These Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Balls are an easy high protein snack that are grain free, gluten free and naturally sweetened. A great snack for kids and toddlers as well as adults.
When I was a kid, my mom and I used to make these easy peanut butter balls we called honey bears. It was a simple recipe of peanut butter, honey and powdered milk. I absolutely loved those treats, but it has been years and years since I thought about honey bears. Now that I am a mom myself I am always looking for new and creative snacks for my toddler.
A High Calcium Snack
I have mentioned before on instagram that my son refuses to drink milk. I am always looking for ways to get more calcium into his diet. So when I remembered “honey bears”, I knew I had to give it a try. See, unlike most of the other peanut butter energy ball recipe on the internet, these have a secret ingredient – dry powdered milk.
Do you have powdered milk in your pantry? It used to be a staple in our house growing up – I didn’t know there was a difference between powdered milk and regular milk. It makes a great ingredient to these peanut butter energy balls because it binds the peanut butter and honey – so you don’t need to use any other ingredients. It also adds protein and calcium, and since I was looking for high calcium recipes, I was excited about that.
I made a few adaptations to this recipe from the original. First, I decreased the honey and increased the peanut butter – more peanut butter flavor, not as sweet. I also added just a dash of salt and vanilla extract to really bump up the flavor.
No bake energy bites
These Peanut Butter Honey Energy Balls are essentially healthy no bake cookies. At least, I tell my toddler they are cookies and he doesn’t seem to mind.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls for post workout snack
I also love to grab these Peanut Butter Energy Bites before or after a workout for some easy protein. They are also a great sweet treat that is pretty healthy.
Mix ins:
You can mix in lots of things to these Peanut Butter Honey Energy Balls. Here are some suggestions:
- ground Flax Seed
- shredded coconut
- mini chocolate chips
- rolled oats
The possibilities are endless! I would recommend reducing the powdered milk by 1/4 cup and adding 1/4 cup of whatever mix in you are using to keep the texture similar.
If you like these, be sure to try my Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Muffins!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter*
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup nonfat powdered milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix together honey, peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Add the powdered milk and salt, stir until combined.
- Roll into balls about 1 tablespoon in size. Store in the refrigerator.
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Barb says
Our school used to serve these as a snack and I’ve wondered about a recipe for them. So glad that you posted this!
Meghan says
So glad to hear that!
Brittany C says
We have these every Christmas at my aunts. My family calls them honey balls. They are a big hit! She rolls them in powdered sugar too. So good!
Meghan says
Oh fun, I love that!
Erin Jones says
OMG, I had these as a kid too! We just called them peanut butter balls. Can’t wait to make these for my kids, I know they’ll love them!
Meghan says
Ahh, yay!
Andrea says
Made these this evening with chocolate protein powder instead of powdered milk and they were 100%!!
Meghan says
I love that you used protein powder, what a great idea!
Christina @ Glutenfreetree says
I totally remember these from my childhood too!! I hadn’t thought about these in years…They’re lovely and sweet (but not too sweet), and are super satisfying. And excellent to get that little boost of calcium, too. Thanks for reminding me of a childhood treat.
Meghan says
Oh how funny that you had these as a kid too! Love it!
Juicergirl says
These are so easy and so delicious. I am in love with them and can’t enough of them. I am supposed to be on a juicing diet and have been on it for last few weeks. But today I had a terrible craving for something else and found your recipe. It full of proteins and I couldn’t resist. Thanks loved it.
Meghan says
So glad you enjoyed them!