These easy peanut butter energy balls are made with only 5 ingredients, naturally vegan and gluten-free, and a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack!

Bowl of peanut butter energy balls

Being a snacker, I’m completely in love with these peanut butter energy balls. Chewy, chocolate-y, and PEANUT BUTTER. Could you ask for more?! 

I found a formula a few years ago that I just loved for energy balls, and instead of fixing what ain’t broke, I keep putting new spins on it. Gingerbread energy bites for the holidays, pumpkin energy bites in the fall, no bake brownie energy bites for chocolate decadence, and, in this case, adding peanut butter for peanut butter energy bites. These are seriously so good, so delicious, and so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Energy Balls Recipe 

  • Super versatile. These bites are great for breakfast, snacks, a sweet treat after lunch, and they even freeze well. 
  • Easy to make. You’re only 5 ingredients and a few minutes away from chewy, delicious peanut butter energy balls!
  • Feel good food. With peanut butter, oats, coconut, and dates as the only sweetener, this is the kind of snack that will help you power through any energy slumps.
Ingredients for peanut butter energy balls

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

  • Old fashioned oats – These help make peanut butter energy balls filling and give them a chewy texture.
  • Dates – Who needs sugar?! Dates add natural sweetness.
  • Peanut butter – Although these are peanut butter energy balls, you can use another nut butter (like almond butter) or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
  • Shredded unsweetened coconut flakes – Coconut adds texture and flavour.
  • Cocoa/cacao powder – Because chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combo.

Can I Substitute Shredded Coconut in Place of Coconut Flakes?

While the two aren’t interchangeable in every recipe, for these PB energy balls, you can swap in shredded coconut instead of coconut flakes. I recommend using unsweetened coconut to keep from adding in extra sugar.

A batch of peanut butter energy balls in a bowl.

How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls

  • Make a paste. Add the oats and dates to a food processor and process until a paste starts to form. 
  • Finish the dough. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to process until the mixture is smooth and uniformly mixed.
  • Shape. Roll the mixture into balls.
  • Chill. Refrigerate the peanut butter energy balls for at least an hour to set.

Tips for Success

  • Choose a natural peanut butter. You want to use natural runny peanut butter that you need to stir for these bites. They’re not only the purest peanut butters, but the tastiest too.
  • Use a cookie dough scoop. This makes it easy to scoop the dough, and the release button means it doesn’t stick to the spoon. It will also ensure that the peanut butter energy balls are uniform in size.
  • Keep your hands clean. You can use plastic wrap to handle the balls as you shape them to keep the mixture from getting all over your hands and under your fingernails.
Bowl of peanut butter energy balls

Variations

  • Give them a protein boost. Swap the cocoa powder for chocolate protein powder.
  • Incorporate a mix-in. Hemp seeds, chia seeds, or finely chopped peanuts are all great additions to these peanut butter energy balls.
  • Make them into truffles. Energy truffles?! Yes! Dip the rolled balls into melted dark chocolate and let them set on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Add a coating. Another option is to roll the energy balls into shredded coconut or chopped nuts.

How to Store

Refrigerate peanut butter energy balls in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

To freeze, store the balls in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Bowl of peanut butter energy balls

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A batch of peanut butter energy balls in a bowl.

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Easy peanut butter energy balls are made with only 5 ingredients, vegan and gluten-free, and a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack!
5 (from 6 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup dates, chopped
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/3 cup cocoa/cacao powder

Instructions 

  • Grind the oats and dates in a food processor, until a paste starts to form. Add the peanut butter, coconut flakes and cocoa powder, and mix until incorporated and the mixture begins to turn into a dough. It should be slightly sticky and very thick.
  • Roll the mixture into round balls using the help of saran wrap (wrap it around the bites to form a circle), until all the mixture is finished. I use a tablespoon cookie scoop to help also.
  • Place in the fridge for at least an hour to set, then enjoy!

Notes

To store: Refrigerate peanut butter energy balls in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
To freeze: To freeze peanut butter energy balls, store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Calories: 139kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 52mg, Potassium: 218mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 9g, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.