A blend of simple ingredients, these 5-ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls are made with peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, shredded coconut, oat bran, and honey.
We all find ourselves in moments of weakness when it comes to snacking. It’s really important to have a go-to snack when those moments strike that won’t leave you feeling defeated. These 5-min, 5-ingredient peanut butter energy bites offer a satisfying sweetness – they just might be what you need to get through the rest of your work day.
What gives you energy in these balls?
PEANUT BUTTER: The base for these bites is peanut butter which is low on the glycemic index (rate at which food causes your blood sugar to spike).
According to the Peanut Institute, one of the benefits (among many) of eating peanut butter is that it can help maintain blood sugar in between meals. Snacking on a couple of these Peanut Butter Energy Balls in the latter part of my workday was crucial to not passing out in my workout class!
OAT BRAN: What is Oat Bran?
Oat bran is the outer casing of the oat groat (the entire grain). According to the National Institute of Health, whole grain oat contains considerable amount of valuable nutrients such as proteins, starch, unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber. In fact, one serving of oat bran contains 7 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. Oat based snacks have slow-release, long lasting energy – unlike sugary snack that just give you a quick spike.
How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls
STEP 1:
Just mix all the ingredients into a bowl and roll into a uniform ball. Wow! That’s one big ball!
Ok. Not that big.
Break it up into about 36 pieces and roll away. The mixture might seem a little bit on the drier side when you first start rolling these into bites, but as the peanut butter warms in your hands as you roll them, they’ll come together.
How long do energy balls last in the fridge?
Energy balls usually last about 2 weeks in the fridge, longer if you freeze them. A typical recipe usually makes about 36 balls. That gives you just the right amount of time to allow yourself 2-3 balls per day within that 2 week time frame.
A blend of simple ingredients, these 5-ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls are made with peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, shredded coconut, oat bran, and honey.
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (*see notes)
- 1/2 cup oat bran
- 1 cup chocolate protein powder you can use any other flavor
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus more to roll the exterior (optional)
- 2 Tbs ground flax seed optional
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Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until a nice even dough is formed. It may seem a bit tough to mix at first, but it will come together. Often times, I knead it with my hands after mixing a little.
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Divide dough into about 36 pieces and roll into small balls.
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Option to roll exterior in additional coconut.
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Store in an airtight container. Refrigerate to keep longer.
I would also caution you from using any peanut butter that is extra runny or oily. I've found that peanut butter that requires mixing the oil and butter in the jar is too soft for these. So I recommend buying a natural peanut butter that is already mixed.
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