These no bake peanut butter balls are the perfect snack if you are looking for something quick and tasty! Peanut butter is high in calories, so these peanut butter balls are packed with calories and protein and can help stop unintended weight loss.
Ingredients
This recipe only requires five ingredients and is easy to make. An added bonus is that the ingredients are not only delicious, but nutritious as well. Also, the majority of calories come from the peanut butter.
Here are the ingredients you need:
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1/8 cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup honey
- 1/8 cup powdered sugar
To be sure that you get as many calories as possible, it is best to avoid any low-fat or reduced-fat varieties of peanut butter. This is important if you are trying to prevent weight loss and/or cause weight gain.
Benefits of Eating No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Oats have a large amount of beta-glucan fiber. The healthy aspects of beta-glucan fiber are that it reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels, it reduces blood sugar and insulin response, it can increase your feeling of fullness, and it can increase the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Peanut butter contains a significant amount of vitamin E, niacin (B3), manganese, vitamin B6, and magnesium. It also has a good level of copper, a mineral that helps with the bones, immune system, and blood vessels. Copper can help reduce risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Chia seeds and honey have tons of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to reduce the production of free radicals, which can cause cancer and damage cells and contribute to aging. These have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain types of cancer. Antioxidants may also improve skin and eye health.
Chia seeds are also high in fiber. This may increase your feeling of fullness and slow the absorption of food.
Powdered sugar provides you with a lot of energy because of its very high calorie content. Since it is not an animal product, sugar does not contain any form of cholesterol.
When Should I Eat No Bake Peanut Butter Balls?
These no bake peanut butter balls are pretty sweet and you can eat them as a quick breakfast, or pop some in you bag for a quick snack or dessert for later. The fiber in these peanut butter balls may keep you feeling satisfied until lunch, or they may make a great midmorning snack on days when you have a late lunch planned. For another quick breakfast that works great on the go, try this one here!
If you eat all four of the balls in one sitting, then you would get at least 16 g of protein. That is enough protein to eat following a good workout to help build your muscles. The peanut butter balls pack a lot of calories and protein into bite sized pieces that are great for pre- or post- workout hunger.
If you are unable to hit the gym, you can find some great ideas for bed exercises in this article at the Geriatric Dietitian.
How to Make the No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
First, put the oats into a blender and blend it into a powder. Then add more oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, honey and powdered sugar into a bowl and stir together into a dough. Shape the mixture into about 12 one-inch balls and place them on a sheet tray. Wetting your hands with a little water before shaping it into balls may make the mixture less sticky and easier to shape.
Next, refrigerate the balls on the sheet tray for one hour. Top them with more powdered sugar if you would like that and enjoy!
Optional Variations
These are sure to be a favorite, and so below are a few suggestions for possible ways to alter the recipe to change the flavor and keep things interesting.
Oats substitutions:
- Quinoa Flakes
- Ground Flax
- Rice Bran
- Etc.
Peanut Butter substitutions:
- Sunflower Butter
- Almond Butter
- Soy Butter
- Pea Butter
- Etc.
Chia Seeds substitutions:
- Flax Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Psyllium Husks
- Wheat Germ
- Etc.
What Sides Go with No Bake Peanut Butter Balls?
Saltines go very well with no bake peanut butter balls. The salty and sweet flavor combination is amazing. The crackers add an extra crunchy texture that is lacking in just the balls by themselves. Also, they provide extra carbohydrates for energy and calories.
Making pancakes to serve with no bake peanut butter balls is also a great combination! The pancakes serve as a counterpoint for the intense peanut butter flavor. Top you pancakes with fresh fruit or jam and serve the no bake peanut butter balls on the side for a delicious and filling breakfast.
Pretzels taste good with the no bake peanut butter balls. They add a nice salty taste and crunchy texture.
Apples are a great side item. You get a good, fresh, crunchy texture, nutrients from the fruit, and extra fiber. This combination is very healthy and good for your digestive system because of the fiber.
Celery with raisins is another healthy side for the no bake peanut butter balls. This provides you with a different group of nutrients than the apples, and more variety of texture too.
How to Store Extras?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Another option is freezing the peanut butter balls for 2-3 months.
Now for the No Bake Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Let’s take a look at a clearer set of instructions for making the no bake peanut butter balls! All you need to do is scroll a bit further and then you can get started on preparing the recipe.
No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/8 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/8 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add oats into a blender and blend into a powder.
- Add oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, honey and powdered sugar into a bowl and combine.
- Form mixture into about 12 one-inch balls and place on sheet tray.
- Refrigerate balls for one hour.
- Top with more powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!