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Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Balls (No-Bake Recipe)

Enjoy these no-bake Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Balls, packed with protein powder, and crispy rice cereal for a delicious and nutritious snack. Perfect for a quick energy boost, post-workout fuel, or a tasty treat anytime!

Side angle of peanut butter crunch balls on small white plate with chocolate chips in foreground.

I’ve got a fantastic, no-bake treat that’s perfect for snacking, post-workout fuel, or just whenever you need a little pick-me-up: Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Balls! 

They’re super easy to make, packed with protein, and absolutely delicious.

If you love these healthy protein balls you may also want to try my Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Balls or my Low Calorie Protein Balls.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE PROTEIN PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH BALLS

  • High in Protein: Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy treat to keep you full and energized.
  • No-Bake and Easy: No need to turn on the oven. Just mix, roll, and chill!
  • Kid-Friendly: These are great for kids’ lunchboxes or as an after-school snack.

Top down view of no bake peanut butter balls on small white plate with chocolate chips around it.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this easy recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Natural peanut butter – creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc.
  • Honey or pure maple syrup
  • Protein powder (vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder works best)
  • Crispy rice cereal
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Coconut oil
  • Optional – almond milk, vanilla extract, oats, chia seeds, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THESE PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS

  1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey.. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the protein powder, crispy rice cereal, mini chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated and forms a dough-like consistency.
  3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier.
  4. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  6. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then add flakey sea salt to the top.
  7. Place the chocolate-covered balls back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Side view of dark chocolate peanut butter crunch balls on white plate with milk and sea salt in background.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Customize: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for extra nutrition and crunch.
  • Storage: Store the chocolate-covered protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
  • Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use good quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars for the coating.

STORING THE LEFTOVER SWEET SNACK

  • Airtight Container: Place the balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
  • Layering: If stacking the balls, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
  • Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The balls will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing Option: If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Close up view of peanut butter energy balls with Rice Krispies inside.

FAQS

WILL THESE SATISFY MY SWEET TOOTH?

Absolutely! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter makes these a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

IS THIS A GREAT RECIPE FOR MEAL PREP?

Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep. You can make a batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and healthy snack anytime.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT NUT BUTTER?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut or seed butter.

ARE THESE PROTEIN BITES A GOOD SOURCE OF HEALTHY FATS?

Yes, the peanut butter and any additional nuts or seeds provide a good amount of healthy fats.

Other High Protein Desserts You May Like To Try!

Yield: 10 balls

Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Balls (No-Bake Recipe)

Close up view of peanut butter energy balls with Rice Krispies inside.

Enjoy these no-bake Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Balls, packed with protein powder, and crispy rice cereal for a delicious and nutritious snack. Perfect for a quick energy boost, post-workout fuel, or a tasty treat anytime!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1.5 cups rice crispy cereal
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the protein powder, crispy rice cereal, mini chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated and forms a dough-like consistency.
  3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier. If mixture isn't sticky enough, you can add more peanut butter or honey to form the right consistency.
  4. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  6. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then add flakey sea salt to the top.
  7. Place the chocolate-covered balls back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 182Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 82mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 7g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS CHOCOLATE SHELL NO BAKE PROTEIN BALLS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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2 Comments

  1. Those Chocolate 🍫 Covered Peanut Butter 🥜 Crunch Balls Look Absolutely Awesome & Delicious To Eat For Dessert 🍨 After Dinner 🍽 Any Day Of The Week!!! Or On The Go 🚶‍♀️ Snacking When You Need A Protein Snack On The Go 🚶‍♀️ Absolutely Awesome 👌

    1. My Mom used to make peanut butter balls when I was a kid but it was only peanut butter, icing sugar, rice crispies and melted chocolate for the coating. We loved them as a treat. I make them & a cream cheese with icing sugar as a base for other chocolate coated treats for Christmas gifts – hugely popular. But by adding the protein powder instead of icing sugar? That’s genius, and I’m excited to use this recipe instead for this year’s gift giving. There have been instances of weight gain in the past when friends & family forget there are plenty of calories in my homemade chocolates. Protein powder replacing icing sugar will make a big difference for sure!