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    Home » Recipes

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    peanut butter protein energy bites pinterest banner

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites made with oats, dark chocolate chips, chia seeds and flax! A great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They’re perfect as a snack or breakfast on the go. Filling, require no baking, healthy, and delicious!

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites on a scale.

    These peanut butter protein energy bites are known as many things: protein balls, power bites, energy balls, etc. There’s a crap ton of recipes for energy balls on the internet, but this one just happens to be my favorite.

    Look, I love variety as much as the next guy, but keeping it simple is always best. How simple? No baking, less than 10 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time. That’s how easy! Shall we?

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites on cookie sheet.

    Start With Your Base Ingredients

    Oats and peanut butter make up the base for the peanut butter protein energy bites. Why?

    Oats are filling, super healthy, versatile and cheap. I love Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oats.

    Peanut butter works as the binder, but also provides sustaining energy, healthy fats, and kids love it. My favorite natural peanut butter is Smucker’s. It’s just peanuts, a little salt, and rather inexpensive. (Feel free to use other types of nut butter)

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites stacked on cookie sheet.

    Flavor & Extras

    Next, it’s all about the extras. And, as long as they’re healthy preferences you can’t go wrong. But, here is what I chose.

    I used coconut, non-dairy chocolate chips, some maple syrup, and a little splash of vanilla for my flavors. And, for the “super food” add-ins I used ground flax and chia seeds. Flax and chia are super healthy and a great source of Omega-3’s, protein, and fiber.

    Great For Adults & Kids

    No doubt these Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites are a great midday snack for adults. But, they’re even better for kids.

    Let me explain.

    What happens when you take your kids shopping and they get hungry? It has the potential to be a miserable time. But, there’s no need to worry. Just keep a few of these on hand and problem solved. You’re welcome.

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites on cookie sheet with spoon.

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites

    Try these Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites, I’m sure you’ll love them. They’re…

    • Delicious
    • Sweet
    • Healthy
    • Full of protein and healthy fats
    • Easy to make
    • Filling
    • & sustaining

    Here are some more delicious, peanut buttery, and healthy snacks you and your kids will love! Try my Grilled Peanut Butter Banana & Jelly Sandwich, Chocolate Peanut Butter Hummus, and No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie! 

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites on baking sheet with oats and chocolate chips.

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Be sure and leave a comment below with a STAR rating. And, share a picture by tagging me on Instagram and use the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

    Print
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    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    ★★★★★ 5 from 21 reviews
    • Author: Shane Martin
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 30 mins.
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 12 balls 1x
    • Category: Snacks
    • Cuisine: Vegan
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe

    Description

    Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites made with oats, dark chocolate chips, chia seeds and flax! A great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They’re perfect as a snack or breakfast on the go. Filling, require no baking, healthy, and delicious!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • ⅔ cup shredded coconut
    • ½ cup natural peanut butter or nut butter of choice
    • ½ cup ground flax seed (flax meal)
    • ½ cup non-dairy chocolate chips (optional)
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • 1 Tbsp chia seeds
    • 1 tsp vanilla

    Instructions

    1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
    2. Blend until the oats are chopped and a dough is formed. Usually about 30 seconds.
    3. Scoop out 2 Tbsp. of the mixture and form into a ball. Set on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
    4. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until ready to eat. Can be kept in the fridge up to a week.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cookie
    • Calories: 216
    • Sugar: 11.2 g
    • Sodium: 49 mg
    • Fat: 10.9 g
    • Carbohydrates: 20.8 g
    • Fiber: 4.5 g
    • Protein: 4.6 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: raw, vegan, energy, no-bake, peanut butter, workout

    Did You Make This Recipe?

    Be sure and tag @shaneandsimplecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #shaneandsimple.

    I want to see all your delicious creations!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rachael Sposito

      April 09, 2022 at 7:43 pm

      Oh my gosh, these are delicious!! I had almost everything in the bowl when I discovered that my flax seed had gone bad, so I used hemp seed instead and they are fantastic! They remind me of the girl scout cookie – Samoas with the chocolate and coconut 🙂 Thank you so much for the recipe, these will be in my regular rotation!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Jill Purcell

      April 02, 2022 at 10:23 pm

      Just made these again this evening. Love them! Once made, I seal them in a Ziplock bag and put them in the freezer, taking them out just one at a time–usually!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Marg

      March 11, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      I have a natural peanut butter that is quite dry. Do I need to add anything to make this recipe work?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        March 12, 2022 at 9:14 am

        Marg, it would depend on how dry it is. If it is very firm, you might want to try mixing with a little non-dairy milk a bit. This recipe, in order to hold together, depends on the moisture from the peanut butter. Good luck!

