These no bake, protein peanut butter balls are the perfect snack to keep in your fridge for pre-workout, post workout, or even as dessert!
You may have seen something like this before, but not these delicious bites.
Unlike other no bake peanut butter desserts that are usually heavy laden with only peanut butter and real butter, these have just enough of that yummy nut butter to give you the real peanut butter taste, but not any of that other junk to keep that small waist.
These would serve as a great tailgating dessert! On a hot sunny day, people typically don’t want any baked goods that are warm, so why not give them the same, delicious cookie experience, unbaked? If we’re honest with ourselves, I think we would all admit the cookie dough is the best part anyways. And as people are typically eating and drinking heavy on game days, what would be better than ending on a lighter, yet just as tasty note? That’s a happy day.
These protein peanut butter balls also are high in protein compared to your typical dessert. And very customizable! Use creamy peanut butter to keep it smooth, or chunky to add that delicious crunch. Add chocolate chips if your a chocoholic like me (or love a Reeses flavor!), or keep it plain if you like your desserts simple. Allergic to peanuts? Substitute any other nut butter or even other butters like coconut butter or seed butters!
No matter what kind of guests you plan on having stop by your tailgate or gameday party, these delightful bites are one you should prepare to make. Even my boyfriend who isn’t the healthiest eater ended up eating half of the batch in one day! (I had to steer him away until after the photographs were taken) 🙂
- Makes about 12 balls
- -1/2 cup Rolled Oats
- -1/4 cup Natural Peanut Butter (can sub in any other butter)
- -1/4 cup Peanut Flour/Protein Powder (or any other flour would work)
- -1/4 cup Honey or Agave
- -2-3 tablespoons Mini Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs
- -1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- -Dash of Sea Salt
- -Optional: 1/4 cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt (to up the protein)
- *If needed depending on protein powder, add a few tablespoons of almond milk or water
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and mix until everything is thoroughly mixed together.
- Rolled into small balls, about one heaping tablespoon of “dough”.
- If dough is too moist to roll, add more flour. If it is too dry, add more peanut butter or honey.
- Makes about 12 balls (can double or triple recipe as you’ll want more than one!).
- Store in refrigerator if not eating right away.
Why these Protein Peanut Butter Balls ROCK! (nutritiously speaking)
Peanut Butter Benefits
1)Rich in energy, containing many nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins
2)Good levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids
3)Good source of dietary protein
4)Great source of resveratrol, an antioxidant found to protect against cancers, heart disease, and fungal infections
5)Excellent source of vitamin E, which maintains and protects cell membranes and skin
6)Packed with B vitamins
Raw Honey Benefits
1) Alkaline-forming food that contains natural vitamins, enzymes, and powerful antioxidants
2)Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fingal properties
3)Promotes body and digestive health
4)Strengthens immune system
5)Eliminates allergies
6)Excellent remedy for skin wounds and infections
7)Stabilizes blood pressure
8)Relieves pain
9)Calm nerves
Greek Yogurt Benefits
1) Help fight tummy fat
2) Contains good-for-you bacteria
3) Loaded with vitamins such as potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, B12 and B5
4) Great recovery after workouts: high source of protein
5) High in calcium
6) Prevents high blood pressure
7) Fights off colds and flus: healthy bacteria fights off the bad and boosts the immune system
8) Protects your teeth: lactic acid in yogurt protects your gums
9) High in protein, about 18-24 grams per serving