Peanut Butter Energy Balls
These Peanut Butter Energy Balls are made with medjool dates, peanut butter, oats, and hemp seeds for a healthy snack that tastes like a peanut butter cup. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and no-bake (plus, a high-protein option!)
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Ready In: 15 minutes
- Servings: 24 energy balls
- Calories: ~66 per energy ball
- Key Ingredients: Medjool dates, peanut butter, oats, hemp seeds, ground flaxseeds
- Dietary Info: Vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, high-protein option
- Why You’ll Love It: An easy, healthy snack that tastes like a peanut butter cup!
These peanut butter energy balls taste just like a peanut butter cup, but made with wholesome ingredients like medjool dates, oats, peanut butter, and seeds. What’s not to love?!
I’ve been making this recipe for years and I recently updated it with step-by-step photos to make it even easier to follow. These energy balls are ready in 15 minutes and perfect for meal prep (or a little afternoon pick-me-up). I usually have 1–2, but one time my dad ate 6 in one sitting… so yes, they’re that good!
If you love easy no-bake snacks like this, you’ll also love my pecan pie energy balls, pistachio energy balls, and pumpkin spice energy balls. Each one is just as simple and delicious!
Table of Contents
Featured Comment
I have tried a lot of recipes for protein balls, but this one is hands down my favorite. I have been making it on repeat for the past few weeks. I love to take one out of the fridge and put it in the microwave for 15 seconds so it is warm and comforting. Absolutely the best! Thanks so much. 💕
– Mary Kay
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Energy Balls
These are one of my favorite healthy snacks to prep year-round. I know you’ll love them too!
- Tastes like a peanut butter cup: But better-for-you!
- Naturally sweet: Sweetened with medjool dates (no refined sugars)
- Ready in 15 minutes: Quick, easy, and no-bake
- Wholesome ingredients: Made with dates, peanut butter, oats, and seeds to keep you energized throughout the day. Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
- Great for meal prep: A yummy grab-and-go snack option
Ingredients Needed
- Medjool Dates: The base of these energy balls, adding natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. I use them here and in my pistachio energy balls.
- Peanut Butter: I recommend using a runny, natural peanut butter. The only ingredient should be peanuts (and possibly salt). Or, make your own homemade peanut butter!
- Oats: Rolled or quick oats work. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Ground Flaxseed: Flaxseeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hemp Seeds: A great source of plant-based protein. Did you know 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds has 10 grams of protein?!
- Cacao Nibs: I love adding cacao nibs for a burst of chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon + Salt: Just a pinch for flavor.
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements!
Easy Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the peanut butter: Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to make them completely nut-free.
- No cacao nibs? Swap for mini vegan chocolate chips.
- Swap the seeds: Chia seeds or pumpkin seeds work in place of hemp or flax. Nuts work too! Use whatever you have on hand.
- Add a boost of protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder.
- Make them chocolatey: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture.
How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Add the medjool dates, peanut butter, oats, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts to come together. If it feels too crumbly and isn’t sticking, add water one tablespoon at a time until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 2: Add the cacao nibs and pulse a few more times until evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Step 3: Use a mini cookie scoop to portion 1–2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a plate or lined baking sheet. Then, use your hands to roll them into smooth balls.
- Step 4: If desired, roll the energy balls in hemp seeds for a little extra texture and plant-based protein boost.
Megan’s Tips
- Soak the dates. If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This helps process the mixture much more smoothly.
- Adjust the texture. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add more oats 1 tablespoon at a time.
Storage
- Fridge: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
I always keep a batch in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go snack during the week. They disappear quickly around here!
Frequently Asked Questions
I definitely recommend using a food processor since it blends the ingredients into a perfectly sticky mixture without becoming too mushy. If you don’t have one, you can mash everything together by hand, but the dates may not fully break down so the texture will be chunkier.
If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add more oats 1 tablespoon at a time.
I hope you love these healthy energy balls as much as I do! If you’re looking for a healthy snack to prep for the week, these are definitely it. Enjoy!
More Healthy Snack Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these peanut butter energy balls, here are a few more energy ball recipes to try next:
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates, pits removed
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup oats, rolled oats or quick oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup cacao nibs, or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend the base: Add the pitted dates, peanut butter, oats, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts to come together. If it feels too crumbly and isn’t sticking, add water one tablespoon at a time until a sticky dough forms (if you soaked your dates, you probably won't need to add water).
- Add the cacao nibs: Add the cacao nibs and pulse a few more times until evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Scoop the energy balls: Use a mini cookie scoop to portion 1–2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a plate or lined baking sheet. Use your hands to roll them into smooth balls.
- Roll in hemp seeds: If desired, roll the energy balls in hemp seeds for a little extra texture and plant-based protein boost. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
Notes
- Soak the dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Adjust the texture: If the mixture is too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add oats 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Optional add-ins: Add chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, maca powder, or even cocoa powder.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for extra protein.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for 2–3 months (let thaw at room temperature before enjoying).
I’ve been making these energy balls for years! They truly taste like a peanut butter cup, but much healthier. If you ever open my fridge, you’ll probably see a batch of these in there 🤣
I have tried a lot of recipes for protein balls, but this one is hands down my favorite. I have been making it on repeat for the past few weeks. I love to take one out of the frig and put it in the microwave for 15 seconds so it is warm and comforting. Absolutely the best! Thanks so much. 💕
This makes me soo happy to hear! I love the idea of heating them in the microwave… I’ve never even thought of that! I’m going to give it a try next time I make them. Thanks for sharing your lovely review, Mary!
Just made these! I’ve been eating it by the spoonful! Sooo good!
Yay, I’m so happy you love them! They are definitely “spoonable” 😆 enjoy!
Loved these energy balls as apart from being absolutely yummy they’re super easy to do.
I’m so happy you loved them, Theresa! Thank you for sharing 🙂