Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

Easy Nutrient Dense Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Healthy, bite-sized treats are a must-have in my kitchen/freezer for whenever sweet cravings strike – especially when they taste like dessert – like my lemon coconut balls, keto balls, bliss balls, and these sweet peanut butter oatmeal balls (also called peanut butter energy balls, power balls, oatmeal balls, etc.). These chewy peanut butter energy bites combine just 5 ingredients, primarily peanut butter, oats, and chocolate, for an energy-boosting, nutrient-dense snack (loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats) that are also whole-grain, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and child-approved. You only need a few minutes of hands-on prep (no blender/tools required) and simple pantry ingredients to prepare these creamy, nutty, sweet oatmeal bites. They’re a healthy snack perfect for breakfast, sweet cravings, lunch boxes, a post-workout snack, and on the go.

The Peanut Butter Oat Balls Ingredients

For the full ingredients list, ingredient measurements, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.

Recipe and Flavor Variations

Salt: Depending on the saltiness of the peanut butter, adding a tiny pinch of additional salt is a great way to enhance the various flavors in these healthy peanut butter balls with oats. Vanilla extract: This adds subtle warmth and delicious flavor. Spices: Boost the flavor with warming cinnamon, chai spice, pumpkin pie spice, etc. Add to taste. Dried fruit: Optionally replace the chocolate chips with raisins, cranberries, dried cherries, or finely chopped dates. Coconut: Add a few tablespoons of shredded/ desiccated coconut for extra texture (chew), healthy fats, and flavor. Chopped nuts/seeds: For added crunch and nutrients. I.e., pecans, walnuts, pepitas, peanuts, etc. Protein powder: Add a scoop of plain or flavored protein powder (like peanut butter, vanilla, cookie dough, or coffee flavor) for boosted peanut butter protein balls. Different powders will have different absorbency levels, so you’ll need to adjust the dough consistency accordingly (refer to notes section).

How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

First, heat the peanut butter in a double boiler or microwave until it softens. Set it aside to cool.

If the peanut butter is already runny (like natural peanut butter), you can skip this step.

Then, combine the oats and chia seeds in a medium bowl. Add the runny peanut butter, sweetener, and chocolate chips (if using) and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixing bowl to the fridge for about 15 minutes to help the mixture firm up (important for easily rolling the no-bake peanut butter oatmeal balls).

Using a small ice cream scoop (or cookie scoop), divide and roll the mixture with your hands (oil your hands if needed). I had enough dough for 11 balls.

You can enjoy the peanut butter oat energy balls immediately, or transfer them back to the refrigerator to firm up slightly more.

Storing Instructions

Fridge: Store oat peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Freezer: Alternatively, you can freeze oatmeal bites for up to three months. The best way to do so is to flash freeze them on a tray, not touching, before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag. Before eating, allow them to thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes.

Useful Recipe Tips

Allow the peanut butter to cool: If it’s too warm, it will melt the chocolate chips and cause a mess. To adjust the dough: If dry/crumbly, add more runny peanut butter until a dough is formed. If it’s too wet, add oats, or another thickener like protein powder. Adjust the sweetness: Just note that this will change the ratio of wet to dry ingredients, so you may need to adjust the dough. Don’t skip chilling: This firms up the dough, making it easier to shape. Turn it into bars: Press the mixture into a parchment paper-lined baking tray instead, then slice it into small bars/squares.

More Vegan Peanut Butter Recipes

Healthy PB Cookies (Keto) Peanut Butter Mousse 3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies 5-Ingredient PB Crunch Bars PB Chocolate Cups Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

If you try this easy peanut butter oatmeal balls recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan – I love seeing your recreations.