5-Ingredient Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These no-bake peanut butter protein balls are made with just five simple ingredients and come together in 15 minutes. They’re the perfect healthy snack for meal prep, with a fudgy texture that satisfies cravings without the guilt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 18-20 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular, well-stirred)
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of honey. Stir them together until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. If the peanut butter is cold, microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
- Add the dry ingredients. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed. Stir until fully incorporated. The mixture should look like thick cookie dough. If too dry, add another tablespoon of honey; if too wet, add another tablespoon of oats.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Add 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips and fold gently until evenly distributed.
- Chill the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for easy rolling.
- Shape the balls. Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture and roll into smooth balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get 18-20 balls.
- Chill again. Place the shaped balls on the lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Store and enjoy. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
Notes
Don’t skip the chilling steps—they ensure the mixture is easy to roll and the balls hold their shape. If the mixture is too sticky to roll, wet your hands slightly with cold water. For uniform balls, use a cookie scoop. Let the balls sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating for a softer, fudge-like texture. The flavors develop over time; they’re best after 3-5 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake protein balls, peanut butter protein balls, healthy snacks, 5-ingredient recipe, meal prep snacks, gluten-free snacks, no-bake energy balls