        Reply
    4. SandraM

      February 17, 2022 at 12:20 pm

      I’ve made these 3 times already. And have had to share the recipe because they were liked so much!
      So good for afternoon coffee breaks. Love the flaxmeal in it, to help with feeling full and satisfied!
      Highly recommend!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Jinny

      August 20, 2021 at 9:27 am

      Made this recipe several times, Our family and friends love these as do we. Quick and healthy ! Thanks so much for all of your recipes and ideas.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Diane Tzannos Miletti

      August 12, 2021 at 8:51 am

      Absolutely delicious.. Made for my husband to take when he is on road and he loved them, Thanks for the great recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Roseann Crile

      April 20, 2021 at 5:54 pm

      I make these all the time but I don’t bake them.. I toast the coconut first then mix everything together and make balls. I store in the fridge.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Lynda

      October 27, 2020 at 10:25 am

      I made these with cacoa nibs , coconut flavoring. And PB Fit peanut butter to lower the fat content. They are delish!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Ana

        April 13, 2021 at 12:40 pm

        Hi! Did you make the PB powder into peanut butter consistency or just add the powder into the mix?

        Reply
      • Lisa Nan

        July 21, 2021 at 3:05 pm

        This was the first close to sweet treat I’ve made since going WFPB the first of last month. They were easy to make and just one is enough to satisfy my desire for something sweet (and chocolatey). I love that I can make and enjoy having treats that aren’t filled with chemicals. Thanks again, Shane for helping make this way of life sustainable. I am grateful for not only your recipes, but for your passion and commitment.

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Shane Martin

          July 24, 2021 at 1:08 pm

          Lisa, thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the treats:)

          Reply
    9. Judy

      July 26, 2020 at 10:17 am

      The flavor is amazing! I do have a question on consistency. What do you mean when you say it’ll form a batter in about 30 sec? I did recipe as printed, including the chocolate chips. But for me it made a fine crumbly texture. They did hold together well if I kept them small (I made 23) and really packed them together in my hand. Should it have made a more cohesive texture? Should I add a bit of water?
      Thanks – and I love your recipes!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        July 27, 2020 at 10:54 pm

        Judy, that sounds right. I could change the terminology. But, it’s not batter as in cookie “batter” but just as you described.

        Reply
    10. Maureen

      July 12, 2020 at 9:18 am

      Hi Shane. I made these delicious bites yesterday. My husband & I both 💕 looove them. I’ all be making more this week to share with my family out on the boat this weekend. I just know they’re all going to love them too. Thank you so much for all your great recipes. 👍

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        July 12, 2020 at 12:59 pm

        Thank you, Maureen!

        Reply
    11. Martha

      July 11, 2020 at 11:55 pm

      I just made these and they were delicious! I’ve made hundreds of peanut butter balls in my many years in the kitchen but these are THE BEST yet, hands down. I’m delighted to have discovered your website and am looking forward to trying more of your recipes.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        July 12, 2020 at 12:59 pm

        Thank you so much, Martha!

        Reply
    12. Patricia

      July 11, 2020 at 5:43 pm

      I’m assuming you use unsweetened coconut; do you have a favorite brand?
      Thanks for all the recipes!

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        July 12, 2020 at 12:58 pm

        Not really any brand in particular. But, I usually grab Bob’s Red Mill. After that, it’s whatever is on the shelf:)

        Reply
    13. Sherri

      July 11, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      These look delish! If I leave out the coconut will I need to replace it with something else? I’m excited to try them!

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        July 12, 2020 at 12:57 pm

        They will work just fine without the coconut.

        Reply
    14. Lynn

      April 23, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      These are so delicious – I can’t stop eating!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        April 23, 2020 at 3:55 pm

        I feel your pain:)

        Reply
    15. Stephanie Moore

      April 19, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      I’m making my 3rd batch this week today, they are the perfect grab snack for my 4 kids. I double the recipe each time I make them and do half the flax seed meal and replace with hemp hearts and more chia seeds. I also do half the recommended chocolate chips.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Danielle

      April 08, 2020 at 9:26 am

      Might try adding a scoop of protein powder. Thoughts on how this may impact the recipe and any adjustments that might need to made to keep them intact?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        April 09, 2020 at 12:19 pm

        It shouldn’t impact it all. But, honestly, if you’re doing it because you’re concerned about protein there’s really no need.

