Nbirz

Plant-based, gluten-free cooking.

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls (V, GF, No Oats)

Snacks and starters

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls (V, GF, No Oats)

An ideal snack for workouts, lunches, afternoon pick-me-ups, and breakfasts, these 4 ingredient peanut butter energy balls are vegan, oil-free, made without oats, and plain to prepare (no cooking required).

overhead shot of peanut butter coconut flour protein balls being made, with some on a cutting board and some dough still in a bowl

4-Ingredient Energy Balls without Oats

My willingness to bake flew out the window as the temperature approached 100 degrees today. Oy vey! I reworked my plans, making my blogging agenda no-bake or bust!

Since our family has a bit more travel ahead, I’ve created a portable, nourishing and satisfying snack option for packing and snacking: 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls. The taste? Like a go-to truffle that has had a spa makeover. Yum!

Many energy and protein balls begin with oats. I love oats, but other (wonderful!) grain-free options exist, such as coconut flour. It works like a charm in these energy balls.

close up of peanut butter coconut flour protein ball in a red paper mini muffin liner

Recipe Benefits

  • Made with 4 ingredients
  • Quick and straightforward to make
  • No cooking or baking required
  • Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
  • Gluten-free
  • Grain-free (no oats!)
  • Oil-free
  • 4 grams protein (per 2 balls)

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas
  • natural peanut butter
  • maple syrup (I have alternatives in the recipe card)
  • coconut flour

You will also need a small amount of water (I use filtered tap water) to bind the dough.

Steps to Make the Recipe

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

Preparing a batch of these energizing treats simplicity itself.

  • In a food processor, process the drained chickpeas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until very smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down sides of the bowl.
  • Add the coconut flour to processor and pulse until the mixture resembles stiff cookie dough.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough and roll into balls.
  • If desired, roll the balls in a little bit of coconut flour to coat.
close up of protein balls, in red paper cups, made from peanut butter powder and coconut flour

FAQ

How Should I Store the Energy Balls?

Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months.

What is a Good Replacement for Natural Peanut Butter?

Other natural nut or seed butters (e.g., almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter) can be used in place of the peanut butter.

Can I Use a Different Sweetener?

Yes. An equal amount of agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or honey (if not strictly vegan) can be used in place of the maple syrup. If you wish to reduce the sugar in these balls, consider using a ketogenic-friendly liquid sweetener in place of the maple syrup.

peanut butter powder coconut flour protein balls, with the one in front bittern into to reveal interior

Happy, nourishing snacking and lunch-packing, everyone!

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls {V, GF)

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 30 balls

Ingredients

  • 1 15- ounce 425 g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup 128 g natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup 75 mL maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour or more, as needed

Method

  1. In a food processor , process the drained chickpeas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until very smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down sides of the bowl.
  2. Add the coconut flour to processor and pulse until the mixture resembles stiff cookie dough (see notes regarding consistency).
  3. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough and roll into balls. If desired, roll the balls in a little bit of coconut flour .

Notes

Storage: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months. Maple Syrup Alternatives: An equal amount of agave nectar, honey (if not strictly vegan), or sugar-free liquid sweetener can be used in place of the maple syrup . Peanut Butter Alternatives: An equal amount of other natural nut or seed butters (e.g., almond butter , cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter ) can be used in place of the peanut butter. Traditional peanut butter can also be used. Tips : If the dough seems to moist, add a bit more coconut flour . If the dough seems to dry, add a bit of water.

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