These peanut butter energy balls take only 5 minutes to make! They are the perfect little grab and go breakfast, afternoon snack, or healthy dessert. These no bake bites are made with nutritious and wholesome ingredients. Both kids and adults love them!

Peanut butter energy balls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These peanut butter energy balls are quick and easy.
  • Only one mixing bowl.
  • They are great any time of the day.
  • Perfect for a healthy breakfast. Make these Gluten Free Nutter Butters too!
  • Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.
  • Easily packable for traveling and lunchboxes.
  • They are no bake.
  • They are made without a food processor.
  • This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegan and refined sugar free.
  • Be sure to use certified gluten free oats.
  • Check out these No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls for a similar delicious recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for peanut butter energy balls. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

Use old fashioned rolled oats. Do not use instant or quick oats. For gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.

Use all natural creamy peanut butter. The ingredients are only peanuts and salt. Brands with added oils and sugars may be too thick or dry. Alternatively, feel free to use all natural cashew butter, almond butter or sunflower butter for nut free.

Ground flaxseed adds nutrients and substance.

Any type of chocolate chips work. I love using sugar free vegan chocolate chips.

Lastly, pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Feel free to use honey.

Ingredients for peanut butter energy balls.

Health Benefits

These peanut butter energy balls are loaded with health benefits.

First, oats have some great benefits. They are a source of carbs and fiber. In addition, they contain the fiber beta-glucan.

All natural nut butter is a source of plant based protein. Furthermore, peanut butter contains healthy fats. It does not spike blood sugar levels and keeps you full longer.

Flaxseed contains protein, fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.

Dark chocolate provides nutrients as well. Dark chocolate contains high levels of copper, manganese, iron and magnesium.

Overall, these peanut butter oat energy balls are easy, healthy and delicious!

Taste & Texture

These peanut butter energy balls taste like oats, peanut butter and chocolate. They are not overly sweet.

The texture is a little soft and a little chewy. The oats contribute to most of the texture.

How to Make

Step 1

First, add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.

Ground flaxseed and chocolate in bowl.

Step 2

Mix together. If the mixture is too dry, add a drop of water until dough is workable. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more oats.

Oatmeal peanut butter mixture.

Step 3

Use hands to roll into 1 inch balls.

Snack bites with oats.

Step 4

Finally, serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to eat.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use certified gluten free oats.

Do not use instant oats or quick oats. Old fashioned rolled oats are best.

Use all natural creamy peanut butter. Brands like Jif will probably be too thick and dry.

Stir the peanut butter before measuring. Natural peanut butter tends to have oil separation.

If mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit of water to help mix together.

If mixture is too moist, add more oats.

The mixture should easily hold its shape when pressed together with your hands.

Flavor Variations & Add Ins

Consider these flavor variations and add ins.

Add in a pinch of cinnamon.

Use white chocolate chips.

Use mini chocolate chips.

Add in dried cranberries.

Add in chia seeds.

Use a pinch of nutmeg.

Roll in melted chocolate after.

Use cashew butter or almond butter.

For nut free, use sunflower butter.

Add in shredded coconut flakes.

For a more decadent bite, try these Healthy Peanut Butter Balls.

Peanut butter oat bites.

How to Serve & Store

Serve peanut butter energy balls once rolled into balls. Serve immediately or store for later use.

They are great for meal prep.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Chill in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freeze balls for 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are energy balls good for you?

These energy balls are healthy and good for you.

Which type of peanut butter should I use?

Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt. The brands with added sugars and oils are too thick.

How many calories are in an energy ball?

Each one has about 200 calories.

Are energy balls high in sugar?

These energy balls contain no refined sugar. They are slightly sweetened with pure maple syrup.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Use gluten free certified oats for gluten free.

Can you freeze them?

Yes! These peanut butter oatmeal energy balls freeze well.

Oat energy bites.

Equipment Needed

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These sturdy and durable mixing bowls are great for any recipe.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Use these measuring cups for all of the ingredients in this recipe.

You May Also Like

If you make this peanut butter energy balls recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Snack Recipes.

Peanut butter energy balls.
At a Glance:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Energy Balls

These peanut butter energy balls take only 5 minutes and 5 ingredients! They are the perfect little breakfast, snack or dessert. They are loaded with nutritional benefits. These little bites are gluten free, dairy free, vegan and refined sugar free.
5 from 5 votes
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Ingredients

10 balls

Instructions 

  • First, add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
  • Mix together. If mixture is too dry, add a drop of water until dough is workable. If mixture is too wet, add a bit more oats.
  • Use hands to roll into 1 inch balls.
  • Finally, serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to eat. Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • If you are gluten free like me, use certified gluten free oats.
  • Use old fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats or quick oats.
  • Use all natural creamy peanut butter.  Regular peanut butter brands like Jif may be too thick.
  • Stir peanut butter before measuring.  Oil separation naturally occurs.
  • Feel free to add in shredded coconut, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, chia seeds or freeze dried blueberries.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.  Chill in fridge for 1 week.  Or, freeze for 1 month.
Calories: 205kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 86mg, Potassium: 208mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin C: 0.05mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American

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