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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Peanut Butter Protein Balls

    Published: Dec 2, 2020 · Modified: Feb 13, 2021 by Amanda Mason · 2 Comments

    Yield 24
    Prep 20 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe
    Chocolate dipped protein balls sitting on a counter, nuts covering table.
    Protein balls sitting on the counter, blue plate on table containing energy bites.
    Peanut butter protein balls dipped in chocolate on a table, Naked Collagen protein powder in background.
    Protein balls sitting on a white counter, plate of energy bites in background.
    Chocolate dipped protein balls sitting on a counter, nuts covering table.
    A chocolate covered protein ball sitting on the counter, blue plate on table containing energy bites.
    Cookie sheet filled with bite-size protein bites.
    Peanut butter protein balls dipped in chocolate on a table, Naked Whey protein powder in background.
    10 protein balls on a blue plate nd on counter, mixed nuts on table.
    10 protein balls on a blue plate nd on counter, mixed nuts on table.
    Peanut butter protein balls dipped in chocolate on a table, Naked Whey protein powder in background.

    These protein balls have a delicious nutty flavor and are packed with nutrition. Made with fresh nuts, dried dates, and peanut butter, it only takes a few minutes to combine the ingredients. You're really going to enjoy these no bake peanut butter energy bites. They make for a great protein packed breakfast or can be enjoyed as a snack!

    Peanut butter protein balls dipped in chocolate on a table, Naked Whey protein powder in background.

     

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Naked Nutrition. All opinions are my own.

    I'm still blown away at how delicious these peanut butter protein balls taste. If you've ever made a recipe that contains protein powder, then you're probably all too familiar with that "protein" aftertaste.

    But you're not going to get that with this recipe.

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    Naked Nutrition Whey Protein literally has no taste. And that's what I love about it. I like to control the flavors of the ingredients when I'm creating a new recipe and I haven't been able to successfully do that when I've used other protein powders. But this protein is different in that it doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It only has one ingredient: Grass Fed Whey Protein.

    Bin of Naked Whey protein powder on a countertop.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • These are no bake energy balls, which means they come together quickly and easily.
    • They are packed with clean and nutritious ingredients, such as dried fruit and nuts. 
    • Each one of these energy balls are packed full of fiber and protein.
    • And...these little energy bites are ridiculously tasty and very filling!

    10 protein balls on a blue plate nd on counter, mixed nuts on table.

    And not only are they healthy, they are also naturally gluten free, keto friendly, and can be made vegan. I just love these little gluten free energy balls!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    These peanut butter protein balls are made with clean ingredients. No additives and no preservatives. If you want a more healthy version of peanut butter, use a natural peanut butter. You can also use a creamy or crunchy version. I've used both and these little energy balls turned out amazing each time. 

    For best results, make sure you use dried pitted dates. I like to dip these protein balls in melted dark chocolate after they've chilled. If you like coconut, you can dip the chocolate part of the balls in shredded coconut for an added coconut flavor. 

    Wet and dry ingredients needed to make energy balls sitting on a counter.

     

    Collagen Protein Powder

    If you don't want to use a whey based protein powder, you can substitute with collagen protein. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It's also a major component of the connective tissues in tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. I love adding collagen powder to different foods and drinks because it helps with my joints, contributes to a more youthful skin, and helps cartilage and bones.

    When I substituted the Naked Nutrition collagen peptides protein powder when making these peanut butter protein balls, I was amazed that they had the exact same taste as the batch I made earlier with the whey protein powder. They tasted the same because with this collagen powder, there are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.

    Tub of Naked collagen peptide powder on a table.

    Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Soaking The Dates

    You're going to be so amazed at how easy it is to make these no bake energy bites. The first thing you need to do is soak the dried dates in water for 30 minutes. This process helps soften the dates and helps release the natural moisture so that when they are mixed in the food processor, they stick better to the other ingredients. 

    Dates soaking in a bowl of water.

    Mixing The Ingredients

    After the dates have soaked, you'll drain the water from the bowl and then add the moistened dates, dried cherries, pecans, almonds, flaxseed meal, salt, and 2 scoops of protein powder in a food processor. Pulse the mixture lightly until the ingredients are finely chopped. The texture should look like this below at this point of the process.

    Nuts and dried fruits in a food processor; pulsed into small pieces.

    In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, vanilla, honey, and peanut butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. 

    Bowl containing peanut butter, almond extract, and coconut oil.

    Then, in a large bowl combine the peanut butter mixture and nut mixture from the food processor and stir to combine. Expert Tip: While you can use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients, I find that using my hands works really well. The texture and consistency should look like this once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. 

    Bowl filled with Peanut Butter Protein mixture ready to be formed into bite-size balls.

    How To Form Peanut Butter Protein Balls

    Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a small butter scoop, form the mixture into a ball and then release spacing each ball 2 inches apart. Expert Tip: You can use your hands to form balls. Just roll the mixture into small balls forming them into 1 to 2 inch balls.

    Person placing a butter scoop of energy ball mixture onto a cookie sheet.

    Place the cookie sheet of peanut butter protein balls in the refrigerator and let them chill for 30 minutes so they can lightly set.

    Cookie sheet filled with bite-size protein bites.

    Once the date balls have chilled, remove the tray from the refrigerator. In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate wafers on medium heat. Using tongs, dip half of a ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring you move the ball around until all the sides are evenly covered. Place the ball back on the parchment paper covered cookie sheet. This helps ensure they can easily be removed once they have set.

    Repeat this process until each ball has been dipped in chocolate. Expert Tip: If you want to add the coconut flakes, dip the chocolate while it's still wet in a bowl of shredded coconut flakes and roll around until the ball is covered.

