We love energy balls in our house. And the truth is, if I can sneak in a little protein boost into some of my favorite snacks, I’m going to do it! Enter these peanut butter protein balls!
We have quite a few protein ball recipes, but we needed a pure peanut butter for the peanut butter lovers! They combine dates, which give them a chewy consistency and natural sweetness, peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt for a peanut butter cookie dough taste!
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They are perfect for an afternoon snack, a pre- or post-workout snack, or even dessert. Make them on Sunday for meal prep, and a delicious homemade snack whenever hunger strikes!
Why you’ll love this peanut butter protein ball recipe
- simple ingredients and a rich peanut butter flavor!
- macro balanced and 6 grams of protein per ball! – a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, and a bit of fiber for balanced blood sugar.
- perfect for adult and kids!
Are protein balls good for you?
Protein balls can be a healthy addition to your diet. When made with protein, carbs, and fat, they are an easy and delicious macro-balanced snack. The protein and fat make them satiating, carbs give you energy, and protein is beneficial for building muscle. That being said, they can be calorie-dense for such a small snack, so if monitoring your calorie intake, be mindful of how many you consume.
Ingredients for peanut butter protein balls
- medjool dates – for a chewy consistency and natural sweetness. No added sugar needed!
- all-natural peanut butter – make sure the ingredients are just peanuts and salt.
- vanilla protein powder – this acts as some of the “flour” to the balls and helps the ingredients come together. I like using plant-based protein powder for this reason. The type of protein powder you use can make or break this recipe!
- milk – use non-dairy to make them vegan.
- vanilla bean paste
- cinnamon
- salt – to help bring out the flavors.
How to make peanut butter protein balls
- Make the energy ball mixture. Add dates, peanut butter, milk (start with 4 tablespoons and add more as needed), protein powder, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt to your food processor and process until smooth, and the dates are broken down. It should form a slightly crumbly, yet wet, dough.
- Form into balls. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon as a scoop, form 15 equal-sized balls. Place in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to chill.
- Enjoy!
Can I use another protein powder?
Most protein powders will work for these no bake energy bites. Protein powders vary by consistency and how dense they are, so I would add a little less than the recipe calls for and add as you need for the best consistency. You can always add, but you can never take away!
- plant-based protein – follow the directions as written. I used this plant-based protein.
- whey protein – since whey protein is not as absorbent as plant-based, you might have to use a little more protein powder or cut back on the liquid (milk). You could also add some oats if it is too sticky. I like this whey protein.
- collagen – I have not tried this recipe with collagen, and I’m not sure it will work since collagen dissolves so easily. The protein powder helps the balls come together.
How long do protein balls last in the fridge?
No bake protein balls will last 2 weeks in the fridge. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep the air out. If exposed to the air for too long, they will dry out a bit.
Can you freeze protein balls?
Protein balls are a great freezer-friendly recipe. Store in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 6 months. I suggest spreading them out in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate and freezing until hard (about 2 hours). Then you can transfer to a freezer-safe dish. Doing this will ensure they won’t stick together when placed in a bag or dish. Thaw in the fridge when ready to consume.
Substitutions and additions
- dates – dates are what help the balls come together. There isn’t a substitute.
- all-natural peanut butter – creamy or crunchy will work. If you don’t like peanut butter, a different nut butter will work, but the flavor will change somewhat. Try almond butter or cashew butter. Tahini or sunflower seed butter works great if you can’t have nuts.
- protein powder – I like plant-based protein because it adds some sweetness, and the consistency works the best. You will want a thicker consistency to help absorb the liquid of the nut butter. I find plant-based protein usually has that. If you don’t have plant-based protein, you can substitute your favorite protein, but I would be careful of the ratios. If you don’t have protein powder, I would substitute rolled oats or coconut flour, but the amount would change.
- milk – any kind of milk will work (dairy or dairy-free).
- vanilla bean paste – vanilla extract will work the same.
- cinnamon – leave it out if you don’t like cinnamon.
Here are some additions you can add to change up these peanut butter protein balls:
- chocolate chips or cacao nibs – stir some into the batter for a little chocolate flavor. I prefer using mini chocolate chips if you plan to add them.
- cocoa powder – for a chocolate peanut butter combo!
- chia seeds
- shredded coconut
- ground flaxseed
- hemp seeds
- sweetener – if you like a sweeter energy ball, add some honey or maple syrup.
- dried fruit – dried cranberries or raisins would work great.
You may need to adjust the liquid amount if you add more dry ingredients.
More healthy protein snack recipes
- chocolate protein balls
- protein chia pudding
- healthy banana protein muffins
- peanut butter oatmeal protein balls
- double chocolate protein bars
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
equipment
- food processor
ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates (about 8 dates/120 grams – I like to get dates with the seeds in them and then remove them so they are juicy)
- 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter (128 grams)
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (100 grams)*
- 4-6 tablespoons milk (amount will depend on how juicy your dates are)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
instructions
- Make the energy ball mixture. Add dates, peanut butter, milk (start with 4 tablespoons and add more as needed), protein powder, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt to your food processor and process until smooth, and the dates are broken down. It should form a slightly crumbly, yet wet, dough. If the dough is too wet, add more protein powder, or you can add some rolled oats. If it is too dry, add more milk.
- Form into balls. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon as a scoop, form 15 equal-sized balls. Place in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to chill.
- Enjoy!
notes
nutrition
Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by Sierra Inn
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