Peanut protein balls in under 25 minutes!

These delicious energy balls are packed with nutritious sources of protein, including creamy peanut butter, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds, making them a great option for a quick, satisfying and energy-boosting snack. They are naturally sweetened with agave syrup and finished with dark chocolate chips, giving them the perfect balance of nutty, sweet and chocolatey flavours.

Taking less than 25 minutes to prepare and requiring no cooking time, they’re incredibly simple to make and perfect for meal prepping. They can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed whenever you need a convenient snack throughout the week.

They’re especially great for anyone working towards their fitness goals, whether that means losing body fat, maintaining your weight or supporting muscle growth. With a good combination of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, they can help keep you feeling fuller for longer and provide a convenient source of energy around your workouts.

Depending on the ingredients and portion size, you can expect each energy ball to contain roughly 120-180 calories, with the exact amount varying based on how many balls the recipe makes. They’re a delicious post-gym snack that can help you get some extra protein into your day while still feeling like a treat!

This recipe creates 13 to 16 protein balls- perfect to store in a container in the fridge for a few days in order for a quick, ready made, protein high sweet treat to help reach your goals!

Peanut protein balls- ingredient list!

240g/8½oz of smooth or crunchy peanut butter
90g/3¼oz rolled oats and 120g/4¼oz agave syrup
30g/1oz of pumpkin seeds
10g/oz of chia seeds
Dark chocolate chips, 90g/3¼oz

Peanut protein balls- step by step instruction guide!

Step 1
Start by adding the peanut butter and agave syrup to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture on HIGH for around 20 seconds, just enough to gently warm it and loosen the consistency. Once heated, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir thoroughly until the peanut butter and agave syrup are completely combined and form a smooth, runny mixture. Warming the peanut butter and agave syrup slightly is an important step, as it makes the mixture much easier to work with and helps the remaining ingredients combine evenly. You want the mixture to be soft and almost liquid, but not hot.

Step 2
If you don’t have a microwave, you can easily do this on the hob instead. Add the peanut butter and agave syrup to a medium-sized saucepan and heat gently over a low heat, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the peanut butter has softened and the agave syrup has been fully incorporated. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, as you only need it warm enough to loosen. Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, remove it from the heat and leave it to cool for approximately 5 minutes. Allowing it to cool slightly before adding the other ingredients will make the mixture easier to handle and help prevent the chocolate chips from melting when they are added later.

Step 3
Once the peanut butter and agave mixture has cooled slightly, add the oats, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure all of the dry ingredients are evenly coated in the peanut butter and agave mixture. Keep mixing until you have a thick, sticky mixture with the ingredients well distributed throughout. Next, add the dark chocolate chips and gently fold them through the mixture until they are evenly incorporated. Try not to overmix at this stage, especially if the peanut butter mixture is still warm, as this could cause the chocolate chips to melt slightly. The mixture should now be thick enough to hold together when pressed, ready to be shaped into individual energy balls.

Step 4
Line a baking tray with baking paper and set it aside. Using an ice cream scoop, cookie scoop or large spoon, scoop out approximately 35g (1¼oz) of the mixture for each energy ball. Try to keep the portions as even as possible so that all of the balls are a similar size and have a consistent texture and calorie content. Place the portion of mixture into the palm of your hand and gently roll it between both palms, applying a little pressure as you go, until it forms a smooth, compact ball. If the mixture feels slightly sticky, lightly dampening your hands with water can make it easier to roll.

Step 5
Place each finished energy ball onto the lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them. Continue scooping and rolling until you have used all of the mixture. You should end up with approximately 16 energy balls, depending on the exact size of each portion. Once all the energy balls have been shaped, they are ready to enjoy straight away, although chilling them in the fridge for a short time can help them firm up and gives them an even better texture.

Step 6
Place the tray in the fridge and leave the energy balls to chill for approximately 1 hour, or until they have firmed up and feel set to the touch. Chilling helps the mixture hold its shape and gives the energy balls a firmer, more satisfying texture. Once they have chilled, they are ready to enjoy. For the best texture, keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them. They make a convenient grab-and-go snack and are perfect to have ready for a quick energy boost before or after a workout.

Penut protein balls- recipe tips!

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by choosing oats that are specifically labelled as gluten-free. Although oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed or packaged in facilities that also handle wheat and other gluten-containing grains, which can lead to cross-contamination. For this reason, always check the packaging and choose certified gluten-free oats if required.

 Each serving is approximately 3-4 energy balls and comes in at under 200 calories, making them a convenient and satisfying snack. They’re a great option for enjoying between meals or after a workout when you want something sweet, filling and easy to grab on the go.