Peanut Butter Dates Oat Protein Balls
These Protein Balls are made with peanut butter, oats, dates, chia seeds, flax seeds, and chopped almonds, blended together into a mixture that’s dense with fiber and healthy fats.
This is the loaded version of an energy ball, with enough seeds and nuts mixed in to keep you full for hours.
They’re perfect for meal prep, busy mornings, after-school snacks, post-workout bites, or an easy grab-and-go option during the week.
These peanut butter protein balls are also great when you want a homemade snack without turning on the oven.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
This one leans on natural peanut butter for most of its protein, with chia and flax seeds adding fiber and a bit of crunch. Soft, fresh dates hold everything together without needing any added sweetener.
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Ingredients
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/4 tsp salt
1 to 2 tbsp water, as needed
Directions
- Soak the pitted dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they feel firm or dry, then drain well.
Add the dates, peanut butter, oats, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseed, and salt to a food processor.
Pulse a few times to start breaking everything down before processing continuously. - Process until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough that clumps together when pressed.
This mixture is denser than most energy ball recipes because of all the seeds and nuts, so it may take a bit longer to come together.
If it looks too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time until it holds its shape. - Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to make sure everything blends evenly.
The mixture is ready when it forms a ball on its own or sticks together easily when pinched.
Taste a small bit and add a pinch more salt if the peanut butter flavor needs balancing. - Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball.
Repeat with the remaining mixture, wetting your hands slightly if it starts sticking too much.
You should get around 18 balls depending on how big you roll them. - Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
Chilling firms them up and makes them easier to handle and pack.
They hold their shape well once chilled, even at room temperature for a few hours. - Serve chilled and enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Use soft, fresh dates. Dried-out dates won’t blend smoothly, and the mixture won’t hold together well no matter how long you process it.
- This mixture is denser than a basic energy ball, thanks to all the seeds and nuts. Expect it to take a little longer to come together in the food processor.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, since regular oats can be cross-contaminated during processing.
- Don’t over-add water. It’s easy to overcorrect a dry mixture and end up with something too soft to roll. Add it a teaspoon at a time and mix well between additions.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. These also freeze well for up to 3 months – thaw for about 10 minutes at room temperature before eating.
- No peanut butter on hand? Almond butter or sunflower seed butter both work as a substitute without changing the texture much.
How to Serve, Store & Customize This Recipe
Serving: These are best served cold, straight from the fridge, as a filling snack before or after a workout. Pack a few in a small container for the gym bag or a long day at the office.
Storing: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Customizing: Add a scoop of protein powder if you want an extra boost (add a splash more water to compensate for the dryness). Mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries stirred in add a little variety in flavor and texture.
Peanut Butter Oat Dates Chia Seed Flax Seed Almonds Protein Balls
Course: Recipes18 balls
servings20
minutes110
kcalIngredients
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/4 tsp salt
1 to 2 tbsp water, as needed
Directions
- Soak dates if needed, then combine with peanut butter, oats, almonds, chia, flax, and salt in a food processor.
- Process until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Continue processing and taste-check the mixture.
- Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls.
- Chill the balls for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
