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I’m a big fan of sneaking protein into sweet treats, from protein mug cakes to chocolate hummus and even protein waffles, and this peanut butter protein balls recipe is on regular rotation at my house. It makes a filling, sweet snack with all the right textures — smooth and crunchy in every bite!
These no bake protein balls are made with just a few basic ingredients and are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. It’s like a cross between peanut butter cookies and peanut butter fudge, in portable ball form. Make a batch to have on hand for healthy snacking when a craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Protein Balls Recipe
- Sweet peanut butter flavor
- Soft inside (similar to peanut butter fudge!) with crunchy outside
- Just 5 ingredients
- Easy no bake recipe
- Naturally keto, gluten-free, sugar-free, and packed with healthy fats
- Awesome as a post-workout snack, dessert, and even as fat bombs

Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for protein peanut butter balls, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Peanut Butter – It’s important to use a thick peanut butter like this one — NOT a runny one! Also, use a salted peanut butter, or add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt if yours is unsalted.
- Collagen Protein Powder – Look for a high quality collagen that is unflavored, like this one. Other unsweetened protein powders are also fine to use. You could also use a plant-based protein powder if you prefer a vegan option.
- Sweetener – I use Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend, which works best in this recipe because it gives the balls sweet flavor without any aftertaste and dissolves well without making them gritty. Other powdered sweeteners can work — see my sugar substitute guide for different types. Keep in mind that you may need to reduce the sweetener if you don’t use Besti, because it dissolves into the peanut butter more than other sweeteners would. Powdered sugar works as well, but is not a healthy option that I’d recommend. Avoid liquid sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, as they would make the mixture too runny.
- Vanilla – Use a high quality vanilla extract to bring out the sweetness in these no bake peanut butter protein balls.
- Peanuts – We’re rolling these protein bites in chopped peanuts to make them easier to handle and to add crunch. Give them a good chop in the food processor or with a sharp knife. You can also try other nuts and seeds like chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, or cashews.

How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Balls
This section shows how to make protein balls with peanut butter, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Mix the dough. Combine peanut butter, collagen powder, Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend, and vanilla in a powerful blender or food processor. Process until uniform, scraping down the sides as necessary.

TIP: If the mixture is too runny, you can add more sweetener and protein powder in equal amounts.
The consistency of the mixture will vary depending on how thick your peanut butter is. You want the mixture to be dense, but not so dry that it can’t be pressed together.
- Freeze. Put dough in the freezer until it’s firmer and less sticky.
- Roll. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out balls of dough and then roll in your hands.



TIP: Use cold hands to make the rolling process easier.
You can do this by washing your hands with cold water.
- Coat. Roll the formed balls into chopped peanuts to coat. Place the homemade protein balls on a baking sheet after rolling each one.
- Enjoy or chill. You can enjoy this peanut butter treat right away, but for a firmer texture, refrigerate for 20 minutes.


Recipe Variations
The base recipe for peanut buttter protein balls needs just 5 ingredients, but you can easily customize them with different add-ins:
- Chocolate Chip – My favorite to use are these sugar-free dark chocolate chips. You can roll them on the outside instead of chopped peanuts, or stir them into the peanut butter mixture.
- Peanut-Free – If you have a peanut allergy or don’t like them, you can swap the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter and the peanuts for almonds (or any other low carb nuts). Most nut butters are more runny, so you’ll need to add more sweetener and protein powder to make the mixture firm enough.
- Chocolate – Replace 1-2 tablespoons of the collagen powder with cocoa powder.
- Coconut – Roll these homemade balls in unsweetened coconut flakes instead of (or in addition to) the chopped peanuts.
- Cinnamon – Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture as a starting point and adjust to taste.
- Dried Fruit – You can fold in dried cranberries or raisins, just keep in mind that these will increase the sugar content.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze no bake protein balls for 3-4 months. Arrange them on a parchment paper lined sheet pan in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will be firmer out of the freezer, if you prefer that texture.

