We love a good no-bake snack in our house – and it’s a bonus if it has some protein! These peanut butter oatmeal protein balls taste like a combination of a peanut butter and oatmeal cookie, but in no-bake energy bite form!
Most energy bite recipes call for a food processor, but I went the easy route, and we just used a bowl. They combine nut butter, oats, protein powder, and chocolate chips and taste like dessert while also being good for you! Perfect for adults or kids while sneaking in some protein!
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I also love these peanut butter oatmeal balls for a pre or post-workout snack, a mid-day snack, or dessert. Make them on Sunday for meal prep and you will be set for the week!
Why you’ll love this peanut butter oatmeal protein ball recipe
- classic peanut butter chocolate flavor everyone loves!
- ready in 10 minutes with just one bowl – no food processor needed.
- macro balanced and 6 grams of protein per ball! – a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat and a bit of fiber for balanced blood sugar.
- great for meal prep for the week!
Are protein balls good for you?
Protein balls can be a healthy addition to your diet. When made with protein, carbs, and fat, they are an easy and delicious macro-balanced snack. The protein and fat make them satiating, carbs give you energy, and protein is beneficial for building muscle. That being said, they can be calorie dense for such a small snack, so if monitoring your calorie intake, be mindful of how many you consume.
Peanut butter oatmeal protein ball ingredients
- natural peanut butter – make sure the ingredients are just peanuts and salt.
- milk – any kind of milk will work (dairy or non-dairy).
- honey – for a touch of sweetness.
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- sea salt
- rolled oats
- vanilla protein powder
- mini chocolate chips
How to make peanut butter oatmeal protein balls
- Mix ingredients. To a medium-large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, milk, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt and mix until well combined and smooth and creamy. Add rolled oats and protein powder and mix until a dough forms. It will get crumbly at first but will come together. See notes if batter is too dry or too wet. Add in chocolate chips and stir to combine.
- Form into balls. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 14 equal-size balls.
- Enjoy! Store in the fridge or freezer and enjoy!
What kind of oats for protein balls?
Old-fashioned oats are the same as rolled oats. You can also use quick oats instead of rolled oats, although the texture will change slightly. You cannot use steel-cut oats in this recipe. They are a lot coarser as they aren’t as processed and the results will not be the same.
Make them gluten-free
Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be one of the most cross-contaminated products. To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Can I use another protein powder?
Most protein powders will work for these energy balls. Protein powders vary by consistency and how dense they are, so I would add a little less than the recipe calls for and add as you need for the best consistency. You can always add, but you can never take away!
- plant-based protein – follow the directions as written. I used this plant-based protein.
- whey protein – since whey protein is not as absorbent as plant-based, you might have to use a little more protein powder or cut back on the liquid (milk). You could also add some more oats if it is too sticky. I like this whey protein.
- collagen – I have not tried this recipe with collagen and I’m not sure it will work since collagen dissolves so easily. The protein powder helps the bars come together.
Storage
- fridge – store in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container to keep the air out. If exposed to the air for too long, they will dry out some.
- freezer – store in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 6 months. I suggest freezing individually and then defrosting the night before you want to eat. Thaw in the fridge when ready to consume.
Substitutions and additions
- natural peanut butter – creamy or crunchy will work. If you don’t like peanut butter, a different nut butter will work, but the flavor will change some. Try almond butter or cashew butter. Tahini or sunflower seed butter works great if you can’t have nuts.
- milk – any kind of milk will work (dairy or dairy-free).
- honey – any kind of liquid sweetener will work (maple syrup, agave…).
- vanilla extract – vanilla bean paste will work the same and would be super delicious.
- rolled oats – quick oats will work the same. Use certified gluten-free if needed. If you don’t like oats, you can leave them out and add in more protein powder.
- vanilla protein powder – I like plant-based protein because it adds some sweetness and the consistency works the best. If you don’t have plant-based protein, you can substitute your favorite protein, but you might have to tweak the amount. See above for suggestions.
- mini chocolate chips – I like using mini for more chocolate, but regular-size ones will work. Milk or dark chocolate chips work as well. Use dairy or dairy-free ones depending on your preferences.
Here are some additions you can add to change up these peanut butter oatmeal protein balls:
- chia seeds
- shredded coconut
- ground flax seeds
- hemp seeds
- dried fruit – dried cranberries or raisins would work great.
You may have to adjust the liquid amount if adding more dry ingredients.
More healthy protein snack recipes
- chocolate peanut butter protein balls
- chocolate protein pudding
- banana protein muffins
- apple cinnamon oatmeal protein cookies
- vegan chocolate protein balls
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Balls
equipment
- large bowl
ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (it needs to be runny – 128 grams)
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup rolled oats (100 grams)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (50 grams)
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
instructions
- Mix ingredients. To a medium-large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, milk, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt and mix until well combined and smooth and creamy. Add rolled oats and protein powder and mix until a dough forms. It will get crumbly at first but will come together. See notes if batter is too dry or too wet. Add in chocolate chips and stir to combine.
- Form into balls. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 14 equal-size balls.
- Enjoy! Store in the fridge or freezer and enjoy!
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notes
- if the batter is too wet, either add more protein powder or oats. Add little by little until desired consistency.
- if the batter is too dry, add a little more milk.
- plant-based protein – follow the directions as written. I used this plant-based protein.
- whey protein – since whey protein is not as absorbent as plant-based, you might have to use a little more protein powder or cut back on the liquid (milk). You could also add some more oats if it is too sticky. I like this whey protein.
nutrition
Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by Sierra Inn
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Waaaaaaaaaaay too much milk. It turned out gooey. Couldn’t mold it into balls at all.
Hey, Nikki. Sorry they didn’t turn out for you. The milk is needed to help bind it with the peanut butter. But if yours were too wet, it probably has to do with the protein powder you used. I like using plant based as it’s more absorbent. I would suggest adding more oats next time to help them come together.
Love these for a snack
Thanks, Dan!
Love peanut oatmeal protein balls. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed them, Rosemary!