Dessert

5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites Recipe

ByJack Voss January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

These 5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites are a quick and nutritious snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they provide an energizing boost without any fuss. Plus, they’re easy to customize and make ahead for busy days.

Nine round, light brown energy balls with visible chocolate chips and small seed bits are arranged on crinkled white parchment paper atop a wooden tray. One energy ball has a bite taken out of it, showing a soft inside texture. A small spoon with thick, smooth, golden peanut butter rests on the tray near the balls, with a few scattered chocolate chips around. The scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup natural drippy peanut butter (or substitute almond butter)
1/4 cup honey (or date syrup or coconut syrup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup protein powder of choice
1/3 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten free, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
Optional: 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, protein powder, flaxseed meal, rolled oats, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Pulse until the mixture is well combined.
Step 2: Add the mini chocolate chips and shredded coconut (if using) to the mixture and pulse a few more times to evenly distribute.
Step 3: Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into approximately 10 balls. Place the balls in an airtight container.
Step 4 (Alternative method): If you don’t have a food processor, mix the wet ingredients in a medium bowl first. Then add the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Use your hands to knead the dough if necessary. Add more nut butter or sweetener if the mixture feels too dry to hold together.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
Use your favorite protein powder, whether whey, plant-based, or collagen, to suit your dietary needs.
Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors if you like a sweet-salty balance.
For extra texture, fold in chopped nuts or seeds instead of chocolate chips.
Make it nut-free by substituting sunflower seed butter and omitting chocolate chips or using safe alternatives.

Storage

Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a few minutes. These bites make a convenient grab-and-go snack anytime.

How to Serve

A round wooden tray holds ten ball-shaped energy bites that have a light brown mixed texture with visible small dark chocolate chips and seeds inside. One of the balls at the front is bitten in half, showing a soft inside. The balls rest on crumpled white parchment paper. Near the bottom left of the tray, a silver spoon contains creamy peanut butter with a smooth and shiny texture. The whole tray is on a white marbled surface with some scattered chocolate chips around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with date syrup, coconut syrup, maple syrup, or agave nectar depending on your preference and dietary needs.

What if my energy bites crumble and don’t stick together?

This usually means the mixture is too dry. Try adding more nut butter or a bit more sweetener to help the ingredients bind better. Using your hands to press and form the balls can also help them stick.