• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Watch Learn Eat
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sweets

    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.

    Jump to Recipe
    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:

    • Almond Butter Cookie Dough Bites
    • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
    • Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
    • Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites
    Energy balls in a white bowl with a bite taken out of the top one
    Print Recipe Pin Save RecipeSaved!
    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 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes minutes
    Servings 15 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

    Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Fiber: 1g

    ©Watch Learn Eat. All content and images are copyright protected. Recipes and images are not to be used or republished without prior permission. If you adapt this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, and link back to this post for the original recipe.

    You Might Also Enjoy...

    • Sweet Crunchy Cinnamon and Sugar Roasted Pecans in a baking sheet out of the oven
      Sweet Crunchy Cinnamon and Sugar Roasted Pecans
    • maple pecan cookies on a rack with a few topped with maple glaze and pecans - feature
      Maple Pecan Cookies
    • maple glaze feature image in a glass bowl with silver spoon
      Maple Glaze in Microwave (Easy Vegan Maple Icing)
    • stack of cottage cheese muffins feature image
      Cottage Cheese Muffins (Spiced Chocolate Chip)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 58 votes (47 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Dari

      May 15, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      There is something missing in the recipe. Right after the first ingredient, peanut butter, you wrote "1/2 cup..." and there's nothing next to it. ?

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        May 15, 2020 at 3:58 pm

        Hi Dari! Hmm...it's showing it on my end...the ingredient is: 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp gluten-free, whole-grain oat flour. I just made some changes on the site so perhaps there is a glitch that I am not able to see. I've included the ingredients from the recipe card in case it helps. Please let me know if you notice anything else that's missing. Thanks for letting me know! Hope you enjoy the peanut butter balls! 🙂

        1/2 cup unsweetened, creamy peanut butter (I used 365 brand)
        1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp gluten-free, whole-grain oat flour
        1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
        1 tsp pure vanilla extract
        1/4 tsp kosher salt
        1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp unsalted chopped peanuts (use dry roasted to keep it oil-free)
        1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp mini vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life)
        2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

        Reply
    2. Jo

      March 11, 2019 at 5:31 am

      5 stars
      You had me at peanut butter. Anything peanut butter, sign me up please. These would be perfect for my after workout snacks. Can't wait to try your version of energy balls!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:23 pm

        Thanks Jo! Peanut butter rocks! These are perfect for pre and post workout sessions for sure! Hope you enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Daniela

      March 10, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      You had me at peanut butter! And again at energy :). Thanks so much for sharing! They would be a great pre and post surf sesh snack for me :).

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        For sure, Daniela! Thanks so much! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Leslie Kiszka

      March 10, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      Peanut butter and chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations, and I love that you included actual chopped peanuts, too!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:21 pm

        Thanks Leslie! The chopped peanuts definitely add a nice crunch factor. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Kathryn

      March 10, 2019 at 10:11 am

      I've got to get into the habit of adding a batch of energy balls to my weekly meal prep. They are such a great snack!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:21 pm

        I've been trying to do that too...makes it easier to eat a snack on the healthier side than go for the chips. Thanks Kathryn!

        Reply
    6. Veronika's Kitchen

      March 09, 2019 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love energy balls and make them quite often. Really, I needed an inspiration for a new flavor and yours look so scrumptious! Peanut butter is always a winner ingredient in any recipes, especially in energy balls!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:20 pm

        Thanks Veronika! Hope you give them a try! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Analida Braeger

      March 09, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      I have been looking for a healthier snack` lately and these I have to try. Anything with peanut butter is always good.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:19 pm

        You can say that again! PB all the way! Thanks Analida! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Anne Lawton

      March 09, 2019 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      These look fantastic and easy to make, they are just perfect when you want a quick homemade treat!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:19 pm

        Thanks so much, Anne! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      March 08, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      Peanut butter is my JAM! I have stopped baking with it recently because I work at a nut and peanut free school, so I have to avoid it. But I think I will make these just for me and store it in my fridge for a quick snack 🙂

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:18 pm

        Sounds like a plan to me, Cathleen! Some of the schools I work in too are peanut free, so I usually only eat these at home or in my office. Hope you enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Corina Blum

      March 07, 2019 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      I love peanut butter and coconut and these would make such a great snack! I'd love to have a batch at home for whenever I was feeling a bit peckish.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:18 pm

        They definitely make for an awesome snack, and are super easy to whip up when you get a craving too! Thanks Corina! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Denise

      March 07, 2019 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      YUM. They look incredible! Peanut butter is my weakness. I can eat it anytime... if I make these, it will satisfy my constant craving for it!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:17 pm

        Same here, Denise! Thanks so much! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Elaine Benoit

      March 05, 2019 at 8:15 am

      5 stars
      I love energy balls and I think the peanut butter energy balls are my absolute favorite. But I need more research by making your delicious recipe! And I can't wait.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:17 pm

        Thank you Elaine! Me too! Peanut butter is my BFF 😉 Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Gloria

      March 04, 2019 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great recipe to get the kids to help with. Perfect for little hands to make. Great for after-school snacking, or while on the run to dance, hockey or all the other activities.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 11, 2019 at 4:16 pm

        Yes, they love to help out in the kitchen...and we have lots of those activities as well...thanks Gloria! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Eva

      February 28, 2019 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious for the pup and me! Sub vegan chocolate chips for carob chips!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        March 02, 2019 at 10:37 am

        Great idea, Eva! Thanks! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Stacy Estelle

      February 28, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      Sherri Thank you so much for sharing these DELICIOUS treats with your co workers. They were absolutely amazing! I loved them so much that I actually dreamt about them last night!!!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        February 28, 2019 at 12:48 pm

        lol 🙂 Thanks Stacy! I hope they were "sweet" dreams! 😉

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Side Bar

    About Sireesha

    Hi There! I am the recipe developer, content writer, and owner of Watch Learn Eat. A lifelong foodie, I enjoy cooking, baking, traveling, and spending time with my two little twin daughters.

    Learn more about me

    Popular

    • collage of 4 of the recipes from the broccoli cheese soup side dish collection.
      What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup: 25 Best Side Dishes
    • ripe avocados on store shelf.
      How to Buy and Store Avocados So They Last Longer
    • Front view of tofu on a plate.
      How Long Does Tofu Last in the Fridge? Shelf life of Opened, Unopened and Cooked Tofu
    • close-up overhead of mashed potatoes in white bowl with spoon behind it
      Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

    Explore More

    • collage of 4 of the recipes in the sides for lasagna roundup.
      What to Serve With Lasagna: 30 Best Side Dishes
    • close-up of uncooked red lentils in a white bowl with some scattered around on the table.
      How to Cook Red Lentils in Under 10 Minutes
    • Two pieces of dahi toast served along side with raspberries on a white plate
      Dahi Toast (Spiced Yogurt Toast)
    • air fryer frozen broccoli - feature image. Broccoli on a white plate sprinkled with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes
      Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Affiliate Disclosures

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    This website generates income via ads.

    Copyright © 2024 Watch Learn Eat | Tiny Capital

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.