These peanut butter oatmeal balls are wholesome, healthy and the easiest snack to make in 5 minutes. They satisfy sweet and salty cravings with the added benefit of protein!
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5 Minute No Bake Healthy Treat
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.
They are a cinch to whip up, and like all the energy balls I have posted, 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. Even if they don’t realize it, I sure do!
Why This Recipe Works
These peanut butter oatmeal balls are the perfect combination of sweet and savory and made from pantry ingredients!
- Flexible. These sweet, salty, and nutty treats are super satisfying and can be made as indulgent (hello monster energy balls!) or 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.
- Freezer-friendly. Double the recipe and freeze a batch to always have healthy snacks to grab and go.
Ingredients Needed
Easy oatmeal balls made with oats, peanut butter, and raw honey. That’s it! Check out more details and recommendations for each ingredient below.
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!
- Honey: Regular, or raw and unrefined honey works for added sweetness. Swap with maple syrup for a vegan option.
Optional Mix-Ins for Added Yum!
These are all great options and perfect for making more of a variety and changing things up with these peanut butter oatmeal balls. Try it with more add-ins or the original recipe. Make this a weekly recipe!
- 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 mixture.
Keeping The Texture Just Right
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.
Variations
Try different variations with peanut butter, and added sweetness, and for the chocolate lovers, add in some chocolate chips. The variations are endless and the possibilities are all there. See all the ways to make the best peanut butter oatmeal balls that fit you!
- Peanut butter. Instead of peanut butter, swap it for a different nut butter or even seed butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter, or sunflower butter are all great choices.
- Sweetness. For a different sweetener, use maple syrup, agave, or another liquid sweetener of your choice. You want to stick with liquid so the wet-to-dry ratio remains intact.
- Chocolate. If you’re a chocolate and peanut butter lover try these chocolate peanut butter protein balls next!
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
Follow these easy tips to help make these peanut butter balls even better! Melt the ingredients beforehand, always test the taste if you can, and even get your hand a little wet to avoid sticking to the balls. It is that simple and easy!
- Warm-up. You can microwave the peanut butter with the honey first before adding the oats to make it easier to stir together. All it takes is about 20 seconds in the microwave so that the mixture gets a little more warm and melty.
- Taste test. Give the mixture a taste before rolling it into 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.
- 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.
Recipe FAQs
They are! Energy balls are any type of bite that provides energy, this could include protein. Protein balls will always include some form of protein, which inevitably provides energy. They are basically the same, however, some people add protein powder to theirs.
You may have used too many oats or add-ins, in which case you would need to add more peanut butter or honey. Or both.
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.
They sure are! Oats, peanut butter, and honey all have nutritional benefits.
Oats provide iron, and fiber, and help to balance blood sugar. Nut butter delivers protein, and honey has anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins and minerals.
5 star review
“Love this recipe! It’s the only one I use for peanut butter oats balls. I think the instruction to pulse the oats in a food processor is very helpful for the texture and consistency—great idea! Love the mix-in ideas too. Thanks!”
-Rachel
Storage
Storing peanut butter oatmeal balls is a simple way to make these ahead and enjoy them throughout the week. Place them in an airtight container and either refrigerate them or place them in the freezer. Enjoy these protein balls when needed!
- Fridge: Keep them stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze them for about 30 minutes and then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container to keep them frozen for up to 3 months. Doing an initial freeze helps to keep them from freezing in a clump.
If you love the combination of peanut butter and oats, try these peanut butter overnight oats or no-bake energy balls, next!
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
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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 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 in the oats, peanut butter, 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 also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
This are delicious and so easy! My kids gobble them up. I do include 1/2 tsp vanilla
I’m so glad you and your family love the recipe Jess! :)
These are easy to make. I used almond butter instead of peanut butter. Definitely helped satisfy my search for “something with my morning coffee” ☕️😳
Thanks Val! I’m so happy you enjoyed the oatmeal balls :)
What if you don’t have blender or processor?
You can just mix by hand and can use quick oats if you want a finer texture :)
Great little recipe for peanut butter lovers! It’s an easy to make healthy, but indulgent tasting snack!
Wow, these are so good! Made a batch for snack time. Healthy and delicious!
Awesome snack! Satisfies my craving for something sweet but also gives me some protein too.
These are super easy to make & taste so good!! Great for grabbing on the go! My kids make them all the time!
this is everything I wanted and more! I have such a sweet tooth but trying to limit the bad snacking, so the added protein with the salty and sweet snack is the best! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
I added coconut flakes, so good!
Love this recipe! It’s the only one I use for peanut butter oats balls. I think the instruction to pulse the oats in a food processor is very helpful for the texture and consistency—great idea! Love the mix-in ideas too. Thanks!
Apparently, my husband and I have less willpower than the commenter below…. We did, in fact, eat the whole batch. 😁
haha, that is awesome and I love the honesty! It is too good not to enjoy all in one sitting! Glad that you and your hubby enjoyed these peanut butter oatmeal balls.