Protein balls with peanut butter

Protein balls with peanut butter

10 min
Our no-bake protein balls with peanut butter are a perfect combination of rich flavours and crunchy ingredients. Infused with the creamy texture of peanut butter, each bite is a blend of black beans and oats, sweetened naturally with medjool dates, and rolled in crunchy salted peanuts. Ideal as a post-workout snack, a midday boost or a decadent anytime treat, these protein balls are as delicious as they are convenient.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-balls-with-peanut-butter/

Instructions

  • Rinse the beans thoroughly and let them drain in a strainer.
  • Remove the stones from the dates.
  • Put the beans, dates, cocoa powder, rum essence, peanut butter, and oatmeal in a food processor or mini chopper and blend until the mixture is uniform.
  • Roll into small balls, about 20 pieces.
  • Finely chop the salted peanuts and roll the balls in them.
  • Store the balls in the fridge in an airtight container.
Enjoy!

Questions about our protein ball peanut butter recipe

Prepare your treats with confidence. Find answers to common questions below that will guide you in making these snacks. Learn about flavour variations and freezing techniques to turn this recipe into your new favourite treat.

What flavour variations can I create?
If you’re looking to experiment with flavour variations, there are several creative options to consider. Our protein balls with dates offer a perfect blend of toasted hazelnuts, brightened with a hint of orange. It also uses chickpeas (instead of this recipe’s black beans) as base, offering a new flavour and texture experience. If you’re in the mood for a chocolatey twist, try our protein balls recipe. Paired with dark chocolate, almonds, cardamom, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this variation is guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate lover’s sweet tooth.
Can I freeze protein ball peanut butter dough?
Absolutely! After forming the dough and coating them in the peanuts, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm (about one to two hours). Once frozen solid, transfer the balls into an airtight container or a freezer bag, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

Pre-cooked black beans
(equivalent to 1 can) 240 g
Medjool dates
200 g
Unsweetened cocoa powder
20 g
Rum essence
12 g
Peanut butter
45 g
Finely rolled oatmeal
40 g
Salted peanuts
50 g

Blending techniques for a smooth protein ball peanut butter dough

Begin by pulsing the mixture to break down the ingredients evenly. Scrape down the sides of the processor periodically to ensure everything gets incorporated uniformly. As the mixture starts to come together, switch to continuous blending until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

This process may take a few minutes depending on your blender and the moisture content of the dates and beans. If the mixture seems too dry, adding a small amount of water can help achieve the desired consistency.

Create an even salted peanut coating

To achieve an even coating, gently press each ball into the chopped peanuts, rotating them in your palms to ensure all sides are covered. Lightly pat the peanuts onto the surface of the balls to help them adhere. If you find the peanut coating isn’t sticking, try spraying the balls very lightly with water to increase their stickiness.

For perfect protein balls with peanut butter, use a small cookie scoop to shape your dough. This tool ensures each protein ball is the same size and is especially helpful when making a bigger batch of this recipe.

Level up your protein ball peanut butter with these techniques

A few simple but effective techniques can transform this snack from great to memorable. For an extra smooth mixture, warm the peanut butter slightly before you start mixing. This makes it easier to blend with the other ingredients.

For a fun twist, use cookie moulds. This adds an exciting element to your snack preparation and, with a range of mould designs available, you can select one that perfectly fits your mood, occasion, or style.

Enhanced presentation and serving ideas

Spending time on presentation can turn these simple snacks into a special culinary experience. Arrange them on a serving dish with complementary snacks and flavours like chewy protein flapjacks, crunchy oat protein cookies, or cool and refreshing scoops of cottage cheese ice cream.

Experiment with different textures

Adjusting the texture of your protein ball peanut butter dough can add an exciting dimension to your snacking experience. For a smoother texture, blend the mixture longer. Another approach is to vary the size of the salted peanut coating – finely chopped peanuts will create a more integrated crunch, while larger pieces provide a bolder contrast.

Quick fixes for crumbly protein ball peanut butter dough

If you find that your protein ball peanut butter dough is too crumbly, simply add a small amount of water to help moisten the mixture. Another trick is to briefly blend the dough again in your food processor, which can help redistribute the ingredients and encourage them to stick together more effectively. Start with small additions and adjustments until you reach the desired consistency.