Peanut Butter Oat Balls

This hearty, healthy peanut butter oat balls recipe is gluten free and vegan, but tastes like dessert. They make a fast, satisfying healthy snack and are kid-friendly too.

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Who else loves a good energy ball? No-bake, healthy and yummy, they are such a fabulous, easy snack. Besides these peanut butter oatmeal balls we also love these Cookie Dough Protein Balls and these Maple Pecan Energy Balls. Check out all of our Snack Recipes for inspiration.

IN THIS POST: Everything you need to make Peanut Butter Oat Balls

Ingredients for this recipe

These oatmeal energy balls are made with ingredients I usually have in my pantry.

• oats – use either quick oats or old fashioned oats
• almond flour
• ground flax
• shredded coconut – I use unsweetened
• coconut oil
• peanut butter – a fresh jar of natural peanut butter is always best for energy balls so they hold together
• maple syrup
• chocolate chips – or use chunks or mini chocolate chips
• vanilla extract

Healthy shopping tip! Look for items like organic flaxseed meal, oats, almond flour, maple syrup, and other healthy pantry staples at Costco, Amazon, or bulk stores. They usually have a decent selection of these types of goods at an excellent price.

Comparison shop at your market prices and see if it is a good deal for you.

How to make Peanut Butter Oat Balls

First thing is to turn your oats into a coarse flour in a blender or food processor.

Did you know you can make flour so easily? It’s so useful for a good gluten-free flour if that is something you need – just be sure to use certified gluten free oats.

Second, add the oat flour to a bowl along with the almond flour, ground flax seeds, coconut, and sea salt. Stir it all together and set aside.

Next, combine the peanut butter with the coconut oil and the maple syrup and melt it together over low heat.

There is no honey in these chocolate chip peanut butter oatmeal balls so they are vegan friendly too.

Next, pour the smooth peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir it all together. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into balls and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or dish

Finally, freeze for half an hour to set and store them in the fridge.

FAQ’S, Tips, + Substitutions

• Are energy balls actually healthy? When using whole food ingredients including healthy fats, and natural sweeteners energy balls are definitely a healthy snacking alternative.
• How long do energy balls last in the fridge? When properly stored in an airtight container these will keep for up to 2 weeks.
• TIP! For a different flavor, you can switch up the nut butter – use almond butter or cashew butter. Or go nut-free and use tahini or sunflower seed butter.
• Substitute the chocolate chips for raisins for a classic oatmeal cookie taste.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like dried cranberries, chia seed, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or protein powder.

More healthy energy ball recipes

• Cookie Dough Protein Balls
• Almond Butter Energy Balls
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Balls
• Vanilla Protein Balls with Chia Seeds
• No Bake Brownie Bites
• Hemp Seed Energy Balls

**This recipe was originally posted on January 23, 2015, and updated on July 24, 2020, and again on June 9, 2022, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**

If you’ve tried my peanut butter energy balls, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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