Peanut Butter Protein Balls {4 Ingredients}

Satisfy your sweet tooth AND meet your protein goals with my peanut butter protein balls. They’re made with just 4 ingredients and pack over 10 grams of protein each!

Ready for more no bake energy bites? Try my cranberry protein balls, banana protein balls, and coconut energy balls next. 

If there’s one thing my family knows about me, I can’t be left hungry for long. I always need a snack between meals, lest I become a raging hangry machine.

That’s where my peanut butter energy balls come in. They’re essentially a mix of my two favorite protein snacks, protein balls, and homemade protein bars. The key difference is that I used EXTRA peanut butter, adding another layer of rich, satisfying flavor layer. 

Why I love this recipe

• 4 simple ingredients. All you need are oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder. 
• No gritty texture or fake aftertaste. So long as you use a protein powder you enjoy the taste of, you won’t even notice it. 
• Quick and easy. All you need is one bowl and a plate to store them. 
• Customizable. Swap the nut butter, add all sorts of mix-ins, or use a flavored protein powder. 
• Healthy. Each protein ball is full of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and zero refined sugar. 

Ingredients needed

• Rolled oats. Also known as old fashioned oats, these are the bulk of the protein balls. I also tested instant oats and found them to be a bit too chewy. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. 
• Protein powder. To add protein and bind the ingredients. I used vanilla plant-based protein powder, though casein protein powder will yield an even more dense energy ball. The only type of protein I don’t recommend is whey protein, as it can be difficult to work with. 
• Peanut butter. Opt for creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. If you prefer a salty-sweet combination, use salted peanut butter or add a pinch of salt. 
• Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the dry ingredients. Honey and agave nectar work too. 

How to make peanut butter protein balls

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Mix. Combine the oats and protein in a bowl. Microwave the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth, then stir the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. 

Step 2- Shape and chill. Use a cookie scoop to shape the balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Chill until firm.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Adjust the consistency. If the protein mixture is too wet, add more protein powder or even ground flax seeds until it reaches your desired texture. If it’s too firm, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk. 

• Swap the nut butter. If you’d rather avoid peanut butter, use cashew butter or almond butter instead. 
• Nut-free. To make a nut-free recipe, use sunflower seed butter or tahini. 
• Mix-ins. Try mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or raisins. 

Storage instructions

To store: Place the energy bites in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to one month. 

To freeze: Freeze the energy bites in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. 

Frequently asked questions

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Originally published June 2023, updated and republished November 2024