A quick, no bake snack made with pantry ingredients, you'll love these oatmeal peanut butter balls. Wholesome and delicious, they are perfect for meal prep.
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You wouldn't have to spend much time in my kitchen to know that peanut butter is a staple. Or oats for that matter.
And when you look at recipes that I share (like Oat Flour Peanut Butter Cookies), you might begin to suspect that I am basically just trying to find as many different ways to enjoy these staples as possible. And you wouldn't be wrong.
These oatmeal peanut butter balls have lived in my recipe repertoire for decades. I used to make something similar when I was a teenager playing sports and wanted to pack something along for tournaments (though usually using pecan butter because my sister was allergic to PB- I'm just making up for lost time with all of my PB recipes now!).
So it's kind of crazy that it took me this long to finally share this recipe! But I think it's about time that I stop keeping it to myself since you're going to love it.
- Super simple. No bake, just a handful of ingredients and ready in minutes (though I recommend popping them in the freezer to set), these are perfect for when you want a granola bar type of snack but with homemade ingredients.
- Wholesome. These PB oat balls are naturally sweetened and made with oats and flax (as are these Healthy Flourless Oatmeal Cookie Bars).
- Customizable. Want to add chocolate chips? Make a trail mix variation? Add coconut? Consider these your blank energy balls canvas!
- Delicious. Don't let the short ingredients list fool you, these little snack balls are tasty!
The Ingredients
- Rolled Oats- These will work with large flake or quick rolled oats. If you need the balls to be gluten free, ensure that you are using certified gluten free oats.
- Ground Flaxseed- This helps to bind the balls and adds some fibre and healthy fats. You can substitute with oat flour or almond flour if needed.
- Peanut Butter- I typically use natural peanut butter but shelf stable peanut butter would work as well. I've tested these with both crunchy and smooth and both worked fine.
- Coconut Oil- Adding a little bit of an oil that is solid at room temperature helps these balls to hold their shape better. It can be replaced with an additional tablespoon of peanut butter but they will be slightly softer.
- Honey- Using a sticky, liquid sweetener is essential for binding. Maple or agave syrup also work. This recipe is on the less sweet side but I find it plenty sweet if you are including mix ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit. If you would like them sweeter, you can replace 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with a tablespoon of additional honey.
- Fine Sea Salt- A pinch brings the flavors together.
- Add-ins (Optional)- You can change up the flavor by adding dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, etc.
The Method
- Mix dry ingredients. Stir together the oats, flaxseeds and any add-ins that you are including.
- Melt the peanut butter. To a small microwave safe bowl, add the peanut butter and coconut oil and microwave for about 30 seconds until mostly melted. Stir in the honey until smooth.
- Combine. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Shape. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls and set on a lined plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes to set.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store oatmeal peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
The balls can also be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days as well but will hold their shape best when chilled.
Enjoy straight from the freezer or allow to come to room temperature.
Make it Your Own
- Include Add-ins- These balls can take on all sorts of variations by including a half cup of mix ins such as:
- Coconut
- Chocolate Chips
- Dried Fruit
- Make Bars- This recipe is adapted from my Crunchy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars so I recommend making that recipe if you would like bars. The crisp rice cereal can be replaced with additional oats.
- Peanut Free- If needed, you can use cashew butter, almond butter or pepita butter (to make them nut free) instead of peanut butter.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
- Use coconut oil and flax. These ingredients aren't in most recipes for oatmeal peanut butter balls but I find that they really improve the texture and help the balls stick together.
- Use a cookie scoop. If you have one, using a cookie scoop makes shaping these quick and also ensure that the balls are even sizes.
- Don't skip the freezing. Freezing the shaped balls for 30 minutes helps these to hold their shape well.
And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like these other packable snacks!
Recipe Card
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats large flake or quick
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ cups natural style, creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup add ins optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flaxseed and any add ins.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine peanut butter and coconut oil. Microwave for 30-60 seconds until melted. Add honey and salt and stir to combine.
- Using a rubber spatula, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to scoop the mixture into balls and place on a lined baking sheet or plate. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Remove the pan from the freezer and move balls to an airtight container. Enjoy or store for later.
Marie says
These are such a tasty treat! I love keeping a batch on hand in my freezer.