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Easy No-Bake Protein Balls: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oats

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These easy no-bake protein balls with peanut butter and oats are the perfect emergency snack—ready in under 10 minutes with zero cooking. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re naturally sweetened, satisfying, and customizable for any craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • ½ cup (128g) creamy peanut butter (unsweetened preferred, room temperature)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt (omit if peanut butter is salted)
  • ¼ cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure 1 cup (90g) of rolled oats into a large mixing bowl. Ensure they are dry and smell fresh.
  2. Add ½ cup (128g) of creamy peanut butter to the bowl. If cold, microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
  3. Drizzle ¼ cup (60ml) of pure maple syrup evenly over the peanut butter.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) of salt. If using flaxseed meal, add 1 tablespoon now.
  5. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until fully combined. The mixture should be cohesive and slightly sticky. If too dry, add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or water; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon of oats.
  6. If using, fold in ¼ cup (45g) of mini chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
  7. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
  8. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll between your palms into balls. Dampen hands slightly if sticky. You should get 16-18 balls.
  9. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate, leaving a little space between them.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Transfer to an air-tight container for storage.

Notes

Use room-temperature peanut butter for easier mixing. Don’t skip the chilling steps—they ensure the balls hold their shape. For best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. The flavors develop and improve after a day in the fridge. For nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini. For lower sugar, reduce maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and add 1 extra tablespoon peanut butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake protein balls, peanut butter oats, healthy snack, easy protein balls, 3-ingredient snack, gluten-free snack, vegan snack, meal prep snack

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-no-bake-protein-balls-3-ingredient-peanut-butter-oats/