Being a snacker, I’m completely in love with these peanut butter energy balls. Chewy, chocolate-y, and PEANUT BUTTER. Could you ask for more?! I found a formula a few years ago that I just loved for energy balls, and instead of fixing what ain’t broke, I keep putting new spins on it. Gingerbread energy bites for the holidays, pumpkin energy bites in the fall, no bake brownie energy bites for chocolate decadence, and, in this case, adding peanut butter for peanut butter energy bites. These are seriously so good, so delicious, and so worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Energy Balls Recipe
Super versatile. These bites are great for breakfast, snacks, a sweet treat after lunch, and they even freeze well. Easy to make. You’re only 5 ingredients and a few minutes away from chewy, delicious peanut butter energy balls! Feel good food. With peanut butter, oats, coconut, and dates as the only sweetener, this is the kind of snack that will help you power through any energy slumps.
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
Old fashioned oats – These help make peanut butter energy balls filling and give them a chewy texture. Dates – Who needs sugar?! Dates add natural sweetness. Peanut butter – Although these are peanut butter energy balls, you can use another nut butter (like almond butter) or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Shredded unsweetened coconut flakes – Coconut adds texture and flavour. Cocoa/cacao powder – Because chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combo.
Can I Substitute Shredded Coconut in Place of Coconut Flakes?
While the two aren’t interchangeable in every recipe, for these PB energy balls, you can swap in shredded coconut instead of coconut flakes. I recommend using unsweetened coconut to keep from adding in extra sugar.
How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Make a paste. Add the oats and dates to a food processor and process until a paste starts to form. Finish the dough. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to process until the mixture is smooth and uniformly mixed. Shape. Roll the mixture into balls. Chill. Refrigerate the peanut butter energy balls for at least an hour to set.
Tips for Success
Choose a natural peanut butter. You want to use natural runny peanut butter that you need to stir for these bites. They’re not only the purest peanut butters, but the tastiest too. Use a cookie dough scoop. This makes it easy to scoop the dough, and the release button means it doesn’t stick to the spoon. It will also ensure that the peanut butter energy balls are uniform in size. Keep your hands clean. You can use plastic wrap to handle the balls as you shape them to keep the mixture from getting all over your hands and under your fingernails.
Variations
Give them a protein boost. Swap the cocoa powder for chocolate protein powder. Incorporate a mix-in. Hemp seeds, chia seeds, or finely chopped peanuts are all great additions to these peanut butter energy balls. Make them into truffles. Energy truffles?! Yes! Dip the rolled balls into melted dark chocolate and let them set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add a coating. Another option is to roll the energy balls into shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
How to Store
Refrigerate peanut butter energy balls in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
To freeze, store the balls in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
More Satisfying Snack Recipes
Soft Pretzel Recipe Pumpkin Banana Muffins Salted Honey, Dark Chocolate, Coconut and Quinoa No Bake Granola Bars Apple Chips Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
Enjoy friends! If you make this peanut butter energy balls recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
