Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls are not only incredibly simple to make but also full of wholesome ingredients. They’re the perfect solution when you need a quick snack that’s both delicious and nutritious. The peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, while the oats give you fiber and a satisfying chew. With just three ingredients (and many optional add-ins), these energy bites are versatile, easy to make, and great for meal prep. Plus, there’s no baking involved, so you can whip them up in just a few minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
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1 cup rolled oats
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2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
Directions
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Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, rolled oats, and honey. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little more honey or peanut butter to help bind it together.
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Shape into balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll them between your hands to form small balls. Place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
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Chill: Refrigerate the peanut butter oatmeal balls for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
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Serve: Once chilled and firm, enjoy your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls! They’re ready to be eaten immediately or stored for later.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12-15 peanut butter oatmeal balls, depending on the size. Prep time is about 5 minutes, and chilling time is 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy snack option.
Variations
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Add-ins: Customize your oatmeal balls with your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, chia seeds, or shredded coconut. Just stir them in before rolling the mixture into balls.
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Use different nut butters: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor.
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Sweeten it differently: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup, agave, or even stevia as a replacement for honey.
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Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 3 months). To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats if you don’t have rolled oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats give the balls a chewier texture, while quick oats will create a softer consistency.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added texture in your peanut butter oatmeal balls. The flavor will be the same, but the crunch will make it even more fun to eat.
3. Are these peanut butter oatmeal balls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these peanut butter oatmeal balls are naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to these balls?
Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition! You can fold them into the mixture before shaping the balls, or roll the balls in chocolate chips for a coating.
5. Can I make these balls without honey?
Yes, if you prefer a vegan or sugar-free option, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free syrup. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly depending on the sweetener you use.
6. How do I make these balls firmer?
If your mixture is too soft or sticky, try adding more oats until the mixture holds together better. You can also refrigerate the mixture for a longer period of time to help it firm up.
7. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it’s important to make sure it’s well mixed (since natural peanut butter tends to separate) and that it’s not too runny. If the natural peanut butter is too liquid, you might need to add a bit more oats to help bind the balls together.
8. Can I make these balls larger or smaller?
Yes! You can adjust the size of the balls based on your preferences. If you make them larger, you may need to refrigerate them a bit longer to help them set. If you make them smaller, the chilling time may be shorter.
9. Can I add protein powder to these?
Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost the protein content. Make sure to adjust the amount of oats or peanut butter to help the mixture come together after adding the powder.
10. Can I freeze these peanut butter oatmeal balls?
Yes, these truffles freeze well! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.
Conclusion
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls are a perfect healthy snack that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With only three ingredients and countless ways to customize them, they’re the ideal option for meal prep, quick breakfasts, or a satisfying snack anytime. The combination of peanut butter and oats is not only filling and nutritious, but also incredibly tasty! Whip up a batch today and enjoy a simple, wholesome treat that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 balls
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls are an easy, no-bake snack packed with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, hearty oats, and a touch of honey. These protein-packed energy bites are perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a healthy snack. Customize with your favorite add-ins for an even more delicious treat!
Ingredients
-
1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
-
1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
Instructions
-
Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, rolled oats, and honey. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more honey or peanut butter.
-
Shape into balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. Place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
-
Chill: Refrigerate the peanut butter oatmeal balls for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
-
Serve: Once chilled and firm, enjoy your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls! They’re ready to be eaten immediately or stored for later.
Notes
Variations: Add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, chia seeds, or shredded coconut can be mixed in before rolling the mixture into balls.Different nut butters: You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavors.Sweetener alternatives: Use maple syrup, agave, or stevia as replacements for honey for a different sweetness profile.Protein boost: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture for extra protein content.
