This chocolate peanut butter protein ball recipe is the perfect healthy snack or post-workout fuel. Make this no-bake recipe now!

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These chocolate peanut butter protein balls are a healthy mid-afternoon or post-workout snack 

Based off of my healthy homemade peanut butter cookie dough protein bars, these no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein balls have a light chocolate flavor that is just SO good — especially straight out of the freezer. 

As a 90’s child, one of my favorite breakfast cereals growing up was Reese’s Puffs Cereal (anyone else remember those commercials? “Reeses, for breakfast?!”).

And that cereal is exactly what the flavor of these chocolate protein balls reminds me of. 

Of course, the chocolate flavor will largely depend on the brand of protein powder you use (brand rec’s listed later in the post). 

Still, if you love chocolate and peanut butter, and you’re looking for a healthy post-workout or mid-afternoon snack, look no further than this easy no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein ball recipe! 

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Boost of protein. 
• No-bake. 
• Perfect for meal-prep. 
• Just so tasty! 

Ingredients used to make chocolate peanut butter oatmeal balls

• Natural peanut butter: Look for a peanut butter with just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. I only have crunchy at home, but smooth works just as well. 
• Pure maple syrup: Honey will also work, but I think the flavor is best with maple syrup. 
• Rolled oats: You’ll pulse the oats into a flour, so quick-cooking oats will also work. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. I have not tried this recipe with almond flour. 
• Chocolate protein powder: My go-to is Naked Whey Less Naked Chocolate; however there are plenty of other options that will work too. Just watch for brands that are high in added sugars. 
• Oat milk: I used an unsweetened oat milk, but any unsweetened milk alternative, or regular milk, will work too. Just note that soy and coconut milks will change the flavor slightly. 
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash gives these chocolate protein bites a depth of flavor. 
• Salt: Just a pinch will help balance out the sweetness. 
• Mini chocolate chips: Optional, but highly recommended. If making these vegan, use a vegan chocolate chip brand, such as Enjoy Life. 

Best protein powder for chocolate protein balls 

When it comes to whey protein, Naked Whey is my go-to brand as their powders contain minimal, high-quality ingredients.

Plus, when tested by independent organizations, Nake Whey scores high for being free (or very low) in contaminants, like heavy metals. 

I also like that the chocolate flavor isn’t overly sweet and is a more mild chocolate – think Cocoa Pebbles rather than Count Chocula. 

However, if you’re vegan or just prefer a plant-based powder, other brands I recommend include: 

• Owyn
• Aloha
• Sun Warrior 

How to make this no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein ball recipe

While these no-bake balls are easy to make, they do require a food processor.

Other than that, all you need is a small microwave-safe bowl, a large mixing bowl, and a glass baking dish or a cookie sheet. Here’s how you make them: 

1. Microwave the peanut butter for about 20 seconds. This will make it easier to mix. Just be sure not to microwave for too long, otherwise the peanut butter can get a burnt taste. Whisk in the maple syrup after the peanut butter is softened. 
2. In a food processor, pulse the oats until they form a coarse flour. Then pour the flour into a big mixing bowl. 
3. Add everything into the mixing bowl and stir well with a spoon. The mixture should be thick and sticky, but not wet. 
4. Using a tablespoon, roll the batter into balls and place on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. I prefer a baking dish as it’s easier to cover for the freezing step. 
5. Freeze the chocolate protein bites for about 15 to 20 minutes. 
6. Transfer the bites into a more permanent airtight container and store either in the fridge or freezer. 

Frequently asked questions when making homemade protein balls

More healthy homemade protein ball and bar recipes to try 

• Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
• Sugar Cookie Protein Bars 
• Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Bites from Cotter Crunch 
• Cake Batter Bites from Love & Zest 

If you tried this no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein ball recipe or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below!

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Print Recipe

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ball Recipe

This chocolate peanut butter protein ball recipe is the perfect healthy snack or post-workout fuel. Make this no-bake recipe now!

Prep Time10 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Snack

Keyword: Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ball Recipe, Chocolate Protein Balls

Servings: 14

Calories: 140kcal

Ingredients

• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 ¾ cup oats pulsed into a flour*
• 2 scoops (38 gram) chocolate protein powder I used Naked Whey Less Naked Chocolate
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened oat milk
• 2-3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions

• Place peanut butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. Whisk in maple syrup then set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
• Add peanut butter mixture, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons oat milk. Stir until you get a cookie dough consistency. If there are still dry spots, add 1/2 tablespoon of additional oat milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Lastly, stir in mini chocolate chips.
• Using a tablespoon, roll mixture into 28 small or 14 larger balls and place in a 9-in x 13-in baking dish. Once all the balls are formed, cover the baking dish and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes, or until slightly hardened. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Storing in the freezer will keep them harder is and is better if you plan on taking one or two with you on the go.

Notes

*How chocolatey these protein balls end up depends on your protein powder. To make them more chocolatey, reduce the amount of oats to 1 ½ cups and add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Nutrition for 2 small balls: 140 calories, 6 grams fat (2 grams saturated), 16 grams carb, 2 gram fiber, 8 grams sugar, 6 grams protein

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