3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

These healthy 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls are the most delicious 5 minute snack. They make a great on the go snack or healthier dessert option. Additionally, these peanut butter balls are vegan, gluten free, and so delicious!

THE BEST NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER SNACK

I love making these 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls when I’m craving something sweet, but don’t feel like preheating the oven for cookies or brownies. They take just 5 minutes to whip up, can be made in one bowl, and are literally just 3 ingredients!

Just combine creamy peanut butter, with gluten free oats, and a dash of maple syrup. Mix until you have a soft dough, then roll into balls and enjoy!

These peanut butter energy balls are also a great make ahead snack choice. You can keep them on the counter for a healthy afternoon pick me up or store in the freezer and pop one (or two) out whenever the craving hits.

If you’re looking for a sweeter, no-bake option, be sure to try these no bake cookie dough bites!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE 3 INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BALLS

• Vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and egg free
• There’s only 3 ingredients and one bowl needed
• Can be made in 5 minutes
• Add in chocolate chips and you have a healthy dessert
• Great to make ahead of time and keep in the freezer for a quick afternoon snack

3 INGREDIENTS IN PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BALLS

• Peanut butter: You can use any kind of peanut butter you like. I prefer ones without added sugar and oil, however they do end up a touch drier the next day than ones made with a regular brand like Jif or Skippy
• Oats: You want to use gluten free certified, rolled or old fashioned oats. Steel cut will not work
• Maple syrup: You only need a small amount, but it adds a warm, sweet flavor that really makes these energy bites delicious

Substitutions and Variations:

• Peanut butter: Substitute with almond butter or cashew butter
• Maple syrup: Use agave for another vegan option or honey for a non-vegan substitute
• Nut free: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter
• Add mini chocolate chips
• Flaxseeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds are good nutrition additions
• Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut
• Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract for extra flavor
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the oatmeal balls then freeze for a healthy and simple dessert

Kitchen tools needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Cookie scoop (optional)

TASTE AND TEXTURE

These little energy bites are slightly sweet with a very prominent peanut butter flavor. They’re slightly soft with a delicious chewy texture.

HOW TO MAKE 3 INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BALLS

1. In a large mixing bowl add the peanut butter, oats, and maple syrup
2. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything until well combined
3. With a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, divide dough into equal portions and use your hands to roll into balls
4. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to eat

EXPERT TIPS

• Use more sweetener if using an all natural peanut butter (notes listed in recipe card)
• Do not use steel cut oats
• Make sure your oats are certified gluten free
• Scoop dough with a cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size
• Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls
• Wet your hands slightly if the dough is sticking to them

FAQs

Why are my oatmeal balls dry?

If you use a natural peanut butter, the oatmeal mixture tends to be a bit drier. You can add more sweetener until you get the correct texture.

Are 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls gluten free?

As long as you use certified gluten free oats then yes, they are gluten free as well as vegan.

Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?

I don’t recommend it because the sweetener helps to keep the oatmeal energy balls from being dry and crumbly.

What do I do if my dough is too sticky?

If too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the oats to absorb some of the excess liquid. I also found that wetting my hands a little bit helped when I was rolling the dough into balls.

Can I substitute the syrup with honey?

Yes, maple syrup can be substituted with honey. It is important to note that honey isn’t vegan for anyone following a vegan diet.

Can I make these peanut free?

Yes, just substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and they’re entirely nut free.

STORING AND FREEZING PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BALLS

You can store any leftover oatmeal energy bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Additionally, place the container into the freezer and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Be sure to let frozen bites thaw to room temperature before enjoying.

IF YOU LOVED THIS RECIPE, TRY ONE OF THESE NEXT!

• 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies
• 3 ingredient lime popsicles
• Healthy lemonade popsicles
• Chocolate flaxseed pudding

Did you make these 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls?

If so, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, follow my on Instagram and tag me if you make this of any other of my easy, healthy snack recipes.

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