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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls (5-Minute Recipe)

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These easy no-bake peanut butter protein balls are the perfect quick snack, ready in just 5 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and honey, they are chewy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable for a healthy treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no-stir variety)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, if peanut butter is unsalted)

Instructions

  1. Combine the wet ingredients first. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir together until smooth and fully combined. If peanut butter is cold, let it sit out for 10 minutes first.
  2. Add the dry ingredients. Pour in 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup ground flaxseed, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir everything together with a spatula. At first it will look dry and clumpy. Keep stirring, pressing the mixture against the sides of the bowl to incorporate evenly. This takes about 2 minutes of solid stirring.
  3. Fold in the chocolate chips. Add 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips and fold them in gently until evenly distributed.
  4. Let the mixture rest. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture, making the mixture easier to roll and giving the balls a better texture. Do not skip this step.
  5. Check the consistency. After resting, the mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon of honey or peanut butter. If too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of oats or flaxseed.
  6. Roll into balls. Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. You should get about 18 to 20 balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly wet your palms with water or rub a tiny bit of oil on them.
  7. Chill before serving. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
  8. Store properly. Transfer the chilled balls to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

The resting step is crucial for texture—do not skip it. For uniform balls, use a small cookie scoop. If mixture sticks to hands, wet palms with water. Flavors improve after a day in the fridge. For nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake protein balls, peanut butter protein balls, healthy snack, easy protein balls, 5-minute recipe, gluten-free snack, kid-friendly snack

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-no-bake-peanut-butter-protein-balls-5-minute-recipe/