These chewy peanut butter oatmeal balls are wholesome, healthy, and worth much more than the 5 minutes it takes to make them! An effortless way to satisfy your sweet and salty craving with the added benefit of protein.
Table of Contents
- 5 Minute No Bake Healthy Treat
- Why This Recipe Works
- Are They Healthy?
- Ingredients Needed
- Optional Mix-Ins for Added Yum!
- Keeping The Texture Just Right
- Variations
- How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Expert Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- 5 star review
- Storage
- More Healthy Snack Ideas
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Printable Recipe
5 Minute No Bake Healthy Treat
As if a recipe that consisted of just 3 ingredients couldn’t get any easier, these oatmeal peanut butter balls are a no-bake snack that comes together in just 5 minutes. They’re a healthier version of my peanut butter no-bake cookies but just as tasty!
There are many times throughout the week when I find myself needing a quick healthy snack idea throughout the day. Whether it’s post-workout, after school, or a midmorning snack my kids can serve themselves while I work, 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 all from pantry ingredients! They are easy to mix together, healthy for you, and can last for a long time in the fridge or freezer. It is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and delicious!
- 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 by adding in some extra ingredients like hemp hearts or chocolate chips!
- 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. Plus they’re made with ingredients most of us carry at all times.
- Healthy. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free (check your oats for the certified gluten-free oats label), these balls can also be geared towards a plant-based diet with a simple swap of honey for maple syrup.
- Freezer-friendly. Double the recipe and freeze a batch. Talk about a convenient way to have healthy snacks to grab and go!
Are They Healthy?
They sure are! Depending on the type of ingredients you are using, or what you choose to add to it can alter the degree to which they are beneficial. Overall, they are healthy. 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.
Using raw honey, which is less processed (or not processed at all), will retain more nutrients than regular honey. Natural peanut butter will have fewer additives and preservatives, and healthier oils.
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.
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!
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 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.
Delicious and so easy and very customizable. Thank you!
Glad to hear that you loved it so much! Thanks for the 5-star review on these peanut butter oatmeal balls.
Very easy and delicious. We added vanilla, cinnamon, salt, chia and flax seeds to the basic recipe you provided.
That sounds perfect! Glad that you enjoyed these peanut butter oatmeal balls!
Does anyone know what the WW points would be for these?
This recipe is very very good. I added a splash of vanilla and mini chocolate chips. I had to restrain myself from eating the whole batch. Definitely something that you want to keep in the house for a little sweet yet nutritious treat!
I love the idea of vanilla! Great combination with the chocolate chips. Glad that you love it!
Does anyone know ball park how many calories this would be following the standard recipe and not adding anything?
Following this peanut butter oatmeal ball recipe is about 73 calories per ball. Hope that helps!
My 14 year old son just made these. He added little coconut flakes, pinch salt and dash vanilla. They were so yummy. It’s our new favorite snack. Satisfies that sweet craving. 😋
Nothing special
Quick and easy recipe and very tasty! Perfect snack to stave off hunger. Only difference I did in making it was to stir the honey and peanut butter together and then add the oats. That made it easier to combine all ingredients evenly.
I just made these. So easy and tasty. They are awesome. Thanks for sharing 🥰
Just made my 2nd batch, doubled it this time. So good! Trying to lose weight and these are an awesome snack that feels indulgent. Next time maybe I’ll try mix-ins but I love them as is! Thanks for the great recipe.
These sound delicious and I look forward to giving them a try.
I just made these and they are delicious I added mini chocolate chips and stayed with the rest of recipe. I found my new food obsession 😊
Very easy to make and they are awesome.😊
I always add vanilla and the mini chocolate chips, and i always double or triple the recipe and put them in the freezer until ready to eat! Delicous!
Me too! Chocolate makes everything better!
Yummy bedtime snack! Thank you!
Great taste. I like chia seeds and the texture they add. I used my own honey and added cinnamon. My dogs like them too.
I used crunchy peanut butter! Fantastic healthy snack!
I’d like to try these for a friend who can’t have gluten. Id like to mold them in a heart shape candy mold and dip in chocolate for Valentine’s Day. What say you? 😊
So sweet, that would be delicious!