Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls – Easy No-Bake Snack for Meal Prep

A plate piled with chocolate peanut butter protein balls sprinkled with mini chocolate chips, with a jar of peanut butter in the background.

These chocolate peanut butter protein balls are the ultimate grab-and-go snack. They’re rich, fudgy, and taste like a dessert bite, but they’re made with simple pantry ingredients. The peanut butter makes them creamy, the oats give them chew, and the chocolate makes them feel extra special. Keep a batch in the fridge and you’ll always have a sweet, high-protein snack ready.

You know those days when you want something sweet but also want it to actually keep you full? These chocolate peanut butter protein balls are exactly that kind of snack.

The “secret” is the no-bake mix: peanut butter + oats + protein powder. It sets up into soft, chewy bites that taste like a candy bar—better than takeout dessert, honestly.

These chocolate peanut butter protein balls are a fan-favorite for meal prep. My family always goes back for seconds… and then asks if there are any left for tomorrow.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

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Better than a candy bar: Rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor in a simple homemade snack.
No-bake & fast: Mix, roll, chill—done in minutes.
Meal prep friendly: Great for lunchboxes, post-workout, or afternoon cravings.
Customizable: Swap add-ins like nuts, coconut, or raisins.
High-protein snack: A satisfying bite that helps curb hunger.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Mixing bowl with oats, cocoa, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and protein powder, plus mini chocolate chips — Simple pantry staples that turn into rich no-bake snack bites

Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The glue and flavor; almond butter works too.
Honey (1/3 cup): Sweetens and helps bind; swap with maple syrup.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Makes them taste dessert-like.
Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds chew and structure; quick oats work in a pinch.
Chocolate protein powder (1/2 cup): Boosts protein and chocolate flavor; if using plant-based, you may need 1–2 tablespoons extra liquid.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Deepens the chocolate taste.
Fine salt (1 pinch): Balances sweetness.
Mini chocolate chips (1/3 cup): Optional, but so worth it; swap with chopped dark chocolate.
Optional add-in: Ground flax (2 tablespoons): Adds fiber and helps binding.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe

Four-panel collage of mixing ingredients, rolling into balls, and serving finished chocolate peanut butter protein balls — Mix, roll, chill—no-bake snack bites made easy

1. Mix the wet base. In a large bowl, stir peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
2. Add the dry ingredients. Stir in oats, protein powder, cocoa, salt, and flax (if using). Mix until a thick dough forms.
3. Adjust the texture. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon honey or a splash of milk. If it’s too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons oats.
4. Fold in chips. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
5. Roll and chill. Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls. Chill 20–30 minutes until firm.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Use room-temperature peanut butter so everything mixes evenly.
Chill the bowl for 10 minutes if the mixture feels too sticky to roll.
Taste before rolling and add a pinch more salt if you want a “dessert” flavor.
Roll with slightly damp hands for smooth balls.
Store chilled so they stay firm.

Variations & Substitutions

Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter and skip nuts.
Extra crunch: Add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or almonds.
Coconut twist: Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
Mocha: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
Higher protein: Add 1–2 tablespoons extra protein powder and a splash of milk.
Leftovers: Crumble over yogurt like “cookie dough” topping.

Storing & Reheating

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

To freeze, place on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pack 2–3 balls in a lunchbox with fruit.
Pair with coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Add to a post-workout snack plate with yogurt.
Serve on a party platter with mixed nuts and berries.
Crumble over oatmeal for a chocolate-peanut butter boost.

Reader Review: “These taste like dessert but actually keep me full. I made a double batch and froze half!”

Make a batch and come back to tell me: do you like yours extra chocolatey or extra peanut-buttery? Leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your favorite mix-ins!