These no bake peanut butter energy balls are an easy snack recipe with just four ingredients. They're bean-based, full of protein, and have no added sugar!
No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
As you can imagine being post c-section with a two-year-old and a newborn, we have been ALL about the easy, simple, nourishing snacks in my house. Fortunately these no bake peanut butter balls were super easy to prep ahead and make even my two-year-old happy! Seriously, she is obsessed with these!
Peanut Butter Protein Balls Health Benefits
One of the reasons I love these little peanut butter protein balls with dates is how balanced they are. Check out the ingredients and how they help provide a balanced snack:
- Garbanzo Beans: fiber-rich carbohydrates and plant-based protein
- Dates: natural fruit-based sweetener that provide additional carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Peanut Butter: healthy fats and a little plant-based protein
- Collagen Peptides: more protein for more balance (note: you can substitute a different type of protein powder, but you may need to play with the exact amount, as some may be dryer/ require a little more added moisture to the recipe)
Oh, and nutrient density aside? I also LOVE the simplicity and how delicious these no bake peanut butter energy balls are. Seriously - they taste like a peanut buttery dessert truffle! Which if you have a discerning eye, you may notice that only a chocolate coating separates these peanut butter energy balls from my healthy buckeyes. 😉
How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Keep it simple! Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse and process away for a few minutes until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
I like to refrigerate the mixture before rolling, just to help keep the dough a little more manageable.
Then to also help keep things simple, I use a small cookie dough scoop to portion the dough into balls. You can totally leave the balls as they are at that point, but if you're looking for a smoother, more photogenic appearance, I'd recommend giving them a quick roll between the palms of your hands to smooth them.
How to Store No Bake Energy Balls
I like to keep mine stored in the refrigerator, or even freezer. As long as they're stored in an airtight container, they should keep in the fridge up to 5-7 days. They can also be frozen in an airtight container up to one month. If freezing, I'd recommend freezing in the open air on a cookie sheet and then transferring to a freezer-safe storage container. This way they won't freeze together as they're touching each other in a bag or jar.
Looking for More Healthy Snack Recipes?
Try these Nutrition to Fit healthy snack recipes:
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Energy Balls
- Orange Chia Pudding with Collagen
- The NTF 5-a-Day Green Smoothie
- Oatmeal Banana Muffins
- Chocolate Banana Kefir Chia Pudding
- 3-Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Rosemary Cumin Roasted Chickpeas
Whenever you make an NTF recipe, I LOVE when you leave a comment and rate the recipe, to help out both me and anyone else looking to make a recipe! It also totally makes my day whenever you share a picture of your NTF creations to social media . Always be sure to tag me (@nutritiontofit, #nutritiontofit) so I can see! Live well!
No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 14.5 oz can garbanzo beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 5 medjool dates pitted
- 6 tablespoon collagen peptides optional
Instructions
- Combine garbanzo beans, peanut butter, dates, and collagen peptides in food processor. Process for 5-10 minutes (depending on the size and strength of your blender), occasionally stopping to scrape down sides. Stop when everything is one smooth mixture.
- Refrigerate peanut butter filling for 30 minutes to make for easier ball rolling.
- Roll into 20 balls (approximately 2 tablespoons each). I like to use a small cookie scoop (about two tablespoons) to portion the dough, then roll it between my palms to smooth it out.
- I recommend storing in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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