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Peanut Butter Power Balls

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Peanut Butter Power Balls are the perfect grab-and-go energy snack. Store them in the freezer, and grab one for a protein boost before or after a workout – or for a quick breakfast on your commute. Easy to make and tasty too!

Overhead view of a bowl of power balls.

Protein Balls

These power balls were one of the first recipes I published on the blog. I’ve recently updated the photos but the recipe is the same.

This is the recipe we (almost) NEVER run out of. There is ALWAYS a bag of them in the freezer for that quick pick-me-up. When we run out, it’s an SOS situation if you know what I mean.

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Instead of heading for junk food, I tend to grab this healthy snack when I’m “starving” to keep my blood sugar in check. Having snacks handy for our busy lives is a very good thing indeed.

Why This Recipe Works:

  1. SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – Just a handful of simple ingredients (plus a few more) are required for these no-bake energy balls.
  2. FILLING – Since this recipe has a decent amount of protein (5 grams per serving), you’ll be satisfied with this quick snack when you’re on the go.
  3. A PERFECT SNACK – If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, this easy snack is for YOU.
Side view of a bowl of peanut butter power balls.

What You’ll Need:

These nutritious ingredients are easy to keep stocked in your pantry.

  • Old Fashioned Oatmeal – Use regular oats for best results.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips – Make sure you use the MINI version.
  • Craisins – Or you could use regular raisins.
  • Sunflower Seeds (Or try pumpkin seeds)
  • Chia Seeds
  • Flax Seed
  • Honey – Try substituting a little pure maple syrup for some of the honey.
  • Peanut Butter
  • Optional Ingredients – Vanilla extract, hemp seeds, or a pinch of salt.
The ingredients for the power balls.

How to make Peanut Butter Power Balls:

Step 1
Process dry ingredients. Measure out dry ingredients – the old-fashioned oats, sunflower seeds, Craisins, mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, and flax seeds – and add to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are coarse crumbs.

Step 2
Add wet ingredients. Then add the honey and peanut butter to the food processor. Pulse until well combined.

Step 3
Chill. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 4
Roll into balls. Roll the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 5
Chill. Store power balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

To FREEZE, place the power balls in a single layer on a sheet pan. Then place the pan in the freezer to do a quick freeze – for an hour or so. Then stack the peanut butter power balls in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.

Side view of a small plate with a halved power ball and a whole one.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I use quick oats for power balls?

You can use quick oats. However, since this recipe uses old-fashioned oatmeal for measuring, you may need a little less quick oats than the recipe calls for.

Can I use natural peanut butter for power balls?

Natural peanut butter is not nearly as creamy as the “normal” peanut butter I use. Therefore, you will most likely need to add a little bit of healthy oil (or something similar) to help get the mixture creamy enough to form balls.

How many calories are there in peanut butter power balls?

According to the calculator that I used, there are roughly 200 calories in each power ball.

A bowl of peanut butter power balls.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue

Side view of a bowl of peanut butter power balls.

Peanut Butter Power Balls

Peanut Butter Power Balls are the perfect grab-and-go energy snack. Store them in the freezer, and grab one for a protein boost before or after a work-out – or for a quick breakfast on your commute. Easy to make and tasty too!
4.91 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
chill time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 power balls
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
  • 3/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds – or more
  • 1 Tablespoon flax seed – or more
  • 1 1/2 cups extra crunchy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup raw honey

Instructions

  • Combine all dry ingredients (oats, sunflower seeds, cranberries, chocolate chips, chia seeds, and flax seed) in food processor and pulse.
  • Add peanut butter and honey and continue to pulse, until dry ingredients are well coated.
  • Transfer mixture into separate bowl and refrigerate for an hour to make it easier to roll into balls.
  • Roll mixture into approximately 22-24 balls and place on cookie sheet.
  • Place in refrigerator (or freezer) for another hour.
  • Store power balls in airtight container or storage bag and keep in refrigerator until ready to eat. These freeze well.

Video

Notes

  1. These power balls are best stored in the freezer. Just set one out for a few minutes, and it’s ready to eat.
  2. Some of the mix-ins can be substituted for other types of nuts, chips, etc. Just use same quantities.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Suebeehomemaker or tag #suebeehomemaker!

13 Comments

  1. Mmmmm, these are delicious little bites of goodness. Good in that they are healthy and that they are yummy. I wish I had processed a bit less so I could see the bits but I know what is in them and can taste all the flavors. Next time!!

  2. Is there a substitution for the craisens? I really dislike them.

    1. Suebee Homemaker says:

      You could use regular raising or dates. Or skip them and add extra nuts of chocolate chips.

  3. Jackie Thill says:

    Just made these again today. AGAIN requested by my husband. We know they will be great!

  4. Jackie Thill says:

    Today “my husband” specifically asked for these, since he’s working from home during quarantine and spends most of the day in his office upstairs. So they’re on my list of food to make today. Thinking they’ll be a hit with more people in the house, including me!! We know because we’ve made them a number of times. Thanks for a great healthy snack recipe SueBee!!

    1. Suebee Homemaker says:

      Yay! “Your husband” is very smart! Thanks for the feedback, Jackie. 🙂

  5. These are delicious and so easy to make!! My husband does not care for healthy foods and I’m delighted that he enjoys these so much!!! Winner here in our household!

    1. Suebee Homemaker says:

      Hi Ann! I’m so glad that your husband approves! We love them too. 🙂

  6. Is the calorie content for one powerball? Thanks!

    1. Suebee Homemaker says:

      Hi Rachel. Yes, the calorie/nutritional content is for one power ball.

  7. Robert Reding says:

    We just made these for the first time. They are very good and have very healthy ingredients. My girls are upset that they can’t take them to school for snacks (because of the peanut butter).

    1. Suebee Homemaker says:

      Mike eats at least one power ball every day! Glad the girls liked them! 🙂

  8. Just got back from vacation. I went straight to the freezer as I missed them after running out on day 3!

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