By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 23, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 301 votes.
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly satisfying, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are the ultimate no bake snack for busy days, sweet cravings, and healthy meal prep. Packed with protein, naturally sweetened, and ready in minutes, they taste like dessert but fuel you like a power snack.
Table of Contents
About This Recipe
What It Is
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are bite sized, no bake energy snacks made with creamy peanut butter, cocoa powder, oats, and protein powder. They require zero oven time and come together in one bowl.
Why It Works
The fat from peanut butter keeps the texture soft and satisfying, while protein powder adds structure and long lasting fullness. Cocoa delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra sugar, and oats provide chew and fiber.
When to Make It
These are perfect for weekly meal prep, after school snacks, post workout fuel, road trips, or anytime you want something sweet that actually keeps you full.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 to 16 protein balls 1x
Description
Rich, fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls made in one bowl with oats, cocoa, and protein powder. No bake, naturally sweetened, and perfect for meal prep snacks.
Ingredients
1 cup (256 g) natural creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup (80 ml) honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick)
1/2 cup (50 g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder
3 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) milk, as needed (dairy or non-dairy)
Optional add-ins:
1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon (8 g) chia seeds
1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) chopped peanuts
Instructions
1. Line a plate or small tray with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, stir peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
3. Add oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until thick and evenly combined.
4. If the dough seems dry or crumbly, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes soft and rollable.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. Repeat with remaining dough to make 14 to 16 balls.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or freeze for 10 minutes, until firm. Serve cold or slightly softened.
Notes
Sweetness: Taste the dough before rolling. If you want it sweeter, add 1 to 2 teaspoons more honey or maple syrup.
Texture fixes: Too dry means add 1 teaspoon milk at a time. Too sticky means chill 10 minutes or mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons more oats.
Protein powder: Different brands absorb differently. Start with less milk and adjust slowly.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw 5 minutes before eating.
Nut-free option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (may turn slightly green from a natural reaction with baking soda free ingredients, still safe to eat).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Healthy Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Why You’ll Love It
- No bake and no mixer required
- Naturally sweetened and family friendly
- High protein and freezer friendly
- Customizable for vegan or dairy free diets
- Tastes like a chocolate peanut butter truffle
Key Ingredients and Notes
Peanut Butter
Use natural creamy peanut butter with just peanuts and salt. The oils help bind everything together. If your peanut butter is very thick, you may need an extra tablespoon of milk.
Protein Powder
Chocolate protein powder deepens the cocoa flavor, but vanilla works beautifully too. Whey, pea, or blended plant proteins all work. Avoid gritty or chalky powders for best texture.
For guidance on choosing the best type for baking and no bake recipes, resources from Healthline explain how protein types affect texture and digestion.
Rolled Oats
Old fashioned or quick oats both work. Oats add chew and slow digesting carbs. For a smoother texture, pulse oats briefly in a blender.
Cocoa Powder
Use unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch processed cocoa creates a darker, richer flavor, while natural cocoa gives a lighter chocolate note. Learn more about cocoa differences from King Arthur Baking.
Sweetener
Honey adds classic sweetness and chew. Maple syrup keeps the recipe vegan and adds subtle caramel notes. Both bind the mixture well.
Milk
Use as needed to adjust texture. Dairy milk, almond milk, or oat milk all work.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup peanut butter (256 g), 1 third cup honey or maple syrup (80 ml), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml) until smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add 1 cup rolled oats (90 g), 1 half cup protein powder (50 g), 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (15 g), and 1 eighth teaspoon salt. Stir until thick and evenly combined.
Step 3: Adjust Texture
Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, up to 3 tablespoons total (45 ml), until the dough is soft but rollable. It should hold together without sticking heavily to your hands.
Step 4: Roll
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. You should get 14 to 16 protein balls.
Step 5: Chill
Place balls on a lined plate or tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. For faster setting, freeze for 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Success
- If the mixture feels dry, add milk slowly. Too much liquid makes them sticky.
- If the dough is too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even nutrition.
- Store chilled for best texture and flavor.
- For extra chocolate flavor, roll balls in cocoa powder before chilling.
- Always taste before rolling and adjust sweetness if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut Free: Use sunflower seed butter
- Vegan: Use maple syrup and plant based protein
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or cacao nibs
- Lower Carb: Swap oats for almond flour
- Dessert Style: Fold in mini chocolate chips
If you love no bake snacks like this, you will also enjoy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters (Healthy & Fast) or Peanut Butter Protein Balls (No Bake & Simple) from Flavor & Recipes for even more grab and go ideas.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve chilled for the best texture. These are perfect with a glass of milk, tucked into lunchboxes, or paired with coffee.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw for 5 minutes before eating
- Room Temperature: Not recommended for long periods due to soft texture
For more protein packed snacks, try Greek Yogurt Protein Cups (20g High Protein Snack) or No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars (5-Ingredient Snack) on Flavor & Recipes.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are proof that healthy snacks can taste indulgent. With rich chocolate flavor, creamy peanut butter, and a soft chewy bite, they are easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy lives.
If you try this recipe, leave a rating, share a comment, and tag your photos. Do not forget to subscribe to the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more high protein, no bake favorites.
FAQs
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes. Replace protein powder with extra oats or almond flour. The texture will be softer and protein content lower, but still delicious.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely. They are naturally sweetened, easy to chew, and great for lunchboxes.
Why are my protein balls crumbly?
This usually means not enough liquid or fat. Add milk or peanut butter 1 teaspoon at a time.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freezing improves texture and makes them last longer. They thaw quickly.
What protein powder works best?
Whey isolate or blended plant proteins give the smoothest texture. Avoid powders with lots of gums.
