Pin it
These 5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites are the perfect no-bake snack that tastes like peanut butter cookie dough! Packed with nutritious ingredients like flaxseed, chia seeds, and oats, these chewy bites are rich in protein and healthy fats. Ideal for busy days, they're ready in just 5 minutes and great for on-the-go snacking.
Why You'll Love These Bites
These energy bites are quick to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. They're perfect for busy lifestyles, offering a portable snack packed with protein and omega-3s to keep you energized. With flavors reminiscent of peanut butter cookies, they're both nutritious and delicious. Whether you're meal prepping or need a quick bite, these no-bake treats are a lifesaver!
Ingredients for Energy Bites
- Natural Peanut Butter: 1 cup, creamy and unsweetened.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: ½ cup for extra protein boost.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: 1 cup for texture and fiber.
- Ground Flaxseed: ¼ cup, rich in omega-3s.
- Chia Seeds: 2 tablespoons for added nutrition.
- Honey: ¼ cup for natural sweetness.
- Mini Dark Chocolate Chips: ⅓ cup for flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for enhanced taste.
How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Bites
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds.
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Stir in peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Mix-ins
- Fold in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form the Bites
- Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, roll mixture into 1-inch balls. If too sticky, refrigerate mixture for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Chill
- Place energy bites on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
Pin it
Customization and Storage Tips
To make nut-free energy bites, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. For bars, press the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and cut into bars after chilling. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Let frozen bites thaw for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need to use protein powder?
- No, these energy bites can be made without protein powder. Just add more oats if the mixture feels too wet. The texture and nutritional content will be slightly different but still delicious.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free. The taste will be slightly different but they'll still hold together well.
- → How should I store these energy bites?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. They're great straight from the fridge or freezer.
- → Why isn't my mixture holding together?
- Different brands of peanut butter and protein powder can affect the consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add more peanut butter or honey. If too wet, add more oats until you reach the right consistency.
- → Can I make these without a food processor?
- Yes, you can mix by hand in a bowl. Mix wet ingredients first, then add dry ingredients. You may need to use your hands to work the dough until it holds together properly.