Hey y’all! Looking for a snack that’s crazy delicious, loaded with protein, and comes together in minutes—no oven required? These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are pure bliss: chewy, chocolatey, perfectly sweet, and irresistibly nutty. Whether you need a pre-workout boost, a midday pick-me-up, or a healthy treat for your lunchbox, this recipe has you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes and requires zero baking!
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats for lasting energy.
- No Mess, No Stress: Minimal equipment means easy clean-up.
- Perfect for On-the-Go: Portable and mess-free, ideal for snacking anywhere, anytime.
- Customizable: Easily switch up flavors and add-ins to suit your mood or dietary preferences.
Ingredients for No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Scoop in the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spatula or your hands until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 15 minutes to firm up. Enjoy straight from the fridge!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Makes: About 16 balls
Notes
- If your mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon or two of extra honey or peanut butter.
- If it’s too wet to roll, stir in a little more oats or protein powder until consistency is perfect.
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking while rolling the balls.
Variations
- Almond Joy: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter, add shredded coconut and a few chopped almonds.
- Mocha Crunch: Add one teaspoon instant coffee granules and swap half the chocolate chips for cacao nibs.
- Fruit & Nut: Mix in 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins and chopped pecans for a fruity twist.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sturdy spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper
Storage Instructions
Store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before eating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a cold glass of almond milk or your favorite smoothie for a satisfying snack.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or gym bags for a convenient burst of energy.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit or Greek yogurt for a balanced mini meal.
Pro Tips
- Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a richer, cleaner taste.
- Chilling the dough for 10 minutes before rolling makes shaping easier.
- For extra protein, toss in a scoop of chia seeds or flaxseeds.
FAQ
Can I make these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls vegan?
Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and choose a plant-based protein powder.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit softer—still delicious though!
What if I don’t have protein powder?
You can substitute an equal amount of oat flour, but note these will have less protein punch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, mini chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt.
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2Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
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3Stir everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more honey or peanut butter.
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4Scoop out tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
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5Place the protein balls on a lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
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6Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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