Healthy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

I perfected Healthy Peanut Butter Balls using only five simple ingredients no powdered sugar or butter and the result is so easy to make you’ll want the recipe right away.

I stumbled on this version of Healthy Peanut Butter Balls when I needed a quick, less guilty snack. I use creamy natural peanut butter and old fashioned rolled oats because the combo gives a surprising chew and just the right heft, but there’s one tiny trick that makes them oddly addictive, you won’t guess it at first.

I don’t mean they’re healthy in a boring way, they’re bold, nutty and kind of dangerous when company comes over. I tried to make them fancy and failed, and that’s the best part.

You might want to hide them from yourself.

Ingredients

• Creamy natural peanut butter gives protein, healthy fats, and a rich, slightly salty sweetness.
• Old fashioned rolled oats add chew, slow carbs for energy, plus fiber that fills you.
• Honey supplies simple natural sweetness, quick energy spikes so use sparingly if watching sugar.
• Vanilla extract brings aroma and sweetness illusion, making bites taste richer without added sugar.
• Ground flaxseed adds omega three fats, nutty flavor and extra fiber, helps texture stick together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed

How to Make this

1. In a medium bowl stir together 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

2. Add 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats and 2 tbsp ground flaxseed to the peanut butter mixture.

3. Mix with a sturdy spoon or spatula until the oats and flax are evenly distributed, scraping the sides so nothing gets left behind.

4. Let the mixture sit 5 to 10 minutes so the oats and flax absorb some moisture, this makes rolling easier.

5. Check texture: it should hold together but be a little sticky, if its too wet add a tablespoon more oats or flax and if too dry add a splash of honey or peanut butter.

6. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then press and roll each portion between your palms to form balls about 1 inch wide.

7. Place the balls on a parchment lined tray or plate spaced slightly apart so they dont stick together.

8. Chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to firm up, longer if you want them extra solid.

9. Store finished peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months, thaw a few minutes before eating.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl, about 2–3 quarts
2. Measuring cup and measuring spoons (1 cup + 1 tsp)
3. Tablespoon measure or small cookie scoop for portioning
4. Sturdy spoon and a rubber spatula for mixing and scraping
5. Small plate or tray to roll on and set the balls
6. Baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper
7. Refrigerator or freezer for chilling the balls
8. Airtight container for storing finished bites

(Note: youll mostly use your hands to roll, so make sure theyre clean)

FAQ

Healthy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Peanut butter: almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (nut free), or tahini (more sesame flavor)
• Old fashioned rolled oats: quick oats (softer texture), oat flour (finer, use a bit less), or almond meal (drier, add a splash more honey)
• Honey: pure maple syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or mashed ripe banana (milder sweetness, adds moisture)
• Ground flaxseed: ground chia seeds (same gel effect), whole chia seeds (soak first), hemp seeds (more texture, less binding), or psyllium husk (use sparingly for strong binding)

Pro Tips

1) Warm the peanut butter a little before mixing, like 7 to 10 seconds in the microwave then stir. It makes everything smoother and easier to combine, but dont overheat or it might get oily and mess the texture.

2) Keep your palms slightly damp or rub a tiny bit of oil on them when you roll the balls so they dont stick to your hands. Another trick is to dip your fingers in cold water between scoops, it saves a lot of clean up.

3) If you want a smoother chew pulse the oats a few times in a food processor or blender. Dont turn them into flour though, just two or three pulses for a less chunky bite. Toasting the oats 2 to 3 minutes in a dry skillet first gives a nuttier flavor if you like that.

4) Check texture after a short rest and tweak it: add a tablespoon more oats or a little extra flax to firm up, or a splash more honey or peanut butter to soften. Letting the mix sit 10 minutes helps the oats absorb moisture so rolling is way easier.

5) Freeze them on a tray first so they dont stick together, then move to an airtight bag or container. They keep great frozen and only need a few minutes at room temp before eating, so you can grab one anytime.