These Chocolate No Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a quick, wholesome, and delicious snack that comes together in just 10 minutes. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, these bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or fueling your day without needing any baking or fancy kitchen tools.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these no-bake peanut butter balls because they’re:
Incredibly easy to make — no food processor or oven needed.
Made with simple pantry staples.
Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Rich in chocolatey flavor without being overly sweet.
Naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
A nutritious snack option for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup honey or brown rice syrup
1/4 cup all-natural drippy peanut butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Directions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, honey (or brown rice syrup), and salt.
Stir until the mixture is well combined and a thick, sticky dough forms.
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms.
Place the balls on a plate or tray.
For best texture, chill them in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to set.
Once firm, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10 balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Each serving contains approximately 93 calories, 13g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 4g fat — making them a light yet energizing snack.
Variations
Oats: Use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a softer texture.
Sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Chocolate Protein Boost: Substitute 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with chocolate protein powder.
Flavor Add-Ins: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Texture Boost: Mix in mini dark chocolate chips, chia seeds, or crushed nuts for crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating.
Tip: To keep them from sticking, layer parchment paper between them.
FAQs
1. Can I make these peanut butter balls without cocoa powder?
Yes, you can omit cocoa powder for a classic peanut butter version or replace it with chocolate protein powder.
2. What type of peanut butter works best?
Use a natural, drippy peanut butter made from just peanuts (and maybe salt). Thick peanut butter makes the mixture too dry.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
4. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Absolutely. Quick oats will give a smoother texture, while rolled oats provide more chew.
5. How do I fix dough that’s too dry?
Add a bit more honey or peanut butter until the mixture holds together easily.
6. How long do these balls stay fresh?
They stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
7. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, replace part of the cocoa powder with your favorite protein powder for an added protein boost.
8. Can I make them nut-free?
Yes, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
9. Are these safe for kids?
Definitely! These are great for kids since they’re made from wholesome ingredients and have no refined sugar.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles or triples easily — just mix in a larger bowl.
Conclusion
Chocolate No Bake Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect grab-and-go snack for any time of day. With their rich chocolate flavor, balanced nutrition, and minimal prep time, they’re ideal for busy mornings, workout snacks, or sweet afternoon pick-me-ups. Keep a batch in your fridge or freezer and enjoy a quick, healthy treat whenever cravings hit.
These Chocolate No Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack made with oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and honey. Perfect for busy days, they’re rich in flavor, freezer-friendly, and take only 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup honey or brown rice syrup
1/4 cup all-natural drippy peanut butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, honey or brown rice syrup, and a pinch of salt.
Stir until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough.
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
Place the balls on a tray or plate.
Chill in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to set.
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Use quick oats for a softer texture.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
Replace cocoa powder with chocolate protein powder for added protein.
Add-ins like chocolate chips, chia seeds, or crushed nuts add texture and flavor.
Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking during storage.
