Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Balls

Can’t decide between a candy bar and a protein-packed snack? Who says you have to? These crave-worthy protein balls offer the classic chocolate-peanut butter flavor combo you love, plus a powerful 10 grams of protein per ball. And no added sugar! So, you get a steady energy boost without the crash.

With a recipe that takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, these no-bake treats are perfect for busy days when you need a quick, pick-me-up. They’re also super easy to customize with various flavors and mix-ins, so you can tailor them to your taste preferences. What do you say? Ready to hop on board the protein ball craze?

Why You’ll Love These Easy Protein Balls

These chocolate protein balls are about to become your new go-to snack. Here’s why:

• Classic flavor combo. The classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate makes these protein-loaded snacks taste like a decadent treat.
• Protein powerhouse. Each ball delivers over 10 grams of protein with no added sugar. A big ol’ energy boost without the crash.
• Easy peasy. Whip up these bites in just 15 minutes. No oven required. Simply mix, roll, and enjoy! Perfect for even your busiest days.
• Endlessly customizable. This recipe is a fantastic base for creative additions. Swap nut butters, add dried fruit, or toss in some seeds to make them your own. See the section below titled “Variation Ideas” for inspo.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy peanut butter protein balls. For precise measurements, see the recipe card below.

• Rolled oats – You can use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick cooking oats, depending on your preferred texture. Old-fashioned oats provide a bit more of a chew, which I love.
• Chocolate protein powder – I like this one from Amazon. You can use any protein powder you’d like, though. Just be aware that different protein powders have different nutritional values.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a milder chocolate flavor.
• Flaky sea salt – Stick with flaky sea salt for the best texture. I like this one from Amazon.
• Natural peanut butter – “Natural” meaning it contains only peanuts and maybe some salt. Make sure to give it a nice stir before using (natural peanut butter separates). I prefer smooth peanut butter, but crunchy will do just fine.
• Maple syrup – Or honey if you prefer.
• No-sugar-added chocolate chips – Some supermarkets carry them, but you can also find them here.

Tips for Success

For the most streamlined snack-making experience, have a read through the following tips and tricks:

• Melt the peanut butter just enough. Microwave the peanut butter only until it’s pourable, not hot. Overheating can affect the texture of the finished balls.
• Adjust dough consistency as needed. If your dough is too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. If the dough is too dry, add more maple syrup or peanut butter, a tiny bit at a time, until it reaches the right texture.
• Wet your hands. Even after chilling, the dough may still be sticky. Dampen your hands a bit so it doesn’t cling to your fingers too much.
• Uniform balls. Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures all your protein balls are a similar size. This is particularly helpful if you’re set on getting consistent nutrition from each ball.
• Roll firmly. Apply gentle but firm pressure when rolling the dough into balls. This helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling.

Variation Ideas

There are honestly endless ways to play with this recipe to make it your own. Stir in extra nuts and seeds or dried fruit, experiment with different flavors of protein powder, use a different nut butter…I could go on. Here are a few ideas to get you started, though:

• Blueberry muffin balls. Swap the chocolate protein powder out for vanilla protein powder, the peanut butter for almond butter (for a more neutral flavor), and the chocolate chips for dried blueberries. Boom! Blueberry muffin-inspired bites!
• Almond Joy. For a candy bar-inspired classic, change out the peanut butter for almond butter and stir in some slivered almonds and shredded coconut.
• Apricot delight. Instead of chocolate protein powder, opt for vanilla, and change the peanut butter for cashew butter. Then, nix the chocolate chips and stir in chopped cashews and chopped dried apricots instead.

How to Store Homemade Protein Balls

• Refrigerator. Seal these snack balls in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer. Homemade protein balls also freeze well. Seal them in a freezer-safe airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

More Simple Peanut Butter Recipes

On a peanut butter kick? Join the club. Here are a few more easy recipes to keep you satisfied:

• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Dip
• Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• Salted Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Patties
• Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Copycat Recipe
• Espresso, Peanut Butter & Chocolate Low Sugar Smoothie Bowl