Description
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein balls are quick, easy, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, they come together in just 15 minutes and are a crowd-pleasing snack for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, chia seeds (if using), and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk together lightly with a fork.
- Add the wet ingredients: Spoon in the peanut butter, drizzle in the honey or maple syrup, and add the vanilla extract. Do not add the chocolate chips yet.
- Mix everything together: Start stirring with a rubber spatula. When the mixture becomes stiff, switch to your hands and squish it together until it holds when squeezed. If too dry, add a teaspoon of honey or water; if too sticky, add a tablespoon more oats.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Once the base mixture is well combined, add the mini chocolate chips and work them through evenly with your hands. Do not overmix.
- Roll into balls: Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Makes 18-20 balls.
- Chill and set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Enjoy: After 30 minutes, they are ready to eat. They are even better after an hour or two.
Notes
For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. If using vanilla protein powder instead of chocolate, add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. Wet hands slightly before rolling to prevent sticking. Let balls rest overnight in the fridge for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake protein balls, chocolate peanut butter protein balls, easy protein balls, healthy snack, meal prep snack, gluten-free protein balls, kid-friendly snack