Need an easy make-ahead snack that will keep you full. These no bake peanut butter protein balls with protein powder are fantastic. Made with just 4 ingredients these protein balls with protein powder have the option of adding in a chocolate coating or chocolate chips. Also included is a chocolate and peanut butter protein balls option.
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Why you’ll love these peanut butter protein balls
Since I started my weight loss journey several years ago, I’ve always been on the lookout for good-qaulity snacks that were also satisfying. Having something higher in protein was a priority, because it helps me stay fuller for longer. These peanut butter protein bars are the perfect little snack that are both filling, satisfying and really tasty.
Much like the filling of a peanut butter cup, these have amazing peanut butter flavor and are sweetened with natural honey. Adding protein powder helps these protein balls create a thicker texture and also adds some quality protein in each bite.
They are fantastic make-ahead snack. I like storing them in the freezer to keep on hand for a mid-afternoon snack when I want a sweet treat. Filling enough to tide me over until dinnertime, they make for an excellent snack when you want to stick to your health goals.
Nutrition and macros per protein bite
These peanut butter protein bites have 144 calories and 7 grams of protein per bite. If you are adding a chocolate coating to your protein bites, they are 197 calories and 7 grams of protein per bite. These are slightly calorie dense due to the nut butter, however they are filling and satisfying and will tide you over for hours. A great mid-day snack that will satisfy you until dinner time.
Ingredients for peanut butter protein balls:
- Creamy Peanut Butter – to maintain a good consistency, I recommend going with a creamy/drippy peanut butter. The Kirkland Creamy Peanut Butter from Costco is great. It’s made with just peanuts and salt (no added sugar) and is the ideal consistency for these protein bites.
- Vanilla protein powder – I like the Orgain Vanilla Bean protein powder. It has no added sugar and is plant based. Use a good quality protein powder that fits your dietary needs or restrictions.
- Honey – using honey as your sweetener not only provides some sweetness, but also helps the protein balls hold their shape. The stickiness is needed to form the balls.
- Vanilla extract – a little bit of vanilla extract really helps the flavor pop and balances the flavors nicely.
For Chocolate and Peanut Butter Protein Balls:
If you want to coat your peanut butter balls in a chocolate outer coating, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sugar Free Chocolate Chips – I use and love Lily’s no sugar added chocolate chips. They make semi-sweet (what I like) but there is also milk chocolate and even white chocolate chips. Choose whatever you prefer.
- Unflavored coconut oil – the coconut oil is used for melting the chocolate chips. Carrington Farms unflavored coconut oil is what I prefer.
If you want to simply stir-in chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture you can certainly do that as well. I listed the directions in the recipe notes below for the amount you’ll need.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
How to make peanut butter protein balls (step-by-step):
Making peanut butter protein balls with protein powder is a very simple process. Start by measuring and pouring your peanut butter and honey into a mixing bowl. Add in the vanilla extract and stir these together with a rubber scraper. Add in the protein powder. Stir together until the mixture is completely combined. The texture will be very thick.
How to form the protein balls:
For best results in keeping the balls even in size, I recommend using a medium (#40) cookie scoop. The cookie scoop measures out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per scoop. Scoop out the dough and release it into your hands. Roll together between your hands to smooth out the texture.
From here you can eat the protein bites right away or place in the freezer to help them set for storage.
Chocolate and peanut butter protein balls variation
Want to make chocolate and peanut butter protein balls? They are fantastic and taste just like a Reese’s peanut butter cup, but without all the refined sugar.
Begin by melting chocolate chips and the unflavored coconut oil in the microwave. Work in 45 minute increments at 50% power, stirring as needed. Once the chocolate is completely melted, dip the chilled protein balls into the chocolate with forks, shaking off any excess chocolate.
Place the chocolate coated protein balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the bites are covered in chocolate, place the bites back into the freezer for the chocolate to set. Chill for at least 1 hour. Store in a resealable container in the fridge or freezer.
