These Powdered Peanut Butter Protein Balls are easy low-fat peanut butter protein balls using powdered peanut butter. They are dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with 6 grams of proteins per serving and only 85 Calories.
I love making energy balls like my No Bake Protein Balls, Strawberry Protein Balls, or Vegan Protein Balls, but I had a full jar of powdered peanut butter I didn’t know how to use, so I decided to make a very high protein ball recipe with it. And it turned out delicious.
While the full recipe is just below, please keep reading to get all my ingredient selection tips, view photos of how I make it and more!
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Powdered Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Powdered Peanut Butter
- ¼ cup Vanilla Protein Powder - (note 1)
- ½ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk - (note 2)
- 1 cup Quick Oats - (note 3)
- 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup - (note 4)
- ⅓ cup Chocolate Chips
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add powdered peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, and almond milk. Stir with a rubber spatula until it form a thick creamy paste.
- Fold in quick oats, chocolate chips and stir again – it's a bit hard to stir, you can wear gloves, and use your hands to push and press the ingredients together. The batter should be sticky and form a consistent dough.
- Lightly wet your hands and roll the balls – I made 16.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need a few ingredients for this recipe. Here’s how to pick them.
- Powdered Peanut Butter – The key ingredient providing a peanut butter flavor with much less fat than traditional peanut butter. It also adds a bit of protein. If you don’t have powdered peanut butter, you can try peanut flour, but avoid using regular peanut butter, as it will make the texture too wet.
- Vanilla Protein Powder – This boosts the protein content and adds sweetness. Pea protein works well – I use a 3-ingredient powder – but you can also use a blended plant protein. If avoiding protein powder, finely ground almond flour or oat flour can slightly thicken the mixture, but the protein count will decrease.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk – This provides moisture to bring the ingredients together. Soy milk is a great high-protein alternative, and oat milk can work too. Water is an option, but it slightly reduces creaminess. Avoid coconut milk, as it’s higher in fat.
- Quick Oats – Oats give structure and a chewy texture while providing fiber. Rolled oats can be used, but they will create a firmer, chunkier bite. Steel-cut oats won’t work here since they remain too hard.
- Maple Syrup – This acts as both a natural sweetener and binder. Agave syrup or date syrup are great alternatives. Avoid using granulated sugars unless dissolved in liquid first, as they won’t bind as well.
- Chocolate Chips – To add sweetness and texture. You can swap for chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans, or hemp seeds to increase protein. If avoiding added sugar, use cacao nibs for a less sweet, crunchier option.
- Cinnamon – For more flavors and slight sweetness. You can experiment with nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
How to Make Powdered Peanut Butter Protein Balls
The peanut butter balls are really easy to whip up. Here’s how in pictures.
Pour the liquid ingredients with the powdered peanut butter and protein powder.
Stir the mixture until it becomes sticky and forms a paste.
Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add the quick oats and chocolate chips.
Stir the batter with a silicone spatula until the oats are well incorporated.
Roll the balls between your hands – you can oil them slightly to make that easier.
Place the balls on a plate lined with parchment paper and keep it in the fridge.
Carine’s Tips
I have a few more tips for you to make the best energy balls!
- Adjust the Moisture – If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of almond milk at a time. If too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats or protein powder.
- Let the Dough Rest – Letting the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before rolling helps the oats absorb moisture, making shaping easier.
- Press, Don’t Just Stir – Mixing the ingredients well is crucial, so use your hands to press the dough together firmly for a smoother consistency.
- Use Mini Chocolate Chips – They distribute more evenly than large chocolate chips, ensuring each bite has a chocolatey taste.
- Chill Before Rolling – If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
- Make Them Crunchy – Rolling the balls in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chia seeds adds texture and extra nutrition.
- Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for Longer Storage – These freeze well for up to a month; just thaw for a few minutes before eating.
Customization Ideas
These protein balls are easy to customize based on your dietary preferences:
- For a Chocolate Version – Use chocolate-flavored powdered peanut butter and add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- For a Nut-Free Option – Swap powdered peanut butter for sunflower seed flour and use oat milk instead of almond milk.
- For Extra Protein – Mix in chia seeds, hemp seeds, or finely chopped nuts.
- For More Sweetness – Add a few finely chopped dates or a drizzle of molasses.
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