Peanut Butter Balls Recipe | Peanut Butter Protein Balls

If you're a fan of the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate, get ready to indulge in a healthier way. Today, we're sharing our recipe for Protein Peanut Butter Balls. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a guilt-free snack or dessert option.

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Snack

• Protein-Packed- With protein powder as one of the key ingredients, these peanut butter balls are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting an extra protein boost.
• Easy to Make- This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
• No-Bake- No need to turn on the oven for this one! These peanut butter balls come together without any baking, making them perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.
• Customizable- You can get creative with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to tailor these treats to your taste.

Can You Make Peanut Butter Balls With No Butter?

Yes, you can make peanut butter balls without butter. Peanut butter balls are a versatile treat, and there are many recipes that don't use traditional butter (like this one!) but still yield delicious results.

Why Are My Peanut Butter Balls Too Soft?

If your peanut butter balls are turning out too soft, it could be due to a few reasons. Here are some common factors that can contribute to soft peanut butter balls and how to address them:

• Peanut Butter Consistency- The type and consistency of peanut butter you use can significantly impact the texture. Natural peanut butter, which tends to be runnier and has a thinner consistency, can make the mixture softer. To counter this, try using a peanut butter that is thicker or has less oil separation.
• Too Much Liquid- If you've added too much liquid to your mixture, it can make the balls soft. This liquid can come from ingredients like honey or maple syrup. To remedy this, adjust the amount of liquid you add or increase the dry ingredients (e.g., oats, and protein powder) to balance the consistency.
• Refrigeration- Proper chilling is essential. If you don't refrigerate them long enough, they may not firm up properly. Typically, they should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour before shaping into balls.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Creamy Peanut Butter
• Protein Powder
• Quick Oats
• Honey
• Dark Chocolate Chips
• Shredded Coconut
• Salt

These Peanut Butter Balls are a fantastic snack option when you need a quick energy boost or a post-workout recovery treat. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite protein powder flavor and add-ins for a snack that suits your taste buds.

How To Make Peanut Butter Balls

1. Combine Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, protein powder, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture becomes well combined and forms a thick, dough-like consistency.
2. Add Optional Mix-Ins. If you're using chocolate chips or shredded coconut (or any other mix-ins of your choice), fold them into the peanut butter mixture until they're evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Balls. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls. You can make them as big or small as you like. Place each ball on a parchment paper-lined tray or plate.
4. Chill. Once all the balls are shaped, place them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps them set and become firmer.
5. Enjoy! Once the protein peanut butter balls have chilled, they're ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Tips And Tricks

Making protein peanut butter balls is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings while adding a dose of protein to your diet. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make them perfect every time:

• Sweeteners and Flavors- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Enhance the flavor with vanilla extract, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or other spices that complement the taste of peanut butter.
• Consistent Ball Size- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion the mixture into evenly sized balls. This ensures they all cook and chill at the same rate.
• Non-Stick Hands- Rub your hands with a small amount of coconut oil or water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands when rolling the balls.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Protein Peanut Butter Balls. Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate Lover's Dream- Coat the balls in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Crunch- Add chopped nuts like almonds, peanuts, or cashews to the mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Fruity Delight- Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for a sweet and chewy contrast.
• Spice It Up- A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can add delightful warmth to the flavor.

How Long Do They Last?

If you keep your protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks.

Make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.

Can You Freeze Them?

For longer-term storage, you can freeze protein peanut butter balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until they're firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Frozen protein peanut butter balls can last for up to 2 to 3 months.

More Simple Dessert Recipes

• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Protein Pudding
• Cheesecake Dip
• Keto Cookie Dough Bites
• Low Carb Brownies

Pin It!

Whether you're looking for a post-workout snack, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthier dessert option, these Protein Peanut Butter Balls are sure to satisfy your cravings. They're not only delicious but also a convenient way to increase your protein intake. Give them a try and share this guilt-free treat with your friends and family!