You can also stir in chocolate chips into the peanut butter mixture. Reduce the chocolate chips to 1/2 cup and stir in just before forming the balls. Chill as directed.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations:
- Nut Butter Swaps – feel free to substitute the peanut butter for cashew, sunbutter or almond butter.
- Chopped nuts – mixing in chopped peanuts, almonds, walnuts or pecans is a great way to add an extra crunch to each bite.
- Chocolate options – chopped semi-sweet chocolate, mini chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips are all great mix-in options. Cocao nibs are also another good option.
- Dried fruit – mix in raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried coconut or dates to the batter before forming.
Frequently asked questions about making peanut butter protein powder balls:
Depending on the recipe and what type of protein you’re using, protein bites range from 5-11 grams of protein per bite. These peanut butter protein balls have 7g of protein per ball.
It really depends on what your dietary needs and restrictions might be. For best results I recommend either whey protein, pea or plant-based proteins, or vanilla/unflavored proteins. Some protein powders absorb more liquid and require some adjustments. Use the protein powder that best fits your dietary needs and budget.
Some protein powders absorb more liquid than others, creating a dough that is too dry and crumbly. Other reasons might be that the peanut butter is too thick, so I recommend a drippy/natural creamy peanut butter. Solution to getting the ideal, sticky dough: add liquid 1 tsp at a time or add more nut butter until you can get the dough to stick together well and form a ball.
Yes, this recipe needs no oats, or oat flour. You’ll only need peanut butter, honey, vanilla protein powder and vanilla extract. Add chocolate chips, if you like.
When kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator they will keep for 1-2 weeks. When kept frozen they will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Yes, they can be. However, these peanut butter protein balls are slighly calorie dense. One protein bite has 144 calories, however it will keep you full for hours and prevent snacking later. The peanut butter also offers good quality, plant-based fat that is ideal for keeping you full and satiated.
Yes, after forming the balls, place on a lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for one hour. This will help the bites hold their shape and prevent them from sticking together when stored in a container. Place all of the balls into a freezer-safe container. When kept frozen, the bites will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Yes! These protein bites only need stirring, and no food processor is needed to make the dough.
To make these peanut butter protein balls vegan swap out the honey for maple syrup. All other ingredients can remain the same.
Store protein bites + meal prep tips:
Place the balls on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment or waxed paper. This will help the balls not stick to the pan. To help the balls hold their shape, place the pan of balls into the freezer for about 1 hour. This helps especially if you’re transferring your protein balls into a container and storing in the refrigerator or freezer.
Store the balls in a freezer-safe container or gallon-sized freezer bag. Kept frozen, the balls will last for up to 3 months. You can also store the balls in the refrigerator. Kept chilled, the peanut butter balls will last for 1-2 weeks.
Love chocolate and peanut butter protein snacks? Here are some great options:
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- No Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
- Chocolate Protein Pudding
- Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Muffins
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Protein Peanut Butter Cups by Randa Nutrition
If you loved this protein snack recipe, check out some of these other similar posts:
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Peanut Butter Protein Balls (No Bake + Protein Powder)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter natural or drippy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¾ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup no sugar added chocolate chips like Lily's
- 1 Tablespoon unflavored coconut oil
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, protein powder and vanilla extract.
- Using a rubber scraper, stir well scraping down the sides of the bowl. Mix well, the mixture will be thick and dough-like.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop out single balls of dough. (I have a medium, #40 cookie scoop, which is about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough.) Release the dough from the cookie scoop into your hands and roll out into a smooth ball shape.
- Place the protein balls onto a lined cookie sheet or pan lined with parchment paper. Enjoy right away or chill in the freezer if you are storing.
For storing in the freezer or refrigerator:
- I recommend chilling the protein balls in the freezer for 1 hour. This helps the balls hold their shape when stored in a container or freezer bag. This also prevents them from sticking together when stored.
Notes
Nutrition
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