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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls (Energy Bites)

    Published: Mar 18, 2020 · Modified: Jul 12, 2024 by Amy Sandidge · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    Looking for a delicious snack for kids and yourself? These peanut butter oatmeal balls are a delicious energy bite that works great for a quick breakfast, snacking, or just a sweet treat.

    That's right! They are made entirely in the food processor! Y'all, does it get any better? I love my Cuisinart and have used it for YEARS.

    If you love these peanut butter oat balls you might also enjoy these chocolate coconut balls, puffed kamut peanut butter and oat balls, and raspberry bliss balls.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Peanut Butter Oat Balls
    • Expert Tips
    • Can I make energy balls without peanut butter?
    • Can I freeze peanut butter energy balls?
    • More Snack Recipes
    • Follow me on Instagram!
    • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Family-friendly recipe! My boys have been taking these to school for a while and loving them! Who am I kidding? I love them just as well. Oh, and don't forget the hubs. He is so obsessed with them as well!
    • Made with simple ingredients and go together easily.
    • A delicious snack with no baking required.
    Peanut butter balls in a wooden bowl.

    Ingredients

    These chocolate peanut butter energy balls take just a handful of simple ingredients to prepare. Here's what you need:

    • Oats: I like to use a base of old-fashioned oats. They are inexpensive and easy to find.
    • Peanut butter: My boys love creamy peanut butter, so I make these peanut butter snacks with it. Crunchy works really well though if you want to use it!
    • Chia seeds: An optional ingredient that adds some more nutrition to the peanut butter balls.
    • Maple syrup: To add more sweetness but the amount you add is variable. How much you need will depend on how sweet you want your energy bites and also what type of peanut butter you are using.
    • Vanilla: Adds a bit of warming sweetness to the peanut butter energy bites.
    • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate so don't skip it.
    • Chocolate chips: I like to make these with semi-sweet chocolate chips but you can also use dark chocolate, chocolate chunks, or even cacao nibs. The dark chocolate will be less sweet and the cacao nibs contain no sweetness.

    How to Make Peanut Butter Oat Balls

    Are you ready to get started? Here's an overview to show you what goes into making these peanut butter energy balls! Be sure to check the recipe card for all the details.

    1. Add the oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to the blender or food processor.
    2. Pulse the food processor until all ingredients are combined.

    PRO TIP: If the mixture feels too dry you can add in a little water. I suggest starting with two tablespoons at a time. Add it slowly. You don't want it to be dry but you also don't want them to be too sticky.

    Ingredients for peanut butter energy balls in a food processor.
    Ingredients for peanut butter energy balls in a food processor.
    1. Add the chocolate and pulse only 2 or 3 times. The goal is to mix them into the oatmeal and peanut butter without breaking up the chocolate chips or chunks too much.
    Peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    Peanut butter energy balls on a metal pan.
    1. Scoop into balls using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure.
    2. Roll them in between your hands until they are smooth.
    1. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan and into the fridge to chill for at least an hour.

    Expert Tips

    Store the peanut butter oatmeal balls in an airtight container for up to five days.

    Using natural peanut butter results in a slightly drier consistency. You may need to add additional water if you opt to use it.

    Feel free to change up the sweetness and type of chocolate added to make these energy bites to your tastes!

    Can I make energy balls without peanut butter?

    Yes, definitely! You can swap the peanut butter in this recipe for any other nut butter. If you're looking for something completely different, try these Strawberry Energy Balls or Chocolate Orange Energy Bites.

    Can I freeze peanut butter energy balls?

    Yes! These work great to freeze. They thaw out quickly once you pull them out and you can even add them to the lunch box while frozen since they will thaw out by lunchtime!

    Peanut butter balls in a glass bowl.

    More Snack Recipes

    • Dehydrated apples in a mason jar.
      Simple How-To Make Dried Apples
    • Whole grain crackers in a wood bowl.
      Crunchy Whole Wheat Cracker Recipe
    • Mediterranean Hummus on a white plate.
      Colorful Loaded Mediterranean Hummus Dip
    • Easy Snickerdoodle Popcorn

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    For more inspiration

    A Red Spatula
    Peanut butter balls in a glass bowl.

    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

    Amy Sandidge
    Looking for a hearty and delicious snack for kids and yourself? These peanut butter oatmeal balls are a delicious energy bite that works great for a post-workout snack or lunch box addition!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 servings

    Equipment

    • Food processor or blender

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups regular oats
    • 1 cup peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • ¾ cup maple syrup Now, this is a variable, you might need more
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup chocolate chips, chunks or even cacoa nibs

    Instructions
     

    • Add oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and salt to blender or food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are combined. If it feels too dry, add in a little water, about 2 tablespoons at a time. You don't want it to be dry, but you also don't want them to be too sticky.
    • Once it is combined, add in chocolate. Pulse this only 2 or 3 times to incorporate. You don't want to break up the chocolate chips or chunks too much.
    • Now, scoop into balls. I like to roll mine until they are smooth.
    • Place on a parchment lined sheet pan and into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. From here, store in an airtight container. I imagine they will hold at least 5 days, although I cannot verify this as they have never lasted that long in my house!
    • Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!

    Video

    Notes

    Store the peanut butter oatmeal balls in an airtight container for up to five days.
    Using natural peanut butter results in a slightly drier consistency. You may need to add additional water if you opt to use it.
    Feel free to change up the sweetness and type of chocolate added to make these energy bites to your tastes!
    Keyword peanut butter energy balls, peanut butter oat balls, peanut butter snacks
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Amy! I am a culinary school graduate creating a comprehensive collection of recipes, with a focus on incorporating whole grains. My goal is to craft dishes that resonate with the whole family. 

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