These Peanut Butter-Banana Protein Balls taste too good to be healthy!
Years ago, my chiropractor, Dr. Jeff, had a thing for healthy snacks. Instead of a bowl of stale mints at the reception desk, he had a tray of homemade protein-packed treats. The guy was serious about his no-refined sugar rule, which made me skeptical about whether these treats were worth trying. After all, “healthy” and “tasty” don’t always go hand in hand. But then I tried his peanut butter protein balls, and wow—my taste buds were schooled big time.
They tasted like a round, dense, and decadent cookie. When I asked Dr. Jeff how long they baked in the oven, he said, “Baked? I just blended the ingredients together in my food processor and rolled them up into little balls.” Right then and there, I knew I had to make them at home. I’ve been churning out my own variations ever since!
These peanut butter-banana protein balls are my take on Dr. Jeff’s masterpiece. The Medjool dates and ripe banana provide most of the sweetness, though I did sneak in some chocolate chips because I’m not that strict (sorry, Dr. Jeff). Overall, they’re a convenient, protein-powered snack that somehow tricks your brain into thinking you’re eating a treat.
Are Peanut Butter-Banana Protein Balls Healthy?
Peanut butter-banana protein balls provide you with fiber, healthy fats, and protein. One or two of these little guys, and you’re good until your next meal. Unlike most store-bought protein bars, you won’t find any fillers or artificial sweeteners. Feel free to ditch the chocolate chips if you’re on a strict low-sugar diet. I’ve found that cacao nibs are just as delicious! Also, if you’re not a peanut butter fan, you can substitute it for almost any other kind of nut butter.
Chia Seeds And Flax Meal? Really?
You might be wondering—do I really need both chia seeds and flax meal in these protein balls? You could probably skip one or the other, but I like the balance of both. That said, if I had to choose, I’d probably stick with the chia seeds. They do an excellent job absorbing excess moisture and helping hold everything together. Healthwise, they also add a bit of fiber and omega-3s.
Flax meal does something similar, keeping moisture to a minimum and enhancing the texture. They even have the same heart-friendly fats. However, the flax meal adds a bit more flavor, too. They have a subtle nuttiness that I’ve grown to like over the years. It’s a small detail, but one that makes these protein balls just a little more interesting!
How To Make Ahead And Store
These are some of my favorite make-ahead snacks. I usually prep them on Sunday, so the family and I can enjoy them all week. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. They should keep for about 7 days!
Serving Suggestions
If you want to make them part of a bigger snack session, you can’t go wrong with a smoothie. Personally, I’d pair them with a Banana-Vanilla-Orange Smoothie for a nice contrast. Another option is a simple Yogurt Parfait. Sometimes, I’ll cut the protein balls up into little pieces and sprinkle them over my parfait or a cup of Instant-Pot Yogurt.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 6 Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons flax meal
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into the bowl of your food processor.
- Blend the ingredients until it is smooth and come together.
- Form the mix into 15 balls and roll them until they are nice and compact.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
These are delicious and so easy to make! I used cocoa nibs instead of the chocolate chips for a change (my second time making these), and they added a nice crunch. Using a food processor makes the job so much simpler. I also soaked the dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This recipe is a keeper!
So glad to hear you tried this recipe and loved it! Thanks for reading and rating.