        Reply
    17. Lisa

      January 29, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      So delicious! This is a great recipe! I didn’t have any maple syrup so I used yacon syrup for a gut-friendly boost. I didn’t have any choc chips so added a dash of cinnamon. Reminded me of eating oatmeal cookie dough as a child and didn’t miss the flour, sugar and eggs at all! Keep these terrific recipes coming!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        January 29, 2020 at 11:50 pm

        Sounds great, Lisa! Thanks so much for reaching out. Blessings

        Reply
    18. Reem

      October 03, 2019 at 10:40 am

      Hi Shane, Thank you for sharing… I am allergic to flax seed What can I use as an alternative to flax?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        October 03, 2019 at 2:18 pm

        Chia seeds are a great alternative.

        Reply
    19. Sarah

      September 28, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      I just stumbled across your site and I am SO thrilled. These are the kind of recipes I have been looking for as I transition my vegetarian family of 5 to WFPB. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us!! I have one question about the vegan chocolate chips…What kind / brand do you like best and where to you purchase them? Thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        September 30, 2019 at 7:09 am

        Hi, Sarah! Thank you so much and I’m just as thrilled and honored to have you here. I hope you enjoy the recipes. We typically use Trader Joe’s dark chocolate chips. But, we also use Nestle’s new brand that is dairy-free. And, most of the time I just get those dark chocolate Bakers’ Bars at the grocery store and chope them up:) Hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments. Blessings.

        Reply
    20. Shane Martin

      June 18, 2019 at 11:31 am

      Oh, yeah!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. AM

      October 05, 2018 at 2:39 pm

      I made these except with almond flour instead of shredded coconut and they tasted great.

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        October 05, 2018 at 2:49 pm

        Nice. Sounds great!

        Reply
    22. Renee

      September 16, 2018 at 12:31 pm

      Fantastic recipe, loved by both kids and adults in our home. My family does not always appriciate eating vegan but this was a home run hit!. I am now on the hook to double the recipe every time I make it because their only complaint is that I don’t make enough!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Renee

      September 16, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      Fantastic recipe. My family does not always appriciate eating vegan but this was a home run hit!. I am now on the hook to double the recipe every time I make it because their only complaint is that I don’t make enough! This is loved by kids and adults!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        September 16, 2018 at 12:33 pm

        Renee, that is fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Peace.

        Reply
    24. denise mccleese

      September 03, 2018 at 12:02 pm

      Good morning from Virginia I just made these and I love them I ended up with about 18 also and they’re sitting my refrigerator right now should we put them in a airtight container

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        September 03, 2018 at 1:20 pm

        Well, HELLO Denise from Virginia! Thanks so much saying “HI!” If you plan on eating them today I would just leave them out, but if you made them to keep over a couple days, I would store them.

        Reply
    25. Rebecca

      August 27, 2018 at 1:30 am

      Can I use honey instead of maple syrup? ☺️

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        August 27, 2018 at 5:54 am

        Yes, if that is your preference. By all means.

        Reply
    26. Clyde Peltonfb

      August 26, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      And if you don’t have a good processor or refrigerator?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        August 26, 2018 at 12:44 pm

        No worries. Just toss everything in a bowl and mix together by hand. The oats don’t “have” to be chopped. Should work just fine. Just cover and store and room temp. for a couple days. Should be good to go.

        Reply
    27. Sandra

      August 25, 2018 at 2:44 pm

      These are wonderful. I ended up with 18 but that is because I used my hands to form them and that was the best size for my hand. My kids and husband love these.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        August 25, 2018 at 3:06 pm

        Awww. So glad you all enjoyed them. Thanks so much for sharing, Sandra! Peace.

        Reply
        • Dave Massey

          August 26, 2018 at 2:01 am

          Hey Shane do you know the calorie content ?

          Reply
          • Shane Martin

            August 26, 2018 at 6:09 am

            Hey Dave, yes. There’s a nutrition label below the recipe. It’s about 200 calories per ball or 2 Tbsp.

            Reply
    28. Canton

      August 25, 2018 at 2:33 pm

      Simple and delicious. The kids love them.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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