These no-bake protein balls fulfill any starvation pangs and peanut butter cravings! Full of candy nutty taste, their gentle texture resembles cookie dough, and their bite-size form gives a fast vitality enhance. This tremendous straightforward recipe is nice for snacks — or any time of day!
Throughout my childhood summers, my brother and I stayed with a sitter most mornings every week whereas each of our mother and father labored. We learn books, performed board video games, and ventured outdoors into the yard to soar as excessive as our legs may pump us on our sturdy wood swing set.
Whereas Dad put in full days, Mother returned dwelling within the early afternoons. As she modified out of her good gown garments, my brother and I typically slipped into bathing fits. Mother loved swimming laps at one of many native swimming pools, and we liked canonballing in, splashing round, and strapping on goggles to dive for rings and different toys resting on the pool’s flooring. It was a win-win for everybody!
Earlier than heading out the door, Mother normally inspired us to eat a snack. In our pleasure — and want to maximise our pool time! — we typically skipped the crackers, pretzels, or apple slices… These took too lengthy to complete, no less than in our (teen) eyes!
As a substitute, we opened the silverware drawer, twisted off the lid to the peanut butter jar, and every dug out a spoonful. It could have been sufficient to connect an elephant’s mouth shut, however we nonetheless completed off these “peanut butter spoons” in mere seconds… Which gave us that rather more time on the pool!
And these wholesome peanut butter protein balls remind me of these! Their candy peanutty taste transports me proper again to these enjoyable summer time afternoons.
But in contrast to our “peanut butter spoons,” these snack bites are completely moveable, they usually have much more protein too. They’re nice gasoline for any form of afternoon actions — for youths and adults alike!
QUICK OVERVIEW – HEALTHY NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS
Issue: Very straightforward.
Style: Nutty and acquainted, with a robust pop of salt and trace of sweetness.
Texture: Smooth and moist, a bit like cookie dough.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE HEALTHY NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS
Let’s discuss what you’ll have to make these wholesome no-bake peanut butter protein balls! The substances listing is relatively brief, and also you in all probability have no less than half of them in your kitchen already.
Creamy peanut butter. No surprises right here! As a way to make peanut butter protein balls, you want… Peanut butter. The sort of peanut butter you employ issues so much although! For the very best texture, use natural-style creamy peanut butter. I usually flip to my tremendous straightforward selfmade peanut butter. (You solely want 5 minutes to make it!)
Trace: When you choose store-bought, double test the jar’s label. The pure, drippy-style sort made solely with peanuts and salt yields the very best outcomes! (A little bit little bit of oil is okay too.)
I do not suggest substituting crunchy peanut butter. Peanut butter contributes to the liquid quantity of those protein balls, and people “crunchy” peanut bits take up house within the measuring spoon… Which implies you find yourself with much less of the creamy portion — thus throwing off the ratio of moist and dry substances — and your combination is likely to be too dry to carry collectively. So save your crunchy peanut butter for one more day, and seize a jar of creamy as a substitute!
Powdered peanut butter. That’s proper… There’s a second sort of peanut butter in these wholesome protein balls! Along with creamy peanut butter, you’ll additionally add powdered peanut butter.
Powdered peanut butter is constituted of peanuts which have been skinned, crushed, and partially defatted. This implies it’s decrease fats, decrease calorie, and better protein in comparison with common peanut butter — and even finely floor peanuts. It nonetheless has a robust nutty style, so it’s an effective way to spice up the peanut taste and add protein to those vitality bites!
Trace: Powdered peanut butter form of appears to be like like tan cornstarch or actually mild brown cocoa powder! It has that very same ultra-fine, virtually dusty consistency.
If you will discover powdered peanut butter that comprises nothing besides peanuts (or peanuts and salt), corresponding to PB2 Pure, that’s my high suggestion! I do know it’s not all the time straightforward to find, so extra extensively out there merchandise like PB2 Unique or PBfit Unique are first rate second decisions.
Protein powder. To spice up the protein content material of those vitality bites much more, you’ll additionally add soy protein powder. It’s one in all my all-time favourite protein powders! Soy protein powder is just about flavorless with no different substances (in contrast to many different plant-based and whey-based choices that usually embrace sweeteners, gums, or flavorings) and it really works very well in vitality balls, smoothies, and even edible protein cookie dough. (← Yup, I’ve recipes for all of these!)
This is the precise soy protein powder that I take advantage of, and I typically purchase it on-line. (← That’s typically the very best value I’ve discovered for it!) It additionally goes by the identify “soy protein isolate,” so you might even see that on the label as a substitute.
REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE: Many protein powder manufacturers and merchandise behave otherwise, each in baking and no-bake recipes (like these peanut butter protein balls!). Substituting one other one can produce drastically totally different outcomes, particularly due to the quantity and manner every distinctive one absorbs liquids. I haven’t tried every other protein powders to make this recipe, so I can’t assure whether or not yours will work… Except it’s whey-based.
Do not substitute whey-based protein powder! I assure it received’t work on this recipe. It’s not almost as absorbent as plant-based protein powders, so your combination will probably be a moist, liquidy, gloopy mess and unattainable to roll into balls. Put aside your whey-based protein powder for one more recipe!
For extra info, see my Protein Powder FAQ Web page. I share heaps extra recommendation and canopy loads of suggestions there!
Sweetener. I turned to liquid stevia to sweeten these peanut butter protein balls. Stevia is a plant-based, no-calorie sweetener that comprises nothing overly refined or synthetic (aka it’s clear consuming pleasant!), and it’s additionally extremely concentrated. You solely want ½ teaspoon to sweeten this whole batch!
As a result of it’s a zero-calorie sweetener, liquid stevia additionally helps hold these wholesome peanut butter protein balls low carb and low calorie. In contrast to honey, stevia is plant-based, so it makes these protein balls vegan too!
Tip: Similar to with protein powders, many stevia manufacturers and merchandise have totally different sweetness ranges, in order that they’re not essentially 1-for-1 substitutes for one another. For the very best outcomes, I extremely suggest utilizing the identical one which I do! I usually purchase it on-line right here (that’s the very best value I’ve discovered!), and also you’ll use it in all of these recipes of mine too. I promise it’s not a “one-time use” ingredient!
Salt. This is likely to be probably the most underrated ingredient on this whole recipe! With my first batch, I skipped the salt to attenuate substances and streamline the method. Since my creamy peanut butter already contained salt, I figured that might be ok. But once I sampled the primary protein ball, it tasted… Bland. Blah. And form of flat. I knew it had two sorts of peanut butter — not only one! — besides, it didn’t style almost as sturdy or nutty as these “peanut butter spoons” from my childhood.
Serious about how a beneficiant sprinkling of salt makes veggies, soups, and even soft-baked pretzels and caramel style one million occasions higher, I instantly whipped up a second batch of protein balls. I stored the quantities and substances precisely the identical, however I additionally added a hefty pinch of salt.
Holy moly… A full 180°! The peanut taste tasted so distinguished and brilliant, the precise reverse of my earlier batch, and that second spherical of protein balls disappeared within the blink of a watch. They had been so flavorful and irresistible — all due to that pop of salt!
So the ethical of this (salty) story? Don’t be lazy, pour it in, and don’t be afraid so as to add a bit greater than you suppose both. Your style buds will thanks!
Water. Many different recipes go for honey or dates to “glue” every thing collectively, however you’ll use water for these wholesome peanut butter protein balls as a substitute. That helps hold them low carb and low calorie, and it lets the peanut taste shine extra too. (It’s additionally a lot simpler — no particular journeys to the grocery retailer required for this ingredient! 😉 )
HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS
Let’s briefly cowl the best way to make the very best no-bake peanut butter protein balls! I promise this recipe is tremendous straightforward. I simply have some suggestions to make sure yours prove completely!
Measure appropriately. When you’ve browsed by my different recipes earlier than, you then in all probability predicted that I’d point out this… It’s one of the crucial vital elements! Ensure you measure all the substances appropriately, utilizing this methodology or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I personal!) That is notably true for the powdered peanut butter and protein powder! An excessive amount of of both one will dry out the combination and make it too crumbly to roll into balls. But in the event you measure these the right manner, your peanut butter protein balls will probably be fantastically gentle and completely shapeable!
One-bowl methodology. To make this recipe easy and easy, I opted for the “one-bowl” methodology. You’ll combine collectively the moist substances till they’re homogenous, pour within the dry ones, and stir till they’re included. Straightforward peasy — and fewer dishes to scrub too!
One key factor to notice… It’s going to take a little bit of effort and endurance to combine collectively these moist substances! The creamy peanut butter takes a while to interrupt aside and “dissolve” (nicely, technically dissociate, in the event you’re nerdy and an ex-scientist like me!), so hold going till no lumps stay.
Because of this, I extremely suggest a fork — not a spatula or spoon! The sharp tines of the fork assist break aside the peanut butter, and the empty house between these tines additionally helps the substances combine collectively extra effectively.
