Peanut Butter Balls with oats

These four ingredient peanut butter balls with oats are so easy to make, no bake and are a great way to use up those browning bananas. Stir, roll and enjoy!

I’m so excited to share these super simple no bake energy balls with you. This is a variation of one of the very first recipes I shared on my old blog. At that time, they were made more out of a plea for my toddler son to eat oatmeal.

Now, we make them just for fun!

I say variation because when I first shared this recipe, I made them into bars. But over time, I’ve realized they really do great as protein balls–portable, fun and easy to store.

Be sure to see my tips and tricks below because clearly you can make all different ways!

Other benefits:

• No Bake (did I already mention that?)
• No Food Processor or Mixer needed
• Simple ingredients– you probably have these on hand!

It’s just you and the best combination of flavors to lick off the bowl (or fingers!).

Peanut Butter Balls with Oats

Peanut butter, banana and chocolate–one of THE BEST flavor combinations combine to form these easy energy balls. And what a great way to use those browning bananas! In addition, the natural sweetness helps bind these bites together with the oats while maximizing nutrition.

These are inexpensive and make a ton, too!

Ingredients

You could actually make these 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls, but I highly recommend the chocolate! Here’s what you need:

• Bananas— browning, overripe work great
• Peanut Butter–creamy or chunky
• Oats— quick oats work best for mixing in though I have used old fashioned before
• Chocolate Chips— mini or regular work great

How to make No Bake PB Balls

1. Start by unpeeling the bananas break into smaller pieces as you add to mixing bowl
2. Using a fork, mash well
3. Add the peanut butter continuing to mash and stir to break up banana into a smoother mixture
4. Stir in oats, 1 cup at a time, stir until well combined. Add in chocolate chips and combine.
5. Using a tablespoon, form into 18 delicious energy balls.
6. Enjoy!

Variations

These can easily be customized to taste and preference. Need peanut free? Use Sun butter. Don’t have chocolate chips? Toss in raisins or dried fruit. Want more seeds? Chia? Mix them in!

Have fun creating different options– possibilities are endless!

Tips/Tricks

• A small cookie scoop is also helpful to use in lieu of a tablespoon
• You can also refrigerate the dough mixture for 20 minutes prior to forming balls. This minimizes the stickiness.
• If banana, pb, oat mixture seems really sticky, add in a few more oats and stir together.
• Instead of rolling into balls, you can press this mixture into a silicone pan (or parchment lined pan) and create energy bars. Also works great in muffin pan for “cups”

How to Serve

These were a life saver before my son’s soccer game last weekend, but we love them anytime. For instance:

• breakfast (2-3 on a plate with fruit, sausage, or eggs)
• Pre workout snack
• lunchbox
• After dinner treat

How to Store

Keep these scrumptious bites ready to grab in the fridge by storing in an airtight container.

Important to note: Bananas tend to darken as they sit. Therefore, the energy bites may also darken a bit. But do not worry— they taste awesome and just look more chocolate-y!

Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal taste.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can. And up to 3 months safetly.

But please know that since bananas are 75% water, they can get hard when frozen, so you’ll want to let soften a bit: microwave or sit out (I just take the container out of freezer and put in fridge for a couple hours)

Also, due to the bananas, these bites tend to be a bit more “wet” once defrosted.

Are these healthy?

These may be small, but they are mighty when it comes to nutrition. Here’s why:

• Peanut Butter is a good source of protein and healthy fat
• Banana is a healthy source of carbs (and potassium)
• Oatmeal provides invaluable fiber (and awesome vitamins and minerals!)

All these are rolled together to keep you energized, full and satisfied!

I have such fond memories of my mom mashing up banana and peanut butter for a snack. Similarly, I love mashing up this healthy combo for my kids in this recipe.

Looking for something similar?

Love peanut butter? Be sure to check out these easy recipes:

• Honey Peanut Butter Dip
• Pumpkin Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Looking for more grab and go options? Also consider:

• 4 ingredient Baked Eggs
• Sauasage Pancake Muffins

Less Stress, More to Love

If this recipe made your day easier or infused extra joy in your day, I’d love to know. Please leave a comment or tag me @briefandbalanced on Instagram so I can see your creations. And please don’t forget to share with friend!