Tulo

Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites Recipe

Rolled oats and protein powder both absorb the peanut butter and honey as the mixture chills, so the bites firm up enough to hold their shape without any baking, and the ratio of protein powder to oats keeps each bite closer to a real protein source than a typical energy ball.

Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
45 min
Servings
20

Ingredients

Servings20
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Nutrition per serving

Calories
112
Protein
6g
Carbs
12g
Fat
5g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

Need different units or a different yield? Try our Conversion Calculator →

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, protein powder, flaxseed, chia seeds, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. 2Add the peanut butter and honey, then mix with a rubber spatula or your hands until no dry oats remain and the mixture holds together when pressed.
  3. 3Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
  4. 4Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, this firms up the peanut butter and makes the mixture much easier to roll without sticking to your hands.
  5. 5Once chilled, roll the mixture into 20 balls, about 1 tablespoon each, using slightly damp hands to keep the mixture from sticking.
  6. 6Store the rolled bites in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let them firm up fully.
How to Start Meal Prepping

Tips & variations

  • Swap the protein powder brand and the texture will change noticeably, whey-based powders make a denser, stickier bite while plant-based blends can turn slightly drier and may need an extra teaspoon of honey.
  • Almond butter or sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free version) both substitute 1:1 for the peanut butter.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with the dry ingredients for a chocolate version, adding 1 extra tablespoon of honey to offset the bitterness.
  • If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly to hold together, add honey a teaspoon at a time rather than all at once, oats absorb moisture unevenly depending on how finely they're ground.

Storage & reheating

Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well: freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • Wetting hands with a little water (not oil) between batches keeps the peanut butter mixture from building up on your palms as you roll.
  • Weighing the protein powder instead of scooping it gives more consistent results between batches, since scoops pack down differently depending on the brand.

FAQ

How much protein is in one energy bite?

Each bite has roughly 6-8 grams of protein, depending on the protein powder used, mostly from the protein powder itself with smaller contributions from the peanut butter, oats, and chia seeds.

Can I make these without protein powder?

Yes, but the bites will have noticeably less protein and will need slightly less honey since protein powder normally absorbs some of the moisture; replace it with an equal amount of additional oats.

Why won't my energy bites hold together?

This usually means the mixture wasn't chilled long enough before rolling, or the protein powder used is very absorbent and dried the mixture out; add honey a teaspoon at a time and re-chill for another 10 minutes.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats work and give a slightly smoother, less chewy texture since the oat pieces are smaller; steel-cut oats are too hard and shouldn't be substituted.

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