Peanut Butter Protein Balls with Oatmeal

Name: Peanut Butter Protein Balls with Oatmeal
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 195 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup of vanilla vegan protein powder; ⅔ cup of soymilk; 1 cup of peanut butter; ¼ cup flaxseed meal; ¼ cup of chia seeds; ¼ cup of hemp seeds; ½ cup of quick oats

No-bake 7-ingredient oatmeal peanut butter protein balls are a healthy, nutrient-dense, high-protein snack—perfect for breakfast, lunch boxes, travel, or pre/ post-workout snacking. They're whole grain, gluten-free, and vegan!

completed Peanut Butter Protein Balls with Oatmeal on white surface

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Chewy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls
The Ingredients and Substitutes
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Balls
FAQs
Pro Recipe Tips
Storage Information
Peanut Butter Protein Balls with Oatmeal

Chewy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls

For anyone with a sweet tooth looking to stay healthy and consume more protein, simple, make-ahead-friendly, portion-controlled treats, these oatmeal peanut butter protein balls with protein powder are great to keep on hand in the fridge or freezer as a nutrient-dense pick-me-up. They curb sweet cravings, fuel your body at home or on the go, and are child-friendly, too!

This recipe combines peanut butter, oats, vegan protein powder, several nutritious seeds, and just a little dairy-free milk. There’s protein in every single ingredient (always great for a plant-based diet). Plus, they’re easy to prepare in just 5 minutes – no food processor required – with inexpensive pantry ingredients.

The result is nutritious energy balls loaded with flavor, soft and chewy texture, and plenty of nutrients. They’re also naturally gluten-free, whole grain, and dairy-free with no added sugars. You might also like this easy protein banana bread.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

ingredients for Peanut Butter Protein Balls with Oatmeal measured out on white surface

Recipe Variations

Flavored protein: Easily adapt peanut butter oatmeal protein balls' flavor by using vegan chocolate, plant-based cookie dough, or coffee protein powder. This is the one I used for this recipe.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances these protein balls with oats and peanut butter.
Sweetener: Add powdered sugar (you can make it yourself by blending granulated sugar in a blender or use store-bought) or liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, date syrup, brown rice syrup, etc.).
Spices: Add warm depth with cinnamon, chai spice, or pumpkin spice.
Shredded coconut: Add a few tablespoons for texture and flavor.
Vegan chocolate chips: Add mini vegan chocolate chips (sugar-free if preferred) to make decadent chocolate chip peanut butter protein balls.
Dairy-free chocolate dipped: And optionally sprinkled with flaky sea salt – like a truffle.
Dried fruit: Like raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc., for sweet chewiness.
Chopped nuts: Like chopped walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, or peanuts.
Vegan chocolate peanut butter protein balls: Use vegan chocolate protein powder or replace 3 tablespoon of protein powder with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Peanut butter and jelly protein balls: Freeze small dollops of jam/jelly for 2-3 hours, then form the balls around them.

How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Balls

process shot of whisking ingredients in bowl

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the protein powder and plant-based milk.

Step 2: Then, add the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated.

process shot of stirring ingredients in bowl

process shot showing balls on baking tray

Step 3: Add the flaxseed meal, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and oats, then mix well.

Step 4: Next, form the peanut butter protein mixture into small bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment or silicone mat-lined baking tray. Transfer the sheet to the freezer for three hours – then enjoy immediately or save them for later.

These peanut butter and oatmeal protein balls are best served slightly thawed. Remove one from the freezer 10-15 minutes (or microwave for 15 seconds) before enjoying it.

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FAQs

Could I replace the oats?

You may be able to make these protein powder and peanut butter balls with rice bran or quinoa flakes instead of oats.

Can I substitute the peanut butter?

You may be able to use almond butter, hazelnut butter, cashew butter, or nut-free sunflower butter, etc. However, the ratio of wet to dry ingredients may need tweaking, and the amount of protein will vary.

Why are the protein balls chalky/not sticking?

This usually comes down to the type of protein powder used, as some plant-based protein can be a little ‘gritty’ and more absorbent than whey protein. Adding a splash of more liquid can help.

How much protein is in these energy balls?

That will depend on the protein powder you use. To calculate the correct nutritional values, plug the ingredients into a nutritional calculator and divide it by the number of protein balls.

Are oatmeal protein peanut butter balls healthy?

These peanut butter protein balls with protein powder contain a great balance of plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, several vitamins and minerals, and even antioxidants. The resulting vegan protein balls are highly nourishing and provide energy for hours.

However, they aren’t a low-calorie snack, so they are best eaten in moderation. 1-2 at a time is usually more than enough.

Pro Recipe Tips

Use room-temperature peanut butter: To ensure it’s easy to mix. If needed, microwave it for 15-20 seconds.
Trouble rolling the balls? Chill the protein peanut butter balls dough in the refrigerator/freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, then try again.
For even-sized balls: Use a small cookie dough scoop/tablespoon.
To save time/effort: Use a food processor (this is the one I use) to mix all the ingredients, pulsing it a few times until thoroughly mixed.
For peanut butter protein bars: Press the dough into a baking dish instead (an 8-inch square dish like this one).