Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Modified: Aug 28, 2022 by Addison LaBonte · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

These no-bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls double as both a sweet treat and an energy-boosting snack. And, they're gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free and oil-free too! Enjoy these peanut butter balls with or without shredded coconut.

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overhead of peanut butter balls in white bowl with bite taken out of the one on top

I don't know about you, but I loooooove peanut butter!

Whether it's peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and banana, peanut butter and chocolate or even a Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie, peanut butter always hits the spot.

There's just something about it's creamy peanutty-ness that can make any bad day better.

But, did you know that there's more to peanut butter than it's magical flavor?

Peanut butter energy balls in a white bowl

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a powerhouse when it comes to its nutritional benefits. One serving (2 tablespoons) provides a fair share of protein, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, niacin and vitamin B6.

It's also known to slowly release energy, which keeps you going longer while helping to control your hunger at the same time.

Of course, eating too much peanut butter is not recommended due to its high amount of fat (albeit the healthy kind) and calories.

So basically, you shouldn't eat the entire batch of these Peanut Butter Energy Balls. Oh, man!

3 peanut butter balls rolled in coconut on a plate with some peanuts and chocolate chips around

Ingredient Highlights

In addition to the peanut butter, these energy balls are also made with heart-healthy whole-grain oats in the form of oat flour.

Not only are oats loaded with fiber and protein, they also contain manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B1 and vitamin B5.

Oats are also rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood sugar levels.

Speaking of sugar, these energy balls are sweetened with pure maple syrup, making them refined sugar-free.

Although still a source of added sugar, pure maple syrup does contain some vitamins and minerals, including manganese, riboflavin, zinc and potassium as well as antioxidants.

For some crunch, these Peanut Butter Energy Balls also feature chopped peanuts and vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips.

To enhance their flavor, I've also added vanilla extract and kosher salt.

Lastly, I've included an option for rolling the balls in shredded coconut for even more flavor as well as an extra burst of healthy fat.

overhead of peanut butter balls in a white bowl

Not only are they made with wholesome ingredients, but they also taste like balls of heavenly bliss!

But don't take my word for it. Here's what the taste-testers had to say:

"This is the best thing you've made to date. I'll buy you all the ingredients so you can make them again...tomorrow!" - my boss

"Do you have more of those peanut butter balls? I had dreams about them last night." - my coworker

"Don't put these on the blog! Save them for when we open a cafe; we can make MILLIONS!" - my crazy husband 😉

How to Make These Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Then, add peanut butter, oat flour, maple syrup, vanilla and salt to a mixing bowl.

Ingredients in a mixing bowl before being combined

Use a spoon to mix together.

ingredients after mixing together in mixing bowl

Add chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips.

peanuts and chocolate chips added to in mixing bowl

Stir to combine.

batter after everything is mixed together

Refrigerate dough in the mixing bowl for 10 minutes.

Use a cookie scoop (I used a #50 disher) to scoop out dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet.

Scooping peanut butter balls onto a baking sheet

Form each scoop of dough into balls with your hands.

If you are not using the coconut, place the tray of dough balls in the freezer for 10 minutes.

If you are using the coconut, roll each ball into shredded coconut and return to the baking sheet.

Rolling peanut butter balls in shredded coconut

Then, freeze for 10 minutes.

Peanut butter balls rolled in coconut on parchment paper with peanuts and chocolate chips around

Storing the Peanut Butter Balls

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days...if they last that long! 😉

You might also enjoy these other no-bake treats:

Energy balls in a white bowl with a bite taken out of the top one

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5 from 58 votes

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

These no-bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls double as both a sweet treat and an energy-boosting snack. And, they're gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free and oil-free too!

Course Snack

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan

Keyword energy balls, gluten free, peanut butter, refined sugar free, vegan

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Chilling Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings energy balls

Calories 166kcal

Author Sireesha A.

Ingredients

½ cup unsweetened, creamy peanut butter (I used 365 brand)
½ cup plus 2 tablespoon gluten-free, whole-grain oat flour
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoon unsalted chopped peanuts (use dry roasted to keep it oil-free)
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoon mini vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life)
2 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Add peanut butter, oat flour, maple syrup, vanilla and salt to a mixing bowl, and stir with a spoon to combine.
Add chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips and stir to combine. Place the dough in the mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Use a cookie scoop (I used a #50 disher) to scoop out dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Form each scoop of dough into balls with your hands.
If not using the optional coconut, skip to the next step. If using the optional coconut, roll each ball into shredded coconut and return to the baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet of energy balls in the freezer for 10 minutes.

(Please refer to the post above for instructional photographs and other helpful information for this recipe)

Notes

Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition information is based on one energy ball out of a batch of 12 with the optional shredded coconut. Please note the nutrition calculator did not accommodate for unsweetened peanut butter.

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Nutrition

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