If there’s one thing I learned about myself during my health and fitness journey, it’s that I absolutely must have snacks (like these peanut butter energy bites) available or I become an out of control raging hypoglycemia animal.
Think Tom Cruise mixed with a wolverine. Very scary stuff.
Ever since I’ve been little, my blood sugar has always been on a rigid 3-hour dive schedule. As in, I’m the type of person who has to have something to eat every few hours or I’ll crash. My mom says that when she brought me somewhere, she always had to make sure that she had food with her otherwise I’d ruin the day and throw a fit. Terrible, right?
But it’s true! When I get hungry, I cannot think, make decisions or even pretend to be in a good mood. I’ve seen the doctor a few times about it and apparently that’s just the way my body is. Wacky.
Of course, it I’m working from home it’s pretty easy to grab snacks, but a few times I’ve been in situations where I was far from both home and food (especially when traveling). To avoid a meltdown into hunger oblivion, I started creating my own little energy bites and trail mixes to bring with me anywhere I went. Not only are they a life saver, but they also help me make better food choices (instead of reaching for junk food).
Ingredients in peanut butter energy bites
These wonderful no bake peanut butter energy bites are my latest creation and loaded with some of my favorite things. I highly recommend whipping up a batch of these peanut butter energy bites. They take 5 minutes tops and you have yourself a nutritious, homemade snack with healthy fats, omega-3 (thanks to chia + flax) and 5g protein per serving! Store them in the fridge for up to a week or keep them in the freezer for 2 months.
- peanut butter: I recommend using an all natural drippy creamy peanut butter with only peanuts + salt as the ingredients. I’ve also made them with almond butter, but everyone knows peanut butter reigns king on Ambitious Kitchen.
- oats: I recommend using rolled oats, and if you’re gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten free rolled oats.
- honey, coconut palm syrup or date syrup: either will work! If you want to make these vegan, use coconut palm syrup or date syrup.
- flaxseed meal: this provides a boost of healthy fats, fiber, protein and vitamins. It’s also great for lactating mamas.
- chia seeds: a boost of healthy fats and omegas to help keep you fuller, longer.
- vanilla extract: the one and only (but feel free to skip if you don’t have!)
- protein powder of choice: I prefer to use unflavored collagen peptides or this vegan protein powder, but you can feel free to use whatever protein powder you prefer.
- cinnamon: a dash of cinnamon helps these taste like Teddy Grahams, I swear.
- mini chocolate chips: because who doesn’t love a little chocolate in their life? Feel free to use vegan/dairy free chocolate chips if you’d like.
- optional: I personally love to add in unsweetened shredded coconut because I’m a coconut addict, but it’s definitely not necessary.
Watch me make the peanut butter energy bites:
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and rate the recipe! You can also snap and picture and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #ambitiouskitchen. LUH you. xo.
5 minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites
No bake protein packed peanut butter energy bites that taste like peanut butter cookie dough with amazing chewy texture. These healthy peanut butter energy bites are loaded with nutritious ingredients like flaxseed, chia and oats for the perfect snack. #peanutbutter #protein #healthysnack #snack #energybites
-
1/2
cup
natural drippy peanut butter (or sub almond butter) -
1/4
cup
honey (or date syrup or coconut syrup) -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
1/3
cup
protein powder of choice* -
1/3
cup
flaxseed meal -
1/2
cup
rolled oats (gluten free, if desired) -
1/2
teaspoon
cinnamon -
1
tablespoon
chia seeds -
1
tablespoon
mini chocolate chips (vegan, if desired) - Optional
-
1/4
cup
unsweetened shredded coconut
In the bowl of a food processor, add in the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, protein powder, flaxseed meal, oats, cinnamon and chia seeds. Pulse together until well combined. Add in chocolate chips (and coconut if using) and pulse a few more times. Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to grab dough and roll into 10 balls, place in an airtight container.
To make without food processor: add wet ingredients to a medium bowl, mix to combine. Add in dry ingredients and mix together until combined. I usually have to use my hands to mix and work with the dough. At this point you should be able to form balls that stick together. Because all peanut butter/nut butter consistencies are different and depending on what protein powder you use, you may need to add in more nut butter or sweetener to help the balls stick together.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or the freezer for up to 2 months. Enjoy!
*For the protein powder, I normally use Aloha’s Vanilla protein powder (vegan) or Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. If you don’t have any protein powder, these balls should be just fine without it too, although you may need to add more oats.
For the nut butter: I used an all-natural drippy peanut butter with only peanuts and salt. The natural kind with no additives is best for this recipe.
This recipe can be made nut free by using sunflower seed butter and nut free chocolate chips.
Nutrition
Servings: 10 balls
Serving size: 1 energy bite
Calories: 150kcal
Fat: 8.8g
Saturated fat: 1.2g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3.2g
Sugar: 7.7g
Protein: 7.5g
Photography by: Sarah Fennel
