating—or enjoy them cold for a firmer texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
