3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls [No-Bake Energy Bites]

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These no-bake, 5-minute, 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls are a healthy, whole grain, nutrient-dense, high-protein snack. Gluten-free, vegan, with no added sugar! You’ll won’t be able to get enough of this delicious protein balls recipe without protein powder!

completed Oatmeal Raisin Protein Balls on a plate against a white background

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Why You’ll Love this Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe!
The Ingredients for Peanut Butter Energy Balls
How to Make 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls?
How to Store Protein Peanut Butter Balls
FAQs for Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Toni’s Recipe Tips for Peanut Butter Oat Balls
More Energizing Peanut Butter Snacks
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe!

This quick, nutritious, grab-and-go snack is packed with flavor, nutrients, and energy-boosting ingredients! Whether you call them 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls, peanut butter energy balls, no-bake energy bites, oatmeal protein balls, peanut butter power balls, or even oatmeal raisin protein balls, you’ll want to make a big batch! They’re deliciously addicting, but in a nutritious, no-guilt way!

The nourishing blend of protein, healthy fats, and fiber can satiate you at breakfast time, between meals, and provide energy as a pre or post-workout healthy snack. Even better, these oatmeal protein peanut butter balls take just 5 minutes to prepare (just mix and roll, then allow to chill)! They also make for a great lunchbox snack (and are enthusiastically child-approved)! Best of all, these peanut butter energy balls are incredibly budget-friendly and super adaptable (keep scrolling to find my long list of optional add-ins). Store in the fridge or freezer, so there are always some to hand to help you curb cravings!

This recipe is just one of many featured in this e-book of snack recipes developed by me and Michelle Cehn!

The Ingredients for Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Unsurprisingly, these 3-ingredient oatmeal raisin energy bites require just three simple and inexpensive ingredients.

Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter (smooth or chunky). Avoid natural peanut butter, where the oil separates, otherwise, the ratios will differ.
Oats: Use rolled oats (gluten-free certified if necessary). Quick oats should also work, but the texture will vary.
Raisins: Use regular or golden raisins. If you’d prefer to use other add-ins (like vegan chocolate chips), keep reading.

ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Protein Balls measured out against a white surface

Optional Add-ins for Easy Protein Balls

With a base of just three ingredients, these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal balls are actually super versatile/ adaptable. I recommend adding around ⅓ cup of ‘chunky’ mix-ins.

Salt: If your peanut butter isn’t already salty, adding a pinch of salt can help to enhance the flavors in these peanut butter energy balls.
Sweetener: It’s best to use either powdered or liquid sweetener (like maple syrup, agave, brown rice syrup, or the powdered sugar of your choice.). For a sugar-free option, use powdered erythritol or another sugar-free sweetener. Increase/decrease oats accordingly.
Cinnamon/pumpkin spice: Just a pinch.
Vanilla extract: Just a few drops will make these no-bake oatmeal balls taste dessert-like.
Mini vegan chocolate chips: Instead of or alongside the raisins. I use dairy-free semi-sweet/ dark chocolate chips. However, use keto-approved (sugar-free) vegan chocolate if preferred for delicious plant-based oatmeal chocolate peanut butter balls.
Cacao nibs: For crunch and antioxidants.
Chia seeds/Flax seeds: Will thicken the mixture and provide extra fiber, protein, and omega fatty acids.
Other seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds would also work in these peanut butter oatmeal balls to add extra crunch, protein, healthy fats, and several nutrients.
Protein powder: Use plain or flavored protein (like coffee, plant-based chocolate, vanilla, etc.). Different protein powders will be more/less absorbent, so you may need additional liquid. I recommend replacing some oats with protein powder.
Cocoa powder: Similar to the protein powder, you may need to add some liquid.
Other fried fruit: Instead of raisins, you could add finely chopped dates, apricots, blueberries, or cranberries. You could also mix in options like dried apple.
Shredded coconut: Use unsweetened coconut to add some extra chew and flavor.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls?

process of mixing ingredients of Oatmeal Raisin Protein Balls in a white bowl

Step 1: First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, oats, and raisins. Use your hands to mix it thoroughly.

Step 2: Then, either using your hands or a small cookie scoop/ melon baller, scoop the mixture into small balls around the size of a tablespoon.

Oatmeal Raisin Protein Balls into balls on a white tray surface

Step 3: Once rolled, place them onto a wax/parchment paper-lined baking tray. Finally, freeze for around 30 minutes. You can then either enjoy them immediately or save them for later!

How to Store Protein Peanut Butter Balls

Fridge: After chilling the peanut butter oatmeal protein balls, transfer them to an airtight container or reusable silicone bag in the refrigerator for 7-9 days.

Freezer: Alternatively, store them in the freezer for between 3-4 months.

Thaw: Allow the oatmeal balls to thaw for just 15-20 minutes on the counter before enjoying!

FAQs for Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Can I substitute the peanut butter?

You may be able to use other nut butter or seed butter (like almond butter, hazelnut butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter for a nut-free option, etc.). However, the consistency may be slightly off and require additional ‘thickening’ ingredients, like chia/flaxseed or additional oats.

Are protein balls healthy?

The brilliant thing about these peanut butter oatmeal balls is that they contain a balanced amount of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. These are not only nourishing to the body but great for providing energy, too. But, of course, because they are highly nutrient-dense, they aren’t a low-calorie snack and should be eaten in moderation.

How much is a serving?

Depending on your calorie/fitness goals, I recommend enjoying one or two protein bites. Enjoy as either a mid-day snack, pre or post-workout snack, or even a post-dinner treat.

How to make the energy balls gluten-free?

As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, they are naturally gluten-free peanut butter energy balls. You could also substitute them with quinoa flakes but will likely need slightly more.

Could I use peanut butter powder?

I haven’t tried. Though once reconstituted with water, it may work. Let me know in the comments if you try. If using peanut butter powder, note that the fat and calories will be significantly reduced in the peanut butter oat balls.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, there isn’t much mixing involved. But if you prefer to use a stand mixer, it will work.

Toni’s Recipe Tips for Peanut Butter Oat Balls

Use the right peanut butter: I tested this recipe with creamy peanut butter (rather than drippy ‘natural’-style peanut butter). If you use a different type, the ratios may need to be tweaked.
Use room temperature peanut butter: If you take it directly from the fridge, it may be hard to mix. So allow it to come to room temperature (or microwave it for 15-20 seconds).
If the dough is too dry/crumbly: To combat that, I like to add some dairy-free milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until it forms a dough. However, before that, try microwaving it for a few seconds, which might soften it enough to roll.
If the mixture is too soft to roll: Place the bowl in the refrigerator/freezer for 15 to 20 minutes and then try again.
When rolling the energy balls: It may help to wet your hands to avoid sticking.
Turn into peanut butter energy bars: Instead of rolling them, spread the mixture into a baking dish, chill, and slice into bars.

More Energizing Peanut Butter Snacks

Vegan Desserts

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cups

Vegan Desserts

Peanut Butter Chia Pudding [With Berry Compote]

Vegan Desserts

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls (+ Add-Ins)

Vegan Breakfasts

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

If you tried this peanut butter oatmeal balls recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

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