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 stacked on top of each other in a white bowl.

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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!  

Ingredients in a glass bowl with a white spatula.
  • 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!
Peanut butter oatmeal balls in a white bowl.

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.
Peanut butter oatmeal balls with a bite taken.

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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No bake peanut butter oatmeal balls in a white bowl.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

5 from 182 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
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!
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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 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.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Optional Mix-ins: Occasionally I like to add a splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. A handful of mini chocolate chips are also a great addition. You can also substitute maple syrup in place of honey to make it vegan. 
Note: If you add extra ingredients and the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter and honey. If it feels too sticky, add a Tablespoon or two more of oats.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball, Calories: 73kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 31mg, Potassium: 61mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin C: 0.02mg, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.