Roll. Once more, tremendous easy! Seize a small quantity of the combination from the bowl, pop it into your hand, and roll it right into a ball between your palms. I intention for bite-sized spheres about 1” in diameter. You’re welcome to make yours bigger or smaller, in the event you choose! The combination could stick with your fingers a bit, so wipe them clear with a moist paper towel as wanted.
That’s proper — although my weblog is known as “Amy’s Wholesome Baking,” there’s no oven concerned on this recipe. These peanut butter protein balls are no-bake! So all that’s left to do now’s… Eat!
FAQS ABOUT HEALTHY NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS
Are these no-bake peanut butter protein balls gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, low calorie, low carb, or clear consuming?
Sure — to every thing! These protein balls are naturally gluten-free, vegan (aka dairy-free and egg-free!), sugar-free, low calorie, low carb, and clear consuming pleasant. Plant-based and low fats too! They’re additionally made with no oats, no dates, no honey, and no whey.
What’s the very best peanut butter for peanut butter protein balls?
Pure-style creamy peanut butter! I like to recommend my tremendous straightforward selfmade peanut butter — or, in the event you choose store-bought, select one which comprises simply peanuts and salt. (See the “Creamy peanut butter” header within the “Components to Make Wholesome No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls” part above for more information!)
Can I substitute one other protein powder?
When you do, I can’t assure the outcomes. Many protein powder manufacturers and merchandise behave otherwise in each no-bake and baking recipes, so swapping in one other one can produce drastically totally different ends in the style and texture. See the “Protein powder” header within the “Components to Make Wholesome No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls” part above for lots extra details about this!
Can I omit the protein powder?
This recipe was particularly designed for protein powder. I haven’t tried omitting it, so I’m not personally certain and don’t need to lead you astray. When you do find yourself experimenting by yourself and substituting one thing else (perhaps extra powdered peanut butter or one thing like oat flour?), I’d love to listen to in regards to the outcomes!
What in regards to the powdered peanut butter? Can I skip that?
I don’t suggest it. This recipe was particularly designed for powdered peanut butter as nicely, and it gives taste, texture, and protein. Similar to with the protein powder, I haven’t tried omitting it and might’t personally vouch for the outcomes. You’re welcome to experiment by yourself, however take into account that your protein balls could have a special texture and received’t style almost as peanutty with out it!
Can I take advantage of a special sweetener?
Sure! I’ve included the best way to adapt this recipe to make use of different sweeteners (like pure maple syrup, honey, and agave — plus extra!) within the Notes part of the recipe.
My combination was too dry and crumbly to form into balls. What ought to I do?
Add extra water! And be sure to’re (a) utilizing creamy peanut butter, (b) utilizing the identical protein powder that I do, and (c) measuring all the substances appropriately. Altering these are the most typical culprits that end in a relatively dry and crumbly combination. (See the “Creamy peanut butter” and “Protein powder” headers within the “Components to Make Wholesome No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls” part above, plus the “Measure appropriately” header within the “The right way to Make Wholesome No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls” Part, for more information about each!)
I had the other downside — mine was too moist and sticky. Why’s that?
Did you substitute whey-based protein powder? That’s the #1 cause! As a result of it’s a lot much less absorbent, whey-based protein powder yields a combination that’s actually liquidy, gloopy, and just about unattainable to roll into balls. Another plant-based protein powders are additionally much less absorbent than soy protein powder, so the combination will be wetter and stickier in the event you use a kind of as nicely.
If it’s solely barely too sticky to roll, strive including extra protein powder and/or powdered peanut butter to assist “dry out” the combination and make it stiff sufficient to form.
How ought to I retailer these peanut butter protein balls? And the way lengthy do they final?
Retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge. They need to final for no less than a number of days, if not nearer to per week or extra!
My childhood self would go nuts ( 😉 ) for these protein balls — similar to my present-day grownup self! And whenever you make your personal, would you thoughts leaving a remark and score the recipe? (It’s also possible to snap an image and share it with me on Fb!) I’d love to listen to what you consider these wholesome no-bake peanut butter protein balls!
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These no-bake protein balls fulfill any starvation pangs and peanut butter cravings! Full of nutty taste, their gentle texture resembles cookie dough, and their bite-size form gives a fast vitality enhance. They’re nice for snacks — or any time of day! These protein balls will hold for no less than 4 days (if not nearer to per week!) if saved in an hermetic container within the fridge.