    Protein balls being dipped in melted chocolate with tongs.

    Chilling Process

    Place the cookie sheet back into the refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes so the chocolate can harden. Once the chocolate has hardened and cool, you are ready to enjoy these these tasty little peanut butter energy balls!

    A chocolate covered protein ball sitting on the counter, blue plate on table containing energy bites.

    And if you're not a fan of chocolate, skip the dipping part and eat these bites after they've had a chance to chill. Regardless how you serve these protein energy balls, they're easy to make and are perfect for a healthy sweet snack!

    Protein balls sitting on a white counter, plate of energy bites in background.

    Both moist and delicious, these are true power balls. Since they are full of healthy fats and protein, all you need is one or two to keep you full while you're on the go. I eat one of these before my workouts because they give me the quick energy I need and they don't leave me feeling weighed down and heavy. I keep a batch of these in the refrigerator so I can grab them when I need a quick snack. They also work great on those mornings when I don't have time to make breakfast. 

    A batch of chocolate energy bites on a counter, nuts on table.

    Expert Tips and FAQs

    • Feel free to switch up the nuts and substitute with some your favorites. Hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and macadamia nuts work well with this recipe.
    • Instead of using peanut butter, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or nutella. 
    • Mix in some mini chocolate chips. 
    • Store these in a covered container in the fridge for 7-10 days. You can also store these in the freezer. Frozen peanut butter bites are so good!
    • If you're looking to add more collagen to your diet, you can substitute the whey protein powder for the Naked Collagen Peptide powder. Collagen is full of protein and super low in calories.
    • If you like to make food and give it away as a gift, this is the perfect recipe for you! These are great to place in a tin and give away as Christmas gifts to teachers and friends!

    Chocolate dipped protein balls sitting on a counter, nuts covering table.

     

    More Protein Snack Recipes

    If you're looking for more protein ball recipes, make sure you check out my Quinoa Protein Bites. These are also no bake and super healthy. They also provide you with a quick burst of energy and are ridiculously tasty! If you're looking for a protein smoothie recipe, try my Caramel Apple Protein Smoothie. There are so many Naked Protein Powders that taste really great in this smoothie.

    I can’t wait to hear how these turned out for you! If you’ve tried this or any other recipe of mine on the website, make sure you rate the recipe. You can also leave a comment below! I love hearing from you! You can also sign up for my newsletter and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food I’m creating!

     

    10 protein balls on a blue plate nd on counter, mixed nuts on table.

    Peanut Butter Protein Balls

    These protein balls have a delicious nutty flavor and are packed full of nutrition. Made with fresh nuts, dried dates, and peanut butter, it only takes a few minutes to combine the ingredients. Once chilled, you'll dip them in melted dark chocolate. You're going to love these no bake peanut butter energy bites! They are perfect for breakfast, snack, or even dessert!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Desserts, snacks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Refrigerate Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 95kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • parchment paper

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup dried cherries
    • ½ cup dried dates, whole and pitted
    • ½ cup pecan halves, unsalted
    • ½ cup whole almonds, unsalted
    • 1 Tablespoon ground flax
    • 2 scoops Naked Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • ½ cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
    • 1 10 ounce package dark chocolate melting wafers
    • ¾ cups unsweetened shredded coconut, optional

    Instructions

    • Place the dates in a medium bowl, covered with 1 cup of hot water and soak for 30 minutes until softened.
    • After the dates have soaked, drain the water from the bowl.
    • Add the moistened dates, dried cherries, pecans, almonds, flaxseed meal, salt, and 2 scoops of protein powder in a food processor. Pulse the mixture lightly until the ingredients are finely chopped.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, vanilla, honey, and peanut butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. 
    • Then, in a large bowl combine the peanut butter mixture and nut mixture from the food processor and stir to combine. Expert Tip: Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients.
    • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a small butter scoop, form the mixture into a ball and then release, spacing each ball 2 inches apart. Expert Tip: You can use your hands to form balls. Just roll the mixture into small balls forming them into 1 to 2 inch balls.
    • Place the cookie sheet of peanut butter protein balls in the refrigerator and let them chill for 30 minutes so they can lightly set.
    • Once the balls have chilled, remove the tray from the refrigerator.
    • In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate wafers on medium heat. Using tongs, dip half of a ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring you move the ball around until all the sides are evenly covered.
    • Place the ball back on the parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Repeat this process until each ball has been dipped in chocolate. Expert Tip: If you want to add the coconut flakes, dip the chocolate while it's still wet in a bowl of shredded coconut flakes and roll around until the ball is covered.
    • Place the cookie sheet back into the refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes so the chocolate can harden. Once the chocolate is has hardened and cool, you are ready to enjoy these these tasty little peanut butter energy balls!

    Notes

    • Feel free to switch up the nuts and use your favorites. Hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and macadamia nuts work well with this recipe.
    • Instead of using peanut butter, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or nutella. 
    • Mix in some mini chocolate chips. 
    • Store these in a covered container in the fridge for 7-10 days. You can also store these in the freezer. They are super tasty frozen!
    • If you're looking to add more collagen to your diet, you can substitute the whey protein powder for the Naked Collagen Peptide powder. Collagen is full of protein and super low in calories.

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    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ball | Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
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    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Shashank Mehta

      December 31, 2020 at 12:41 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I am definitely going to try this as my post workout snack. This actually look so tasty and healthy than the store bought bars I consume

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        December 31, 2020 at 7:28 am

        You are welcome! These are WAY more tasty and fresh than any store bought bars. You are going to love these!!!

        Reply

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