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An ideal snack for workouts, lunches, afternoon pick-me-ups, and breakfasts, these 4 ingredient peanut butter energy balls are vegan, oil-free, made without oats, and simple to prepare (no cooking required).
4-Ingredient Energy Balls without Oats
My willingness to bake flew out the window as the temperature approached 100 degrees today. Oy vey! I reworked my plans, making my blogging agenda no-bake or bust!
Since our family has a bit more travel ahead, I’ve created a portable, healthy and delicious snack option for packing and snacking: 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls. The taste? Like a favorite truffle that has had a spa makeover. Yum!
Many energy and protein balls begin with oats. I love oats, but other (wonderful!) grain-free options exist, such as coconut flour. It works like a charm in these energy balls.

Recipe Benefits
- Made with 4 ingredients
- Quick and easy to make
- No cooking or baking required
- Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
- Gluten-free
- Grain-free (no oats!)
- Oil-free
- 4 grams protein (per 2 balls)
Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas
- natural peanut butter
- maple syrup (I have alternatives in the recipe card)
- coconut flour
You will also need a small amount of water (I use filtered tap water) to bind the dough.
Steps to Make the Recipe
Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.
Preparing a batch of these energizing treats simplicity itself.
- In a food processor, process the drained chickpeas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until very smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down sides of the bowl.
- Add the coconut flour to processor and pulse until the mixture resembles stiff cookie dough.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough and roll into balls.
- If desired, roll the balls in a little bit of coconut flour to coat.

FAQ
How Should I Store the Energy Balls?
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months.
What is a Good Replacement for Natural Peanut Butter?
Other natural nut or seed butters (e.g., almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter) can be used in place of the peanut butter.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes. An equal amount of agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or honey (if not strictly vegan) can be used in place of the maple syrup. If you wish to reduce the sugar in these balls, consider using a ketogenic-friendly liquid sweetener in place of the maple syrup.

Happy, healthy snacking and lunch-packing, everyone!
Related Recipes

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls {V, GF)
An ideal snack for workouts, lunches, afternoon pick-me-ups, and breakfasts, these 4 ingredient peanut butter energy balls are also vegan, oil-free, grain-free (no oats!), simple to prepare (no cooking required!) and so tasty!
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce (425 g) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup (128 g) natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut flour (or more, as needed)
Instructions
- In a food processor, process the drained chickpeas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until very smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down sides of the bowl.
- Add the coconut flour to processor and pulse until the mixture resembles stiff cookie dough (see notes regarding consistency).
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough and roll into balls. If desired, roll the balls in a little bit of coconut flour.
Notes
Storage: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months.
Maple Syrup Alternatives: An equal amount of agave nectar, honey (if not strictly vegan), or sugar-free liquid sweetener can be used in place of the maple syrup.
Peanut Butter Alternatives: An equal amount of other natural nut or seed butters (e.g., almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter) can be used in place of the peanut butter. Traditional peanut butter can also be used.
Tips: If the dough seems to moist, add a bit more coconut flour. If the dough seems to dry, add a bit of water.
Nutrition Information
Yield 30 Serving Size 1 ballAmount Per Serving Calories 59Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 0mgSodium 18mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 2g
The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although powerhungry.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands and optional ingredients can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.