Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls – Best 5-Minute Snack
These Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a quick, healthy snack made with simple pantry ingredients. They come together in under 5 minutes and are perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a 3 PM energy boost.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (includes 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 18-20 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240g) creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups (135g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (60g) vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- ⅓ cup (80ml) honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (14g) ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup (45g) dark chocolate chips (mini preferred)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, protein powder, and ground flaxseed until no clumps remain.
- Add the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the bowl in separate spots for even distribution.
- Mix with a spatula using a cutting and folding motion until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms (about 1 minute). If too dry, add 1 tablespoon warm water or extra honey; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon oats.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
- Optional: Chill the mixture in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Using your hands or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, roll the mixture into smooth balls (about 18-20 balls). Wet your hands slightly if sticky.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each ball and press gently to adhere.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Use room temperature peanut butter for easier mixing. Don’t overmix the dough to avoid dense balls. Chill your hands with cold water if the mixture sticks while rolling. Test one ball before rolling the rest to adjust sweetness or texture. For uniform balls, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake protein balls, peanut butter protein balls, healthy snack, easy snack, gluten-free snack, high protein snack, no-bake energy balls