More No Bake Protein Balls Recipes
If you like these protein peanut butter snacks, you might also like some of these bite-sized energy ball recipes:
Recommended Tools
- Food Processor – You’ll need one to get the best consistency for this protein ball recipe!
- Small Cookie Scoop – This one partitions out the PB ball mixture perfectly.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Peanut Butter Protein Balls (No Bake)
You'll love this no bake peanut butter protein balls recipe! They are crunchy on the outside, fudgy inside, and need just 5 ingredients.
Recipe Video
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Combine the peanut butter, protein powder, sweetener, and vanilla in a powerful blender or food processor. Process until uniform, scraping down the sides as necessary. The mixture should be very dense, but able to be pressed together. If it's too thin, you can add more protein powder and/or sweetener to taste.
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Freeze the dough for about 20 minutes to make the mixture firmer and less sticky.
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Use a small cookie scoop (or a spoon) to grab balls of dough. Roll into balls, preferably using cold hands (wash them with cold water first).
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Roll protein balls in chopped peanuts to coat the outside. You can enjoy them right away, or refrigerate for 20 minutes to make them firmer. Keep refrigerated.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 peanut butter ball
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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61 Comments
Renee Pritchett
0Can I substitute egg white protein powder for the collagen protein powder?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Renee, Yes, you can do that.
Betty
0These peanut butter balls are QUITE NICE. Thaw enough from frozen in just a few minutes. Love how fast & easy they are to make. On repeat definitely.
Rebecca Nilan
0Have made these several times and everyone loves them. Delicious!
Addison
0These peanut butter balls are the best little snack! I love having them for breakfast or dessert.
Lindsey
0These little p.b. protein bites were fantastic! I made them as a post-AM workout snack but I had to keep myself from going back for more in the afternoon!
Gina
0Love these as an easy snack when I’m on the go. The collagen is a great addition for some staying power!
Kelli
0Oh my goodness, you must try this Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe from Wholesome Yum! Let me tell you, these little bites of heaven are my new go-to snack. And the best part? They’re a no-bake recipe! Crunchy on the outside, fudgy on the inside, and made with just 5 simple ingredients – It’s hard to believe that something so easy to make could be so delicious and satisfying. I’ve been taking them to work as a mid-morning snack and they keep me going until lunchtime. Plus, they’re packed with protein, which is a bonus for anyone trying to fuel their body with healthy nutrients. Trust me, you need to make these Peanut Butter Protein Balls ASAP! Your taste buds will thank you.
Claire
0I made these as a snack for my teenagers to grab when they are running late for the bus and haven’t had breakfast. I made a mistake and told them about them! They are all gone and we haven’t got to Monday morning yet! I am not surprised though as they really were delicious, and easy to make!! I’ve told them they can make the next batch. Great recipe, thank you.
Sylvia
0Hi. I made this tonight. I mixed the first 4 ingredients, but noticed it was too powdery, not enough wet to roll. I melted 4 tbsp of unsalted butter and worked it into the mixture. Then I was able to roll them easily into balls. I did not roll the balls in peanuts, as I wanted as few carbs as possible. I tasted the mixture before freezing and it tasted ok, thank you.
Jenny
0Love them!! Delicious and easy to make. The only hard part will not be eating several at a time!
Carol Cotterall Groat
0Lakanto monk fruit company got back to me in regards to my question about using the classic version instead of the powdered and I just had to mix it for quite long in my food processor and they are delicious! Hopefully this will help someone else!
Carol
0After I mixed the ingredients together and they weren’t smooth to roll into balls I reread the recipe and realized I used regular monk fruit sweetener, not the powdered version. How do I fix it?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Carol, You may be able to add a little more peanut butter and protein powder to make them a little more sturdy.
Janet
0What alternative could I use instead of the collagen powder. For health reasons, my doctor does not want me to use much collagen.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Janet, You could use a different type of protein powder.
Renay
0I was amazed at the ease to prepare this. This is awesome! I also like the fact that it is relatively inexpensive. More recipes like this, please!
Jimmy
0I get you’re trying to make money, but all these adds and subscription popup makes this site annoying to visit.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jimmy, Thanks for your feedback. Ads keep the Wholesome Yum website running and allow me to develop recipes that readers like you can access absolutely free. However, you may be interested in Wholesome Yum Plus, which includes an ad-free version of the website, along with other perks.
Susan Harris
0Oh my yummy, thanks I’d give it a 100%.
Katie
0These make for such a great snack during the afternoons to tide me over until dinner!
Kristyn
0My favorite little snack or breakfast! Creamy & crunchy, the perfect combination!
Natalie
0They were a cinch to make. They kept my filled & tasted great!
Lisalia
0Yummy! Such a delicious grab and go healthy snack. I also had one this morning on my way to work. A great way to get in the protein. Thanks for another winning recipe!
Amy
0I love anything peanut butter, so I knew I was going to love these. Also, they are healthy and full of protein. So its a win, win!
DEE MCDONALD
0I LIKE THEM EXCEPT 2 TSP VANILLA TOOK OVER THE COOKIE. I LIKE VANILLA FLAVORING BUT NOT THAT MUCH. I DID HOWEVER USE IMITATION VANILLA SO MAYBE THAT IS WHY BUT I MADE THEM AGAIN WITH 1 TSP AND THEY WERE BETTER.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Dee, Yes the imitation vanilla may have impacted the flavor. Feel free to omit if it’s too strong.
lucy Bakker
0I have not been able to get the keto food list for beginners that you offered. I am a member already
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Lucy, Sorry about that. You should have access to it now.
Deeann
