These 3 Ingredient Protein Balls are the quickest way to prep a high-protein snack that actually holds together and tastes good. Made in just 5 minutes, with simple pantry staples and no oats, they're come together in minutes for an easy, portable 're an on-the-go bite you can stash in the fridge for busy days.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 35 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 5
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 122 kcals and 7 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Chocolate protein powder, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and water.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and paleo or egan depending on your protein.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: These chocolate protein balls are quick to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for a grab-and-go snack that satisfies cravings while adding extra protein.
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Keeping high-protein snacks prepped ahead is a lifesaver in our house, especially on weeks when schedules are chaotic and cravings hit hard. Having options that support the benefits of a high protein diet means I’m not reaching for something that leaves me hungry again 20 minutes later.
These peanut butter protein balls come together in under 5 minutes, help curb sweet cravings, and give you a quick boost of energy when you need it most, very similar to how my single serve protein cookie or 3-ingredient protein cookies save the day when snack time sneaks up unexpectedly.
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Only 3 ingredients and zero kitchen skills required, these no-bake protein balls are ready in minimal time.
Healthy: Protein and healthy fats make for a filling but craving-curbing combo!
Versatile flavor: They're rich and fudgy, but easy to vary the flavor. Perfect for little bite-sized snacks.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Protien powder: The kind of protein powder you choose will obviously make a huge difference to both the texture and flavor of the protein balls.
- Natural peanut butter: Try to use a fresh jar or no oil peanut butter as it will mix better with the protein.
- Maple syrup: Most sticky sweeteners will work in place of syrup, so if honey or coconut syrup suits your diet preference better, go for that.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Protein powder: The easiest flavor swap is by using a different protien powder. Personally, cookies and cream are a house favorite for these and our birthday cake protein balls.
Nut butter: In place of peanut butter, opt for almond butter or even almond hazelnut for a Nutella-like taste.
Mix-ins: You can roll the three-ingredient protein balls in mini chocolate chips, coconut, or sprinkles to add some spunk to them. This works for these coffee protein balls, too.
How To Make 3 Ingredient Protein Balls
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
Step 2: Mix well and pop the bowl into the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the protein balls.
Step 4: Store them in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy chilled.
Expert Tips To Make It
You want to semi-enjoy the taste of your protein powder in general before making the no-bake protein balls.
The kind of protein you choose will absorb differently with each brand. Below are a few guidelines:
- These peanut butter protein balls with 3 ingredients were originally made with vegan protein powder, which tends to absorb the most liquid.
- You can make the protein balls with beef isolate protien powder, which is what I use now for health reasons; however, you'll need to tweak liquid amounts a bit.
You need to adjust the texture of the healthy 3-ingredient protein balls based on your protein. If the mixture is extremely dry and doesn't hold together when pressed, add a splash (teaspoon) of water. You want a sticky, wet, but not runny texture to the balls before you portion them.
If the mixture is too sticky (which can happen with whey or collagen powder), add more protein powder until a firmer texture is reached.
How To Store Them
Fridge: Store 3-ingredient peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can be enjoyed right from the fridge or at room temperature (though they soften quite a bit at room temperature!)
Freezer: Freeze the balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy one, just let it come to room temperature on the counter.
3 Ingredient Protein Balls FAQs
All protein powders can be used to make protein balls. However, each protein will alter the taste and texture of the balls, so you'll need to adjust the ingredients based on that.
Yes, you can freeze protein balls, but since they don't contain oats, know that they have a super fudgy texture on thawing. Make sure not to store them stacked on top of each other, or they'll form into each other.
A balance of nut butter and protein powder combined with liquid are what hold protein balls together.
More Easy Protein Snacks You'll Love
If you tried this 3 Ingredient Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
3 Ingredient Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder vegan
- ⅓ cup Natural peanut butter fresh and runny
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
- Water as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup. You want everything to be combined and sticky but not thick. Add water if absolutely needed.
- Pop the bowl into the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
- Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the protein balls and place them right into a storage container in a single layer.
- Store them in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby S says
I love that these are bite-sized for quick grab and go!