Our easy no bake peanut butter oatmeal protein balls with chocolate chips and flax seed is a delicious healthy snack that kids and adults absolutely love. Prep these in just 10 minutes and enjoy throughout the week!
I remember making a version of these in High School for a bake sale and although this easy energy ball recipe technically required no baking at all they were a hit. There are of course several versions of what you can include and/or omit to make these but at the end of the day it starts out with a few simple ingredients.
I love goodies that stick with you, that my kids love, and don’t require an oven. Especially during the Summer that’s the last thing I want to turn on.
Energy bites are great as a snack before or after a soccer game, when you’re back from the gym, or just as a snack. You can “hide” good things for you inside too like flax seeds and your kids will never know! 😉
The ingredients are as follows. Now keep in mind if you’d rather leave out the flax seeds or just don’t chocolate chips in them just adjust accordingly. They are really quite easy to throw together and adults and kids love the taste. Keep them in the fridge to snack on throughout the week too.
Ingredient Notes
I like to start with the dry ingredients in my bowl first. I add the old fashioned oats in there and realized that Kodiak oats have a lot higher protein and taste the same so I will use that.
With that add your flax seeds which yes has protein in it but more than that it is a great source of fiber (and you won’t taste it so even better). An alternative would be chia seeds but I don’t think the texture is as great.
As for protein powder there are tons of options out there. I have tried a few, plain, vanilla and my favorite is birthday cake!! I linked the one I used in the recipe card so I suggest you use that.
Natural peanut butter that is creamy is the best option for this. I buy the double pack from Costco because we make these super often.
Honey will add a bit more sweetness into the mix and vanilla extract is a nice touch too but kinda’ optional. Chocolate chips are optional too but is a must in our house. I like semi-sweet and the minis will get you more in each bite.
Variations
As for the add ins there are many choices but mini semi sweet chocolate chips are our favorites. I have done others though which we love which is using dried cranberries instead and/or I have added a small handful of pepitas / pumpkin seeds in there too!
How Much Protein in Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Balls
That depends on a few factors. The main one being the protein powder you use, those can range from 18 – 30 grams per scoop / 1/4 cup. The one I use and linked below is one of the highest with the best flavor with 30 so I love that. The peanut butter brands will differ a bit too but in general with my experimenting and calculating they range from 9-10.5 grams of protein per ball.
Are peanut butter protein balls healthy?
I mean all in moderation. If you aren’t trying to cut out fat, and eat 1 a day, they can be a much better option for in between meals than something that is just pure carbs like a granola bar.
Do you need to refrigerate them?
Yes, you need to keep these in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours once made to stiffen up initially. Thereafter you need to keep them in a sealed container in the fridge or they will get soft and sticky, sticking together. Take one out at a time to enjoy and reseal the container. They will last for a week this way.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Balls Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 storage container to store in fridge, with a lid
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups old fashioned oats, use Kodak for higher protein
- 1/4 cup flaxseed
- 1/4 cup protein powder, I use birthday cake flavor, linked here
- 1 cup peanut butter, natural pb, smooth
- 1/4 cup honey, or agave nectar
- 3/4 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, semi sweet, mini is best
Instructions
- Put all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a bowl and mix well until oats are well incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and incorporate again.
- Use a small cookie scoop or a heaping tbsp to scoop out even sized scoops, roll with hands in balls. Place in a storage container with a sealed lid and store in the fridge. Enjoy within 1 week. Keep sealed.
Notes
- 2 tbsp of sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds without the shells)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Best ever!
You had me at no bake! These are the perfect pick me up snacks to have in the middle of the day! Easy to make and so tasty. Love!
oh good!
These are so good! Such a yummy snack!