Who doesn’t crave something a little (or a lot) chocolatey and peanut-buttery on a given day? So often (like…daily) we have an urge for dessert, but a heaping slice of cake with frosting trickling down the edges isn’t quite what the doctor ordered. On that same note, I think we’d all agree that it’s less than ideal to have to unbutton your jeans after your daily fix.
In thinking of a recipe that could salvage my fierce sweet tooth, while also using real foods and keeping it simple (I have to stay true to my food values!), I came up with some oat-y, chocolate-y, peanut butter-y, banana-y, no-bake balls. They’re not too sweet, not too salty, not too chocolate-y (not like I’d dare argue if they were), and most importantly, I was satisfied and felt like keeping my jeans fully buttoned after eating one!
Some other great aspects of this recipe are: you can always add more chocolate chips or coconut than the recipe calls for, as well as other add-ins (chia seeds, dates, nut pieces, etc.). Additionally, these balls only take 5-10 minutes to make, so you can make them right when the urge strikes! However, if you’re lucky enough to know when to expect the yearning (oh ya know, after lunch, after dinner, as a snack, just because…), just make a batch proactively! I love that this recipe does not call for added sugar; the sweetness comes solely from the banana and chocolate chips.
You want more reasons to make these? Okay, fine!!! The RD2Be in me has to voice this side of the equation: the oats provide fiber, as well as some iron and B vitamins; the peanut butter has protein, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fats (aka, the good stuff); coconut has vitamin C and medium-chain triglycerides (aka MCTs, a type of fat that’s easily metabolized by the body); and the banana provides potassium, vitamin C (who knew?!), and B6. Sounds like a well-rounded and balanced snack, to me!
The instructions are easy: just mix all ingredients together, wet your hands and roll into balls.
If you fancy, you can also make these into bars! A little refrigeration will help them keep their shape.
Peanut Butter Oat Balls
Ingredients
- Rolled oats 1 ¼ cup
- Peanut butter I used smooth, ½ cup
- Chocolate chips ½ cup
- Shredded coconut I used unsweetened, ¼ cup; you can use more if you want a more pronounced coconut flavor
- Banana
- Salt 1/8 tsp
- Vanilla extract ½ tsp
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, and roll with your hands into balls or bars
- Refrigerate
More Snack Ball Recipes:
- Coconut O Snack Balls
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Balls
- Chocolate Coconut Snack Balls
- Chocolate Coconut Truffles
- 5 Ingredient Bourbon Balls
- No Bake Cookie Dough Balls
Elyse says
Yum! I have everything I need to make these this weekend!
KathEats says
They are even better the next day!!
Rachel says
please excuse me while I go running to the kitchen to make a batch of these!! 😀
KathEats says
Haha!
The Healthy Hipster says
These look so perfect! I love no-bake treats. How long do they usually keep in the fridge for? Or do you usually freeze em?
KathEats says
I’d eat then within 3 to 5 days
Linda @ The Fitty says
I absolutely love that these don’t have to be baked…I have no patience for baking then cooling, haha!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
These look delicious!!
Cassie says
These look darn addictive!
Sarah @ O-HI-30 says
I’m def going to make these! I’ve seen a lot of “ballz” recipes on other blogs but they always call for “fancy” ingredients. These ingredients are basic ones I have in my cupboard! Thanks!
Emily @ Life on Food says
These are one of the better balls I have seen. I adore all of the ingredients so they must be super tasty.
Caitlin says
I love Blake’s posts!! I love how she delves into the “why” behind the food. Yes give me those details about micronutrients! And the metabolic pathways (like the alcohol post which was, frankly, THE GREATEST). Blake is awesome and you should keep her around, Kath. 😀
Anna B says
I love this recipie, it looks amazing, and I even more love the fact that it doesn’t use dates! I’m way more likely to whip these up since I’ve always got bananas then a similar recipe that calls for dates… which I have to search for — if I remember to put them on my list.
Anne says
So…what would happen if one dropped the coconut? I don’t really want to add dates or anything…any thoughts? Up the oats? Thanks!
KathEats says
Should be fine!
Bobbie says
Heya, Kath. Is it one banana? I keep reading the recipe to find out the measurement, and I guess I’m missing it! Thank you, these will be great to make for my college bound, health conscious girl before she heads back to college! Thanks!! 🙂
KathEats says
Yup!