This delicious protein ball recipe is the perfect grab and go snack for a busy morning! Made with chia seeds, muesli mix, peanut butter, honey, and many other simple ingredients to keep you feeling your best!
These peanut butter protein balls can be refrigerated overnight or popped in the freezer for a short period of time. One of my favorite healthy snacks and/or healthy breakfasts!
Whether you’re a fitness fan or just a busy mom, these yummy protein balls are a great way to keep your energy up. They’re packed with so much protein, fiber, and healthy fats which leave you feeling happy and healthy!
Plus, like our coconut macaroons without condensed milk, these are a no bake treat that doesn’t require much of you, the baker!
I love making recipes with oatmeal because it’s so affordable, healthy, and gluten-free! My chocolate orange cake is made with oatmeal as well as my oat flour pancakes! Both recipes make a great easy breakfast.
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If you’re looking for another easy recipe, my overnight muesli with cranberries is perfect! It’s similar to overnight oats and can be made/stored easily in mason jars.
Are energy balls actually healthy?
Yes! Energy balls are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats which makes them the perfect snack! They’re made with healthy pantry ingredients like natural peanut butter, vanilla extract, oatmeal, a touch of honey, flax seeds, and other optional ingredients as well.
Ingredients for protein balls
One of my favorite things about this recipe is the fact that it’s so forgiving. You can swap, add, or omit a lot of these ingredients to make these peanut butter balls your own!
Muesli mix
Muesli mix is similar to rolled oats, but contains other nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. If you don’t have muesli mix, feel free to use rolled oats and add your own natural ingredients.
Peanut butter
I like to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe but you can use sunflower seed butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc. It’s up to personal preference!
Honey
Honey is great in this recipe but if you don’t have honey, feel free to swap for maple syrup or organic blue agave. All of these great options add a tiny bit of natural sweetness.
Protein powder
I like vanilla protein powder but you can use your favorite protein powder or chocolate protein powder if you’d rather have chocolate protein balls. I recommend using a whey protein powder because it mixes better with the other ingredients.
How to make protein balls
You can make this protein ball recipe in 4 simple steps in just a large bowl!
Step 1: Place Gluten-free pretzels in a bag then crush.
Step 2: Place crushed pretzels and remaining ingredients in a stand mixer or food processor with paddle attachment and mix until combined
Step 3: Using a mini ice cream scoop, spoon out small balls of museli muscle bites on a silicone lined baking sheet
Step 4: Place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes then enjoy
Pro tip: Keep them refrigerated for or at room temperature. I personally like them frozen though…
Expert tips and FAQs
I like to have these as a post-workout snack but you can eat them before a workout as well. I recommend eating these energy balls roughly 1 hour before a tough workout.
No protein balls do not need to be refrigerated but they do taste better when they’re slightly chilled. Storing in an airtight container in the fridge is the best way to preserve freshness and the delicious flavors!
When stored properly, protein balls will last 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Make sure you store in an airtight container. If you choose to freeze them, they’ll last around 30 days.
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Protein Balls (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup gluten-free muesli
- 1 cup gluten-free pretzels
- 1/2 cup honey peanut butter
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup plus 2 T raw honey
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place 1 cup gluten-free pretzels in a bag then crush
- Place crushed pretzels and remaining ingredients in a stand mixer with paddle attachment and mix until combined
- Using a mini ice cream scoop, spoon out small balls of museli muscle bites on a silicone lined baking sheet
- Place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes then enjoy
- Keep them refrigerated for or at room temperature. I personally like them frozen though…
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in July 2017 but has been updated in April 2022.
Phoebe says
Super tasty!! We loved how easy these were to make.
Jeff Anderson says
ugghhhhh!!! Awesomely delicious muscle building foods please post more. Can’t wait for a new update.
Chandice says
Aw, thanks Jeff!