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Easy High-Protein Peanut Butter Balls: Best No-Bake Recipe

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These easy high-protein peanut butter protein balls are soft, fudgy, and packed with 8g of protein per serving. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in under 10 minutes and are perfect for meal prep, post-workout refueling, or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no-stir, like Justin’s or Smucker’s Natural)
  • ½ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey recommended, like Orgain Simple Vanilla or Dymatize ISO-100)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned; use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds (or ground flaxseed)
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, like Enjoy Life or Lily’s)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup protein powder, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until evenly distributed, breaking up any clumps.
  2. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter and ¼ cup honey to the bowl. Spread them out slightly for easier mixing.
  3. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If too dry, add a teaspoon of honey or peanut butter; if too wet, add a tablespoon of oats or protein powder.
  4. Gently fold in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to prevent melting.
  5. If the dough is too sticky, chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  6. Lightly wet your hands with cold water. Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Makes 16-18 balls.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes to firm up. For a quicker set, freeze for 10 minutes.
  8. Transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Protein powder brand affects texture; whey gives the best fudgy texture. If using plant-based protein, start with ⅓ cup. For a test ball, squeeze to check consistency before rolling the whole batch. Chill dough if sticky. Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

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