These no-bake energy balls are soft, chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with protein. They take just a few minutes to prepare and make an easy breakfast, snack, or post-workout treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk, as needed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients
Add the oats, protein powder, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, salt, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined. - Add the wet ingredients
Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. - Mix
Stir everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes easy to shape. - Add chocolate chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips if using. - Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Chilling makes the mixture easier to roll. - Shape the energy balls
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll between your palms to form small balls. - Store
Place the energy balls in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per energy ball, based on 16 balls:
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the protein powder, peanut butter, sweetener, and chocolate chips used.
Nut & Allergen Information
- Contains peanuts.
- May contain tree nuts depending on the peanut butter or protein powder.
- Contains oats; use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Dairy-free if using a dairy-free protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Naturally egg-free.
- For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Check protein powder and chocolate labels for allergy and cross-contamination information.
Helpful Tips
- Use natural peanut butter that is well stirred before measuring.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons more oats or protein powder.
- If it is too dry, add a little milk or another spoonful of peanut butter.
- For extra protein, use a high-protein Greek-yogurt-based protein powder.
- For a lower-sugar version, replace honey with a sugar-free syrup.
- Roll the finished balls in shredded coconut, crushed peanuts, cocoa powder, or extra chia seeds for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much protein is in each energy ball?
A: This recipe provides approximately 7 g of protein per ball when divided into 16 balls. The exact amount depends on your protein powder and peanut butter.
Q: Can I make these without protein powder?
A: Yes. They will still taste delicious, but the protein content will be lower.
Q: Can I use almond butter instead?
A: Yes. Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can be substituted for peanut butter.
Q: Can I use dates instead of honey?
A: Yes. Blend soft, pitted dates with the peanut butter before mixing with the dry ingredients. You may need a little extra milk to achieve the right consistency.
Q: How long do they last?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Q: Can I freeze energy balls?
A: Yes. Freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before eating.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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