3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

These no-bake 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls are a healthy, whole grain, nutrient-dense, high-protein snack. Gluten-free, vegan, with no added sugar!

5-Minute High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls

For such a simple recipe, there really are a surprising amount of different names for these 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls. I.e., peanut butter energy balls, no-bake energy bites, oatmeal balls, oatmeal protein balls, peanut butter power balls, oatmeal raisin protein balls, etc. No matter what you call them, though, the result is the same; a quick, nutritious, grab-and-go snack packed with flavor, nutrients, and energy-boosting ingredients!

These no-bake oatmeal balls take just 5 minutes to prepare (just mix and roll, then allow to chill). They’re also a nourishing blend of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to satiate you at breakfast time, between meals, and provide energy as a pre or post-workout healthy snack.

They also make for a great lunchbox snack (and are enthusiastically child-approved)! Who doesn’t love a healthy single portion snack that allows you to make healthier snack choices?!

Best of all, these peanut butter energy balls are super adaptable (keep scrolling to find our long list of optional add-ins) and can be stored in the fridge or freezer, so there are always some to hand to help you curb cravings.

These peanut butter oatmeal raisin energy bites aren’t the only treat for peanut butter fans we’ve shared, either. You might also like these peanut butter bonbons, chocolate-covered trail mix peanut butter balls, or chocolate peanut butter pretzel bars!

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

The Ingredients

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.

Optional add-ins

With a base of just three ingredients, these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal balls are actually super versatile/ adaptable. We 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. We 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 granola peanut butter 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. We 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 Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls?

1) In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, oats, and raisins. Use your hands to mix it thoroughly.

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.

3) Once rolled, place them onto a wax/parchment paper-lined baking tray and freeze for around 30 minutes.

You can then either enjoy them immediately or save them for later.

How to Store?

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

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

FAQs

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, we recommend enjoying one or two 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. You could also substitute them with quinoa flakes but will likely need slightly more.

Could I use peanut butter powder?

We haven’t tried. Though once reconstituted with water, it may work. Let us 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.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Use the right peanut butter: We tested this recipe with creamy peanut butter (rather than drippy ‘natural’-style peanut butter). If you use the wrong 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, we 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 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 easy vegan peanut butter recipes

• Peanut butter oatmeal breakfast cups
• Peanut butter sandwich cookies
• Chocolate peanut butter bark
• Peanut butter banana bars
• Peanut butter granola

Photos by Alfonso Revilla