Peanut Butter Energy Balls with Honey
These peanut butter energy balls are high protein, incorporating peanut butter, protein powder, fruit and nuts! Honey makes these protein balls slightly sweet.
How are your new year’s resolutions going? I had three areas that I wanted to focus on this year; eating regular meals, hitting the gym for classes three times each week, and going to sleep earlier. I’m happy to report that I am doing GREAT on #1 and #2. I’ve been eating smaller, more regular meals and healthy snacks like these Honey and Peanut Butter Energy Balls.
I’ve been to spin class and Les Mills classes three times each week. But man, I’m not doing well on #3 (more sleep). I have a super active brain, and have been so busy lately. I have a few big deals that are close to signing at work, and I’ve also been really busy with the blog lately! It seems like it’s harder and harder to get my brain to settle down at night. But, two out of three isn’t bad!
I first saw a recipe like this when my beloved Kansas City Royals went to the World Series. Their nutritionist was in our local newspaper talking about the team’s favorite snacks. These peanut butter energy balls came up, and she shared the recipe! She said these energy balls were one of these favorite snacks of the team before games. Naturally, my interest was piqued.
But, there were a few things in the recipe that I had to change, because I just don’t like them. Instead of regular protein powder, I used peanut powder (like Jif or PB2). I left out the shredded coconut (you can add it back in), and I substituted dried cranberries instead of apricots.
I’ve remade these substituting raisins or dried cherries for the dried apricots. ALL delicious. I can’t wait to try more flavor combinations! I’m currently thinking through a way to incorporate dried mango and papaya into a tropical version… I may have to substitute a different nut butter in for the peanut butter. Stay tuned for that recipe!
Like this recipe? I think you’ll also love these PB&J Smoothies, and these Buttermilk Quinoa Pancakes with Chia Seeds.
Honey and Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Peanut Butter Energy Balls with honey, peanut butter, oats, dried fruit and protein powder!
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup oats
- ½ cup sliced almonds, chopped finely
- 1 tbsp protein powder (I use peanut powder like Jif or PB2)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup dried, chopped fruit (apricots, cranberries, cherries, raisins)
- ½ cup peanut butter or other nut butter
Instructions
- In medium mixing bowl, add oats, diced almond slivers and protein powder. Mix well.
- Add honey, dried fruit and peanut butter. Stir until well combined.
- Place mixing bowl in refrigerator for minimum of 30 minutes.
- Roll chilled mixture into bite-sized balls. Store in refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- Each golf ball sized energy ball has about 60 calories using dried apricots. Cranberries, cherries and raisins are higher caloric options.
What a perfect, guilt-free afternoon snack!
These are the perfect little bites!
Love how easy these bites are! So good too!
I’ve been looking for some healthier snacks. These look great!
I need to make some of these peanut butter energy balls. I get so tired at work about 2pm and can’t shake it. I want to get into taking a spin class too! Love it!
They’re perfect for that mid-afternoon slump! I love spin, but might I suggest ordering some padded shorts for your first few classes? 😉 I could hardly sit!
What a great energy booster with the perfect balance of ingredients!
Hi! This recipe is delicious! Thank you for sharing! However, I was wondering how you can up with 60 calories per ball? I am using raisins in mine, minus the almonds and came up with 237 calories per ball…
Hi there! So glad you enjoyed them!
I think it’s the raisins throwing it off. There’s quite a bit of calorie difference between raisins and dried apricots, which is what I originally used for the recipe (and calculated calories from). Here’s the nutritional difference between dried apricots and raisins: http://skipthepie.org/fruits-and-fruit-juices/raisins-seedless/compared-to/apricots-dried-sulfured-stewed-without-added-sugar/
I’ll add some notes about the dried fruit choice and how it affects the calorie counts. Thanks for asking!
Thank you, the whole family loved these!
I am so glad to hear that Judy! 🙂
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