Directions
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In a medium bowl, stir collectively the creamy peanut butter, water, salt, and stevia till the peanut butter has totally “dissolved” and no giant lumps stay. Evenly sprinkle the powdered peanut butter and soy protein powder on high. Stir till totally included. Form the combination into 28 spheres (roughly 1″ in diameter), and place in an hermetic container. Refrigerate till able to eat.
Notes
Do NOT substitute whey-based protein powder. The combination will probably be too sticky to roll into balls and received’t set correctly.
For extra suggestions, questions, and solutions (together with substitutes!), see my Protein Powder Recipes: Suggestions & FAQ Web page.
IMPORTANT MEASURING NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: It’s extraordinarily vital to measure the powdered peanut butter and protein powder appropriately, utilizing this methodology or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I personal!) An excessive amount of of both one will make the combination dry and crumbly, and also you received’t be capable of roll it into balls. If this occurs to you, add extra water (¼ to ½ teaspoon at a time) till you’re in a position to form the combination into spheres.
IMPORTANT SALT NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: This is likely to be probably the most underrated ingredient on this recipe! With out salt, the protein balls style considerably bland. With the salt, the peanut taste is far brighter and extra distinguished. It makes a large distinction! Generally, ½ teaspoon is an effective beginning place. I like a very large pop of salt, so I usually use ¾ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon. (See the “Salt” header within the “Components to Make Wholesome No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls” part in my weblog publish above for more information!)
HOMEMADE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER + ALTERNATIVES: This is my selfmade creamy peanut butter recipe. You simply want 5 minutes to make it! If utilizing store-bought creamy peanut butter, ensure it’s the pure drippy-style sort that solely comprises peanuts and salt. (A little bit oil is okay too.) Do not substitute crunchy peanut butter. (See the “Creamy peanut butter” header within the “Components to Make Wholesome No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls” part in my weblog publish above for more information!)
STEVIA NOTES + ALTERNATIVES: Many stevia manufacturers and merchandise have totally different sweetness ranges, in order that they’re not essentially 1-for-1 substitutes for one another. For the very best outcomes, use the identical liquid stevia that I do. I purchase it on-line right here (← that’s the very best value I’ve discovered), and also you’ll use it in all of these recipes of mine too!
When you’re strongly in opposition to utilizing stevia, you possibly can substitute ¼ cup (60mL) of pure maple syrup, agave, or honey instead of the liquid stevia AND cut back the water by ¼ cup (to ¼ cup + 1 ½ tablespoons as a substitute) to compensate for the added liquid quantity. Alternatively, substitute ¼ cup (48g) of coconut sugar, mild brown sugar, or granulated sugar instead of the liquid stevia AND cut back the water by 2 tablespoons (to six tablespoons + 1 ½ tablespoons as a substitute) to compensate for the added quantity. Lastly, for a special no-calorie sweetener choice, substitute ¼ cup of granulated sucralose instead of the liquid stevia (and hold the water quantity the identical).
POWDERED PEANUT BUTTER NOTE: Powdered peanut butter is constituted of partially defatted peanuts. This implies it’s decrease fats, decrease calorie, and better protein in comparison with common peanut butter or finely floor peanuts. (It form of appears to be like like tan cornstarch and has an identical ultra-fine, virtually dusty texture.)
If you will discover powdered peanut butter that comprises nothing besides peanuts (or peanuts and salt), that’s my high suggestion (corresponding to PBfit Pure Peanut, PB2 Pure Peanut Butter Powder, or Loopy Richard’s 100% All Pure Peanut Powder).
I do know it’s not all the time straightforward to find, so extra extensively out there merchandise like PB2 Unique or PBfit Unique are first rate second decisions.
I don’t suggest making your personal peanut flour or substituting almond flour. They don’t have the identical powdery texture, so the combination received’t have the identical consistency.
SHAPING NOTE: The combination can often stick with your palms whereas rolling it into balls. If this occurs to you, often wipe them clear with a moist paper towel.
GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: No modifications wanted!
VEGAN OPTION: No modifications wanted!
HOW TO STORE: Retailer the protein balls in an hermetic container within the fridge. They need to hold for no less than 5 days, if not longer!
{gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, clear consuming, low carb, low fats, sugar-free}
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You might also like Amy’s different recipes…
♡ Brownie Power Bites
♡ Oatmeal Raisin Power Bites
♡ Snickerdoodle Power Bites
♡ Peanut Butter Protein Bars
♡ Cookie Dough Protein Bars
♡ Edible Peanut Butter Protein Cookie Dough
♡ Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
♡ …and the remainder of Amy’s wholesome snack recipes!
