These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls are made with just 3 ingredients, and they’re ready in under 5 minutes – the perfect recipe for when you need a quick and easy but healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Three of my favorite, most frequently used, healthy ingredients are oats, peanut butter, and liquid sweeteners. These peanut butter oatmeal balls consist of exactly those three ingredients, which is probably why this is one of my favorite recipes!
I like to think of these 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls as a “back-pocket recipe”. Similarly to my 3-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins and 5-ingredient oat flour cookies, the recipe starts with just a few ingredients, but you can add some extras to customize them to your taste and to suit your cravings.
Not only are these peanut butter oatmeal balls made with just three simple ingredients, but they’re also incredibly quick and easy to make – I’m talking “less than 5 minutes” easy. It’s simply a matter of combining the ingredients and rolling them into balls! These are my favorite kinds of recipes because they’re a lifesaver when you’re craving something sweet or need a quick dessert or snack.
These oatmeal balls peanut butter are also a fantastic recipe to meal-prep and keep in your fridge for when that sweet tooth kicks in, so you can grab something that nourishes your soul as well as your body.
I know a few people will look at this recipe and wonder “How is this healthy, it has peanut butter in it” – If you feel this way, I’m sorry. But fear not, I’m about to educate you on why peanut butter is not an ingredient to fear, but instead an ingredient that nourishes your body in so many ways!
I hope you love this recipe and that it becomes a go-to for you when you need a quick and easy, healthy treat.
Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- They’re made with three ingredients!
- They’re ready in under 5 minutes.
- Made in one bowl!
- Great as a meal-prep snack or dessert.
- They’re customizable to suit your cravings.
- They’re gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free.
- Can also be made nut-free.
- They’re a great energy booster!
- They’re good for your soul and your body.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are the ingredients that I use to make these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls as well as some ingredient substitutions. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card.
Whole Oats – I use regular porridge oats but you can also use rolled oats or even instant oats. Please use a digital food scale to weigh the oats because one cup of rolled oats does not weigh the same as instant oats, therefore your results will not be perfect unless you use the weighted measurement. Oats provide a good amount of fiber and protein. Oats are also a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and vitamin B1.
Peanut Butter – The smooth peanut butter helps the mixture to stick together and obviously adds a delicious peanut butter flavor that makes me terribly nostalgic! You can use any nut butter if you don’t have peanut butter; like almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, etc. or you can use a seed butter to make these nut-free; like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Liquid Sweetener – Using a liquid sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, adds natural sweetness without the refined sugars found in traditional recipes. They offer a more balanced release of energy, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes. I love using honey for this recipe.
Optional Extras – I like to add a pinch of pink Himalayan salt and a small splash of vanilla bean extract to enhance the flavors. You can also add some chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, chocolate chips, etc. to elevate them further.
Is Peanut Butter really healthy?
Peanut butter is celebrated not only for its delicious taste but also for its numerous health benefits. It is rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been linked to improved heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, peanut butter is a good source of plant-based protein. Its protein content helps promote muscle repair and growth, making it an excellent post-workout snack.
Furthermore, peanut butter contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and niacin, which contribute to overall health and well-being. With its combination of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, peanut butter is a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from spreading it on toast to adding it to smoothies or using it in sweet treats like these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls or my Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecakes.
How to make homemade Peanut Butter
Combine 2 cups of roasted unsalted peanuts in a food processor or blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until crumbly, then scrape down the sides. Continue blending for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt if desired, then blend for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a clean container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Equipment Needed
- Digital Food Scale – for accurate measuring.
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Here is a detailed summary of how to make these Oatmeal Balls, I’ve also included some photos and you can watch the video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed
Step One:
Use the digital food scale to weigh the peanut butter and liquid sweetener in a bowl.
Step Two:
Use the spatula to mix the peanut butter and liquid sweetener into a smooth, uniform consistency.
Step Three:
Add the oats as well as any other extras you would like to add in and fold together with the spatula until well combined.
Step Four:
Roll the mixture into ten balls. If the mixture is too sticky, you can place the bowl in the refrigerator for five to ten minutes. I recommend using slightly damp hands when rolling them into balls so that the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands.
Step Five:
Enjoy the peanut butter oatmeal balls straight away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Customize Your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter for a unique flavor profile. If allergies are a concern, try seed butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sweetness level by varying the amount of liquid sweetener used. Try alternatives like agave nectar, date syrup, or coconut nectar for a different taste.
Add Texture: Enhance the texture and flavor by mixing in chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. Consider options like chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries for added crunch or chewiness.
Spice It Up: Infuse your oatmeal balls with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cozy twist. A dash of vanilla extract or almond extract can also elevate the flavor profile.
Add Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, stir in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or cacao nibs for a decadent touch. Dark chocolate chips or chunks can add richness without excessive sweetness.
Protein Boost: Incorporate protein powder or collagen peptides to increase the protein content, making these oatmeal balls a satisfying post-workout snack or meal replacement option. You will need to add some milk to reach the correct consistency.
Superfood Additions: Amp up the nutritional value by adding superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or spirulina powder for an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Notes and Tips
Texture Adjustment: If the mixture feels too sticky when rolling into balls, refrigerate it for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly. Additionally, slightly dampening your hands can prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
Customize to Taste: Adjust the sweetness level and flavorings to suit your preferences. Taste the mixture before rolling it into balls and add more sweetener or spices as needed.
Make Ahead for Convenience: These oatmeal balls are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack or dessert throughout the week.
How to store peanut butter oatmeal balls
Refrigeration: Once you’ve made the peanut butter oatmeal balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out. They can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Freezing: Alternatively, if you’ve made a larger batch or want to store them for longer-term use, you can freeze the oatmeal balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen oatmeal balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the oatmeal balls in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a convenient and nutritious snack!
FAQ
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can! Substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.
Can I make these oatmeal balls nut-free?
Absolutely! Use seed butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
Are these oatmeal balls gluten-free?
Yes, they are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
The oats aren’t cooked – can I eat raw oats?
Yes, raw oats can be eaten. They are commonly used in recipes like overnight oats and energy balls. While raw oats provide a crunchy texture and are convenient for quick snacks, some people may find them harder to digest compared to cooked oats. If desired, oats can also be lightly toasted before using in recipes.
Are these oatmeal balls suitable for vegans?
Yes, they are! These oatmeal balls are vegan-friendly as long as you use vegan ingredients like maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
more healthy recipes with less than 5 ingredients
- Healthy Chocolate Truffle Easter Eggs (made with 4 ingredients!)
- Healthy Carrot and Banana Muffins (only 5 ingredients!)
- Peanut Butter Brownie Batter Log
- 5-Ingredient Oat Flour Cookies (easy & healthy)
- 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins (easy & healthy recipe)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 80 g Smooth Peanut Butter (⅓ cup)
- 80 g Liquid Sweetener (¼ cup)
- 120 g Oats (1 ¼ cup)
- Pinch of Salt (optional)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
- 40 g Chocolate Chips or other mix-ins (optional – read notes)
Instructions
- Add peanut butter and liquid sweetener to a bowl and mix with a spatula until smooth.
- Add oats and other mix-ins of choice. Fold with spatula until fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Enjoy as a quick snack or dessert!
Lovely, these little bites! I made them to take along with me as a snack on a long walk. 😋