Peanut Butter Bliss Balls Extra Protein

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

My son started kindergarten this year, and I’ve just been a ball of emotions. As difficult as it is, I’m learning to let go and let him spread his wings, to step back so he can step in… But boy, just thinking about him making all these memories without this mama makes my heart ache. While I can’t be with him during the day, I am going to do everything I can to nourish him and put a smile on his face every time he opens up his lunch box. Here are real-life photos of everything I’ve packed for him so far as well as my time-saving tips. Unfortunately, his lunch is at 10:15(!!!!) and he doesn’t get out until much later, so now I’m trying to come up with delicious AND energizing snacks! As I scoured the grocery stores, I was shocked by how expensive the packaged snacks are! So now my new mission is to develop EASY healthy snack recipes that are made with nutritious ingredients, travel well, and are budget-friendly. My mind immediately went to granola bars, cereal bars, and bliss balls! And I’m wide open to suggestions so be sure to leave a comment below. These peanut butter bliss balls, or energy balls, have been such a hit with both of my kids! You know how much I like adding beans to recipes, like in these chickpea cookies, pumpkin muffins,and sweet potato cookies, so this recipe was bound to happen ;). 5 ingredients and 10 minutes tops are all you need to make this nutrient-dense snack. Let’s get to it!

Ingredients

May also be interested in Apricot Balls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Substitutions and Variations

Peanut butter alternative – you can use a different nut butter, like almond butter, or sunflower butter, if there’s a peanut allergy. No dates? you can use 1/4 cup of honey Add-ins – this is a very basic recipe. Feel free to add mix in:Mini dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter bliss ballsChopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)Seeds (hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flax seed, sunflower seeds) Shredded coconut Other chopped fruit like raisins and apricots)

Tips for Success

Soak your dates in warm water for around 5-10 minutes. Drain them and add to your bliss ball mixture. This will make it easier to blend. Reserve the soaked water to help moisten the balls, if necessary. Use a food processor if you have one!! You need a blade that can chop everything but not get stuck in the bottom like it would with a blender. It will yield the bet texture for your dough. You can make these energy balls using a powerful blender, like mine, but it will require more effort. Be sure to use the tamper that comes with the blender. If you desire a chewier texture, use quick oats and skip the first step. Using oat flour will give you a more cookie dough-like consistency.

Storage

Transfer the individual peanut butter balls into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They are ready for you whenever you need an energy boost! You can also freeze for up to 3 months.