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- 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) - A pinch of sea salt To make peanut butter protein balls, gather these ingredients. Natural peanut butter is key. It gives flavor and creaminess. Rolled oats add texture and help bind the mix. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the balls. You can choose either based on your taste. Next, chocolate protein powder boosts protein content. Ground flaxseed adds fiber and omega-3s. A touch of vanilla extract brings warmth and flavor depth. If you want a treat, mini chocolate chips are a fun option. Finally, sea salt enhances all the flavors. - Calories per serving: About 100 - Protein content: 5 grams - Fiber content: 2 grams These protein balls are not just tasty; they are also healthy. Each ball has about 100 calories, making them a great snack. With 5 grams of protein, they help keep you full. The 2 grams of fiber support your digestion and overall health. These bites fit well into any balanced diet. Enjoy them as a quick snack or a post-workout treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing the peanut butter and sweetener Start by taking a large bowl. Add 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a spatula or spoon to mix these ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps left. - Incorporating dry ingredients Gradually add the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of sea salt. These dry ingredients add texture and nutrition. Mix everything together vigorously. You want a dough-like texture that holds together well. - Shaping the protein balls Now, use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet them lightly with water. This helps in shaping without the mess. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out so they don’t stick together. - Recommended chilling time Once all the balls are shaped, put the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the protein balls firm up nicely and makes them easier to eat. - Proper storage methods After chilling, transfer the peanut butter protein balls to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. This way, you have a healthy snack ready whenever you need it. - Ensuring proper consistency: Mix your peanut butter and sweetener well. The mix should be smooth and thick. If it feels too dry, add a bit more sweetener. If it's too wet, add more oats. - Preventing sticking when shaping: Wet your hands lightly with water before shaping the balls. This stops the mixture from sticking to your hands. You’ll find it much easier to form them into neat, even balls. - Adding different seeds or nuts: You can change up the texture by adding sunflower seeds or chopped almonds. These add crunch and extra nutrients to your snack. - Substituting sweeteners: If you want less sugar, try using agave nectar or a sugar substitute. You can also skip sweeteners altogether if you prefer a less sweet taste. Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: Choose a natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option and better flavor. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your taste preference; you can even use a sugar substitute if desired. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add different mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds to customize your power balls even further. Perfect Storage: Keep the power balls in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness, or freeze them for quick snacks later on. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your peanut butter protein balls easily. One fun option is to add cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. Simply mix in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder during the dry ingredient stage. You can also use vanilla extract instead of cocoa for a sweet vanilla taste. If you want a warm touch, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon. It gives a nice twist and pairs well with peanut butter. If you follow a vegan diet, you can swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps your snack plant-based and still sweet. For those who need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worries. Peanut butter protein balls taste great with different fruits. Here are some ideas: - Bananas: They add sweetness and creaminess. - Apples: Crunchy apples pair well with the soft texture of the balls. - Berries: Blueberries or strawberries add a fresh burst of flavor. For drinks, consider these combos: - Milk: A glass of cold milk complements the protein balls perfectly. - Smoothies: Blend a fruit smoothie for a balanced snack. - Herbal tea: A warm cup can be soothing and tasty. You can serve peanut butter protein balls in fun ways. Try these: - Presentation in jars: Place the balls in small jars for parties. Top with extra chocolate chips or chia seeds for a nice look. - Meal prep: Pack them in small containers for easy snacks on the go. They are perfect for busy days or workouts. These ideas make your snack not just tasty but also fun to eat. Peanut butter protein balls last about one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you see any signs of spoilage, throw them out. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can freeze peanut butter protein balls. They freeze well and can last up to three months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge. This way, you always have a healthy snack on hand! You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options give a similar taste and texture. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great choice. It’s safe and still packed with nutrients! Yes, these protein balls are great for kids! They are healthy and easy to make. Plus, kids love the sweet taste and chocolate chips. They make a fun after-school snack or a treat during playtime. Just keep an eye on portion sizes! This blog post shared a simple recipe for peanut butter protein balls. We covered all the ingredients and provided step-by-step instructions. You learned how to customize flavors and make dietary adjustments. We also included tips for serving and storing. Healthy snacks should be easy and fun to make. With these tips, you can enjoy tasty bites anytime! So get your ingredients ready and try making these protein balls today. They will keep you fueled and satisfied.

Peanut Butter Power Balls

Nutritious snack balls made with peanut butter, oats, and protein powder.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or spoon to stir until the mixture is smooth and well integrated, ensuring no lumps remain.
  • Gradually add the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture. Mix vigorously until all ingredients are evenly combined, creating a cohesive dough-like texture.
  • If desired, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to the mixture to add sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.
  • Once the mixture is well mixed, use your hands to shape it into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. To prevent sticking, you can wet your hands lightly with water during this process if needed.
  • Arrange the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to prevent sticking together.
  • After forming all the balls, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes so they firm up nicely.
  • Once chilled, transfer the peanut butter power balls to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer shelf life, making them a perfect snack option at any time.

Notes

For an appealing touch, serve the power balls in a small bowl or jar, garnished with extra chocolate chips or chia seeds.
Keyword healthy, peanut butter, snack