Easy Peanut Butter Bliss Balls – Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free!

Peanut butter bliss balls are one of the easiest healthy & protein-packed snacks you can make! With just 5 ingredients, you can whip up these family favorites in minutes…

Looking for a healthier alternative for when those dreaded 3pm munchies hit? These vegan peanut butter protein balls will fill the gap while giving you a much needed mid-afternoon energy boost!

Bliss balls have long been a staple in our house. Everyone loves them, they curb any sweet tooth or chocolate cravings, and you can be assured you’re getting a nice boost of plant-based proteins to boot.

I love whipping up a batch of vegan protein balls when asked to bring a sharing platter, and they always get gobbled up in minutes.

There are countless variations, but these peanut butter balls are especially popular, and they’re even easier to make! Unlike some other variations (particularly those that contain dates) you don’t need a food processor or blender to make these bliss balls – just a bowl and spoon.

So what are you waiting for? Whip some up today and you’ll be munching in no time…

What are Bliss Balls?

Also known as protein balls, peanut balls, protein bites, energy balls… you get the idea…

Basically, they’re delicious little bite-sized balls typically made with nuts, and a sweetener (dates, or maple syrup for example). From there, you can add oats, coconut, seeds, even protein powder to jazz them up a bit.

They’re full of healthy fats, high in protein, and low in refined sugars. Plus they’re quick to make and store well, so you can always have a wholesome snack on hand.

Coconut Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients

These gluten-free peanut butter balls contain simple ingredients you most likely already have in the pantry. Bring them together and you get a energy super food that contains a whopping 5g of protein per ball!

• Peanut Butter. I made these vegan peanut butter balls with smooth peanut butter, but you can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter to give them some added texture. Just be sure to opt for 100% natural peanut butter with nothing added.
• Pure Maple Syrup. Pure maple syrup should have no added sugars.
• Almond Flour. Using almond flour means you can make these peanut butter bliss balls in a bowl, but if you do have a food processor on hand, you can also just whiz up some almonds and leave them a little crunchy too.
• Flaxseed Meal or Activated Chia Seeds. For an added protein boost and to help bind the balls.
• Desiccated coconut. For added texture and flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Bliss Balls with no Dates

Making these peanut butter protein balls couldn’t be simpler. Especially as you don’t need dates as a binder. You only need a mixing bowl and spoon!

Simply add everything to your bowl and mix well.

Then use your hands to roll the mixture into 12 balls.

Roll each ball in the shredded coconut until lightly but evenly coated.

You can eat the balls immediately, but I like to pop them into the refrigerator to set – for at least 30 minutes – before digging in.

I told you it was super easy right? Feel free to double up the mixture if serving at a party or if you have a house full of hungry kids!

Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Variations

There are endless ways you can adapt bliss ball recipes. Start by playing around with different nut butters, adding in other seeds, or even mixing in a little protein powder.

For a more indulgent treat, you could add in dark chocolate chips or even a little cacao powder.

You can even forgo the coconut if it’s not to your liking, and roll the balls in crushed peanuts instead.

How to Store Your Peanut Butter Energy Bites

We bet you won’t have any of your peanut butter balls leftover for long! But if you want to whip some up in advance, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (in an airtight container), or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Other Easy Vegan Snack Ideas

• Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls
• Vegan Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats
• Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
• Eggless Coconut Macaroons
• Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

Sharing is caring!