0As usual, excellent and easy recipe. I had been looking for a keto friendly recipe which used peanut butter (so I wouldn’t go overboard on peanut butter intake and washing spoons all day long LOL) and use protein powder as my protein intake was a bit lower and this fits the bill more than expected. Love the calculator with your recipes which have never let me down. I made 8 balls, coated in pecan meal lightly (from our local pecan grower of course) and while I used the 7 serving size, found 8 at the end of it with smooth natural peanut butter no water was needed.
chris
0I really want to try this, but do you have to use sweetener? I’m diabetic and any type of sugar substitute affects me. Thanks
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Chris, You can omit the sweetener if you like.
Carolyn
0I substituted Dr. Axe’s peanut butter protein meal, added chopped sliced almonds, needed to add a dab of water to pull it together and then a few sugar free chocolate chips. Quick, easy, and delicious! Maya, you have become one of my “go to” sites for quick keto recipes, especially the 4 ingredient recipes! You are so appreciated! Blessings.
Pam W
0Very nice! My peanut butter was pretty thick, so I added a little water to help the dough together. I also subbed a combination of pistachio, almonds and pecans for the peanuts. And I had the chocolate bone broth powder on hand, so that’s what I used. Delish!
Roberta
0I made these with chocolate whey protein isolate powder. Delish! Highly recommend these. So good.
Shon
0This was absolutely good. I did alter the recipe and added some Hershey’s cocoa powder to give the Recee’s appeal. My daughter who is Vegan loved it too. Great reciept. Can’t wait to try the chocolate chip bites next
Oliver
0These are absolutely amazing!! I think I made them a little big cos I ended up with about 15. But they are fantastic for a quick grab and go snack. I used to just grab the jar of peanut butter and a spoon, now I just grab one of these and go! I’m definitely making them again… right now.
Joseph K Smith
0I’m Definitely intrigued and I’m collecting ingredients for it right now. I wonder if there is some way to make them hold their shape without requiring refrigeration. I’m a backpacker and considering these for a keto friendly trail snack.
Wholesome Yum
0Hi Joseph, you can add more protein powder to make them more firm.
Jenny
0Wow! These really hit the spot. I just used a bowl and spoon to mix. Super simple and quick to make. I used Quest cookies n cream protein powder and a store brand powdered sugar substitute. I will definitely be making this recipe again. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Jenn
0These are delicious, and so easy to make! Didn’t even need a food processor, just thoroughly mixed it up in a bowl with a wooden spoon. Thank you for the recipe!
Sandralusk
0Is there a recipe to make these without protein vanilla or collagen protein powder? And can you tell me what erythritol is- new to this? What is the difference between keto and low carb?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Sandra, No, the protein powder is a main ingredient in the recipe. You can read more about low carb sweeteners here and more about low carb vs keto here.
Tara
0These taste great! I am trying Keto but miss the sweets so much. These bites are perfect. I used Vega vanilla protein powder. Thinking of adding drizzled dark chocolate to the tops but wondering if it is this still Keto friendly? Or would I need sugar free chocolate? Thx so much, Tara
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Tara, I’m glad you like them! You’d need sugar-free chocolate to keep them keto friendly.
Elaine
0Since this recipe makes 24 and the serving size is 1, do these keep in the refrigerator or can you freeze them?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Elaine, You can do either!
Jami
0Can any low-carb vanilla protein powder be substituted for the Dr. Axe? I live outside of the U.S. and can’t get specialty items like that. Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Jami, Yes, you can. I just really like the one from Dr. Axe but you can use the one you have! And you should let them know where you are so maybe they’ll start offering it to your country too. 🙂
Stephanie
0They look good. I prefer almond butter. Can I use that instead?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Stephanie! Yes, you can absolutely substitute almond butter! I hope you like it!
Rebecca
0I didn’t think that we could have peanut butter or peanuts on a KETO diet – too many carbs and sugars. is this really a recipe that will work on a KETO plan? Sounds too good to be true.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Rebecca! Yes, you can eat peanut butter on the keto diet. Just make sure you use a natural peanut butter that contains no added sugars. The ingredients should only be peanuts and salt. I hope you like them!
Rita A. Sumigray
0Should I assume all your recipe serving sizes are 1 unless otherwise noted?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Rita, the serving size should always be listed on the recipe card. For this recipe, the serving size is one protein ball.
Karen
0Thank you for the article on Collagen, I have been waiting for such info for a long time. And also thank you for the Collagen recipes, I will make them for sure. And any other collagen recipes in the future would be most welcome. I think adding Collagen to the nut flours in recipes could be useful, i.e. almond and coconut flour. Would cooking/baking be ok with the collagen do you know? Or would it destroy its quality?
Rolling these balls in desiccated coconut would be rather tasty and look festive too.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Karen! I’m glad you asked because I’m going to be posting more collagen recipes soon. You can definitely bake with collagen, as it has already been heated. The desiccated coconut sounds yummy!
Kirsten
0I used a mix of chocolate and vanilla whey (vanilla first, came out not very good, added the chocolate after and it tasted a little better). It came out tasting more like vanilla whey rather than peanut butter. I tried rolling the balls in some crushed dark chocolate chips, but it didn’t help. I think I will try another variation of this recipe next time.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Kristen, Thank you for the feedback on the variations you tried. My favorite way to make them is using the collagen, since that results in the strongest peanut butter flavor.
Kim
0I love peanut butter protein balls. I have never tried collagen in them – just my coffee. I think I will try this next time. Thanks for the recipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Kim! I love them, too! Your recipe also looks delicious.