These peanut butter oatmeal balls are wholesome, healthy and the easiest snack to make with 3 ingredients in 5 minutes. They satisfy sweet and salty cravings with the added benefit of protein!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
These oatmeal peanut butter balls are a no-bake snack that comes together with only 3 ingredients in just 5 minutes. They’re a healthier version of my peanut butter no-bake cookies but just as tasty!
There are many times when I find myself needing a quick healthy snack idea throughout the day. Whether it’s post-workout, after school, or a mid-morning snack for the kids these bite-size bites of heaven are a lifesaver.
Peanut butter oatmeal balls are a cinch to whip up, and like all the energy balls they’re portable, convenient to carry, delicious, and wholesome. I feel good knowing I’m giving my kids an ultra-healthy snack loaded with protein, nutrients, and no refined sugars.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flexible. These sweet, salty, and nutty peanut butter balls with oats are super satisfying and customized as monster energy balls or keep as healthy as you’d like.
- Quick and easy. 3 ingredients and 5 minutes are all it takes for these peanut butter oatmeal protein balls to end up in your belly.
- Healthy. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, plus can be adapted to a plant-based diet with a simple swap of honey for maple syrup.
Ingredients Needed
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Oats: For this recipe, I like to use old-fashioned rolled oats as they are coarser than quick oats or instant oats which gives them more texture.
- Peanut butter: I use creamy, but that’s a personal preference! You can use regular or natural peanut butter. There is a lot of oil separation in natural nut butter so you’ll want to make sure to stir it well! You can also use any nut butter you prefer.
- Honey: Regular, or raw and unrefined honey works for added sweetness. Swap with maple syrup for a vegan option or any other liquid sweetener.
Peanut Butter Oat Balls Mix-Ins
- Coconut flakes: Add coconut flakes for a sweet texture that is light and crunchy.
- Chocolate chips: A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for all the chocolate lovers out there.
- Raisins: Always a simple add-in that has a fun flavor and soft texture.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries are a great addition for a little fruity taste and texture.
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract will add a hint of flavor!
- Salt: Pinch of salt for that salty and savory taste!
- Spices: Dash of cinnamon or a fall flavor from pumpkin pie spice.
- Seeds: Hemp seeds, ground flax seeds, and chia seeds are all great seeds to incorporate into the peanut butter energy balls mixture.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
It takes 3 simple steps to make pb oat balls and you’re done. Make a double batch because these energy bites will last for weeks!
- Process oats (not into a powder). Add the oats to a food processor or blender and pulse for a couple of seconds. You do not want to turn them into flour, but you will see some powder. This helps to bind the no-bake peanut butter oatmeal balls.
- Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, stir the oats, peanut butter, honey, and any additional mix-ins until combined. You can use a food processor for this as well.
- Form the balls. Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon to scoop out the dough in even amounts. Plop them onto a plate or baking sheet and roll them into 1-inch balls with your hands. Wet your hands if needed to prevent sticking.
- Serving. Enjoy them immediately or store them in the fridge or freezer for later!
Expert Tips
- Warm-up. Microwave the peanut butter with the honey for 20 seconds before adding the oats to make it easier to stir together.
- Taste test. Give the mixture a taste before rolling it into peanut butter oat balls. That way you can add more honey to sweeten if needed, or add in a dash of vanilla or sea salt to your taste.
- Wet hands. Wet your hands lightly before rolling the balls so that the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands as you roll.
- If you decide to add extra ingredients, this may change the texture of your 3 ingredient peanut butter energy bites. Add a little more nut butter and honey if the dough is dry. If it feels too sticky, add a Tablespoon or two more oats.
- Avoid dry protein balls. If you use natural nut butter or quick oats, you may notice your balls are drier the next day. For chewier balls, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats and regular peanut butter.
- Flash freeze. Pop the peanut butter oatmeal balls in the freezer for a few minutes if they feel sticky once rolled. This will help them firm up a bit.
Storage
- Fridge: Keep peanut butter oatmeal balls stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: To freeze, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze for 30 minutes and then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container to keep them frozen for up to 3 months.
If you love peanut butter and oats, try these peanut butter overnight oats, chocolate peanut butter protein balls or no-bake energy balls!
More Healthy Snack Ideas
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Video
Ingredients
- ¾ cup old fashioned oats , plus more as needed
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons honey , plus more to taste
Optional Mix-in's: Splash of vanilla, Pinch salt, Pinch cinnamon, or 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, pulse 3/4 cup oats until broken. You don't want to turn it into oat flour but break it enough that there is some powder. This will help bind the balls.
- Stir the oats, 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons honey, and any desired mix-ins in the food processor or a bowl until combined.
- Using a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon, scoop the dough onto a plate or baking sheet. Roll into 1-inch balls, wetting hands if needed. Eat right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Energy Balls + Bars, Freezer-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Make Ahead, Snacks, Sweet Breakfast, Vegan, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Tried this morning Just as the Baker said inexpensive healthy easy And most of all delicious. Will make over and over. Thank you.
can use Pb2 peanut butter? mixed with maple syrup?
I haven’t tried, but I don’t see why not. If it’s not coming together, just add more oats or more PB depending on thickness.
I have made these twice and we love them. I added some French vanilla protein powder. I have been trying to find new recipes with protein, because I do not care for meat. My husband loves these also.
I am on a special diet and sometimes it is difficult to get the appropriate snack. Luckily I can use all the ingredients in this snack. Thank you.
Could you substitute almond butter?
Yes you can. Almond butter is more runny, so I would start with 1/4 cup.
Just made the 3 ingredients Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls easy and think I will like them.
Making these for my next flight
Wow! Thanks so much for this recipe!
I added coconut to mine! They are soooo good! I have a sweet tooth especially at night and this really helps! Thanks!
Delicious! I used Justin’s vanilla almong butter.
Can you make it with protein powder?
Yes you can add in a scoop of protein powder :)
These are absolutely amazing!!! Was craving something sweet for after dinner but trying to avoid packaged snacky foods. This is definitely a new favorite. Thank you!! Used smuckers natural peanut butter, organic quick oats, and some raw honey. Delicious!
So glad you enjoyed the peanut butter oatmeal balls! Thanks for your review :)
Can you double the recipe?
Yes you can double it :)
Can I add chopped dates to it?
Sure! :)
Could you use quick oats ?
Yes you can :)
Someone shared this recipe on FB, so I decided to try it. It is so simple and yummy 😋
So glad you enjoyed the peanut butter oatmeal balls! Thanks for your review Haley :)
Peanut allergy in the house. Have you tried with almond butter?
I haven’t, but that should work. Some a little runnier, so I would start with a little less.
These are a great healthy snack that my kids WANT to eat. We’re new to “energy balls” for snacks, can’t wait to try more!
I’m so happy to hear these are a hit with your little ones, Dana! There are so many fun variations you can make :)
I Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. It was so easy and the flavors were fantastic.
So glad to hear your family loves it :)
Drizzled melted dark chocolate on these. 😊
Mmm sounds so delicious!
My mind was blown when I read that honey isn’t vegan. I don’t understand that at all. Just the fact that bees make it for bee consumption. I also learned from reading up that not all Maple syrup is vegan