Peanut Butter Protein Balls

No-bake peanut butter protein balls are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free! This high protein snack is made with protein powder, peanut butter, almond flour, and maple syrup. The simple recipe contains no oats, no dates, and no refined sugar. They are soft, chewy, easy to make, and ready in 10 minutes or less!

Healthy peanut butter protein balls

In case it wasn't already obvious, I absolutely love energy balls. They are undoubtedly my favorite healthy snack to make. However, I am often asked if I have any energy ball recipes without dates or with protein powder. So, for this recipe, I decided to answer both of those requests!

That's right - these peanut butter protein balls are made with no dates and they are packed with protein powder. Depending on the type of protein powder used, each ball contains 8-12 grams of protein. What's more, the easy recipe is made in 10 minutes with just one bowl. There's no food processor and no blender needed.

You'd never guess it by the nutritious ingredients, but these bite-sized protein balls truly taste like peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough. They are soft, chewy, salty, and sweet. The simple recipe uses pantry staples, like peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, and maple syrup.

If you enjoyed my No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars and Peanut Butter Energy Balls, this recipe is perfect for you. It's basically a combination of the two. Just like those no-bake snacks, these protein balls are great for curbing dessert cravings. Enjoy them as a midday snack, pre-workout fuel, or after dinner!

These peanut butter protein balls are:

• Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free
• Soft, chewy, sweet and salty
• Customizable for keto and paleo diets
• Made without dates and without oats
• A healthy high protein snack idea
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey
• A quick, easy, 10 minute recipe
• Great for kids, meal prep, and on-the-go snacking

What are peanut butter protein balls made of?

• Peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy peanut butter can be used for this recipe. I recommend using a thick, no-stir variety for the best results.
• Protein powder: Use your favorite protein powder. Vanilla, peanut butter, or chocolate protein powder will create the best flavor.
• Almond flour: This grain-free flour is made from finely ground almonds. It is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, including vitamin E and antioxidants.
• Maple syrup: In order to keep it refined sugar-free, this recipe uses real maple syrup instead of sugar. Alternatively, you can use honey.
• Chocolate chips: This ingredient makes it taste like peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough. I recommend using mini chocolate chips to help the dough stay intact.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a sweet flavor and aroma.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the rich peanut butter flavor.

How to make protein balls with protein powder

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to a large bowl.

Mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. If the dough is too sticky and wet, add extra almond flour one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add extra maple syrup one teaspoon at a time.

Next, add mini chocolate chips to the dough. Mix together until evenly combined.

Using clean hands, scoop and roll the dough into bite-sized balls. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best protein bites

Use no-stir peanut butter. For the best results, I recommend using a thick, creamy, no-stir peanut butter. This type of peanut butter helps hold all of the ingredients together. If you are using natural peanut butter with a runny consistency, you will need to add extra almond flour to bind the ingredients.

Choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter. This recipe is great with either type of peanut butter, but I prefer the crunchy kind.

Use your favorite protein powder. Since we are including an entire cup of protein powder, be sure to use a flavor you truly enjoy! I recommend vanilla, peanut butter, or chocolate protein powder.

Add chocolate chips. These protein balls will taste great without them, but I highly suggest adding the chocolate chips. This makes it taste like peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough.

Recipe variations for special diets

There are a few easy ingredient swaps for this recipe. Try the options below to make them nut-free, keto-friendly, sugar-free, or paleo friendly.

• Nut-free: use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and oat flour instead of almond flour
• Keto: use sugar-free maple syrup and stevia-sweetened chocolate chips
• Sugar-free: use stevia-sweetened maple syrup
• Paleo: use almond butter instead of peanut butter

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are protein balls healthy?

Yes, these protein balls are made with healthy ingredients like almond flour, peanut butter, and plant-based protein powder. Instead of sugar, they are sweetened with real maple syrup.

How much protein is in a peanut butter protein ball?

The amount of protein varies depending on the type of protein powder used. You can expect each protein ball to contain about 8-12 grams of protein.

Do protein balls give you energy?

Yes! There's a reason protein balls are commonly called "energy balls." This bite-sized snack packs healthy fats and protein to fuel your day. Enjoy them as a midday snack to boost energy levels. They're also great for pre-workout or post-workout fuel.

Why are my protein balls dry?

If your protein balls are dry, it is probably because you used too much flour or a unique brand of peanut butter. In order to fix this, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to bring more moisture into the dough.

Can I use oat flour instead of almond flour?

Yes! However, since oat flour contains less moisture than almond flour, start with ¼ cup and only add more as needed.

How to store protein balls with peanut butter

Store these peanut butter protein balls inside a sealed container. In order to maintain freshness, keep them inside the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

If storing longterm, keep the protein balls stored in a sealed ziplock bag in the freezer. They will keep fresh for up to 3 months. Let thaw before enjoying.

More healthy protein snacks

• No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
• Protein Truffles
• No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars
• No-Bake Coconut Protein Bars

If you try these Peanut Butter Protein Balls, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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