Description
These Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious no-bake snack, combining creamy peanut butter, protein powder, and a touch of sweetness with honey. Rolled in smooth melted chocolate and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick energy boost or post-workout treat, they are easy to prepare and store.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- Pinch of sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the tray: Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make oat flour: Add the oats to a blender and blend for about 30 seconds until they form a fine oat flour.
- Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine the oat flour, creamy peanut butter, honey, vanilla protein powder, vanilla paste, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir thoroughly with a spatula until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
- Form balls: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into balls and place them on the prepared tray. Freeze the balls for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Coat peanut butter balls: Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to drizzle chocolate over them. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back on the tray.
- Sprinkle salt: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the coated balls for a perfect salty contrast.
- Set chocolate: Refrigerate the coated balls for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to harden and set.
- Store: Once set, store the peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, layered between parchment or wax paper, for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for a healthier snack.
- Ensure the protein powder is compatible with your dietary preferences or restrictions.
- If you don’t have vanilla paste, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
- Chocolate chips can be replaced with dark chocolate or cacao nibs for variation.
- These protein balls can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American