Peanut Butter Bliss Balls (Extra Protein)

5 ingredients are all you need to make these no-bake peanut butter bliss balls. Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they are the perfect make-ahead snack.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

My son started kindergarten this year, and I've just been a ball of emotions. As difficult as it is, I'm learning to let go and let him spread his wings, to step back so he can step in... But boy, just thinking about him making all these memories without this mama makes my heart ache.

While I can't be with him during the day, I am going to do everything I can to nourish him and put a smile on his face every time he opens up his lunch box. Here are real-life photos of everything I've packed for him so far as well as my time-saving tips.

Unfortunately, his lunch is at 10:15(!!!!) and he doesn't get out until much later, so now I'm trying to come up with delicious AND energizing snacks!

As I scoured the grocery stores, I was shocked by how expensive the packaged snacks are! So now my new mission is to develop EASY healthy snack recipes that are made with nutritious ingredients, travel well, and are budget-friendly.

My mind immediately went to granola bars, cereal bars, and bliss balls! And I'm wide open to suggestions so be sure to leave a comment below.

These peanut butter bliss balls, or energy balls, have been such a hit with both of my kids! You know how much I like adding beans to recipes, like in these chickpea cookies, pumpkin muffins, and sweet potato cookies, so this recipe was bound to happen ;).

5 ingredients and 10 minutes tops are all you need to make this nutrient-dense snack. Let's get to it!

Ingredients

• White beans - can use canned or cooked dried beans. It's a great way to boost fiber, protein, and iron in these energy balls.
• Oats- You can use old fashioned oats, quick oats, or oat flour. Refer to FAQ section below.
• Smooth peanut butter - If refrigerated, be sure to take it out in advance so it's at room temperature and runny.
• Medjool dates -such a wonderful natural sweetener and will provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Be sure to soak for at least 5 minutes to soften.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add oats to food processor or blender and grind until it turns into flour. Transfer to a bowl. You can also use quick oats or oat flour if you want to skip this step.
2. To the food processor, add beans, peanut butter, and dates, and blend until smooth.
3. Add in the oat flour along with vanilla extract and pulse a few times until combined. If too crumbly, pulse in more water (or reserved date water. Refer to the "tips for success" section), 1 teaspoon at a time.
4. Using a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into balls.

Substitutions and Variations

• Peanut butter alternative - you can use a different nut butter, like almond butter, or sunflower butter, if there's a peanut allergy.
• No dates? you can use ¼ cup of honey
• Add-ins - this is a very basic recipe. Feel free to add mix in:
  • Mini dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter bliss balls
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • Seeds (hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flax seed, sunflower seeds)
  • Shredded coconut
  • Other chopped fruit like raisins and apricots)

Tips for Success

• Soak your dates in warm water for around 5-10 minutes. Drain them and add to your bliss ball mixture. This will make it easier to blend. Reserve the soaked water to help moisten the balls, if necessary.
• Use a food processor if you have one!! You need a blade that can chop everything but not get stuck in the bottom like it would with a blender. It will yield the bet texture for your dough. You can make these energy balls using a powerful blender, like mine, but it will require more effort. Be sure to use the tamper that comes with the blender.
• If you desire a chewier texture, use quick oats and skip the first step. Using oat flour will give you a more cookie dough-like consistency.

Storage

Transfer the individual peanut butter balls into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They are ready for you whenever you need an energy boost!

You can also freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Peanut Butter Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

Peanut Butter Bliss Balls (High Protein)

5 ingredients are all you need to make these no-bake peanut butter bliss balls. Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they are the perfect make-ahead snack.

5 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 20 balls

Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup (100g) rolled or quick oats, see note
• ▢ ½ cup (125g) smooth natural peanut butter
• ▢ 1 cup (180g) white beans, rinsed and drained
• ▢ 7-8 medjool dates, soaked
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Add oats to food processor or blender and ground the oats until it turns into flour. Transfer to a bowl. You can also use quick oats or oat flour if you want to skip this extra step.
• To the food processor, add beans, peanut butter, and dates, and blend until smooth.
• Add in the oat flour along with vanilla extract and pulse a few times until combined. If too crumbly, pulse in more water (or reserved date water. See tips for success), 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Use a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into a ball between your palm.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Pulses.Org

• Can substitute peanut butter with any nut or seed butter.
• Soak your dates in warm water for around 5-10 minutes. Drain them and add to your bliss ball mixture. This will make it easier to blend. Reserve the soaked water to help moisten the balls, if necessary.
• If you want a chewier texture, use quick oats and skip the first step. Using oat flour will give you a more cookie dough-like consistency.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 2g

Course Snack

Cuisine American

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