PB & J Protein Balls
Hey there! You know those days when you’re just craving something sweet but don’t want to feel like you’ve eaten a whole cake? That’s when I whip up these PB & J Protein Balls. They’re like a little taste of nostalgia with a boost of protein. I remember the first time I made them, I was out of honey and used maple syrup instead—accidentally created a family favorite variation! Who knew, right?
What Makes These So Special
I make these whenever I need a quick pick-me-up (or when the kids are demanding something that doesn’t come in a wrapper). My family goes crazy for these because they’re so easy to customize. You can play around with different nut butters or jams, which is great because sometimes I just use whatever’s lurking at the back of the fridge. Oh, and they don’t get all crumbly—unless you forget to chill them, which I’ve done more times than I’d like to admit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup rolled oats (sometimes I use quick oats for a softer texture)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (any type, but chunky adds a nice surprise!)
- 1/4 cup jam (strawberry is my go-to, but grape works too)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup if you’re out of honey like me)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored is best)
- A pinch of salt (my grandmother said it ‘brings out the flavor’, and I kind of believe her)
How to Make These Little Gems
- Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl. Really get in there with a spoon or your hands if you’re feeling wild.
- Form small balls by rolling the mixture between your palms. You might want to wet your hands to stop everything from sticking.
- Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. This is the step I usually mess up by being impatient, but trust me, they’re better when they’re firm.
- Take a taste! (I often do this before chilling, but hey, they’re your protein balls.)
A Few Notes from My Kitchen
I’ve had a few flops—like the time I added too much jam and ended up with sticky blobs that stuck to everything. Start with the basic recipe before experimenting too wildly. And if you’re out of protein powder, just skip it. They’re still tasty, just not as… you know, protein-y.
Experiment with Variations
Once, I tried adding dark chocolate chips. They were delicious, but not exactly the healthiest option, so proceed with caution. Another time, I used almond butter and raspberry jam, and it was a hit at our last family picnic.
Tools You Might Use
A mixing bowl and a spoon are your main tools, but if you don’t have a spoon, your hands work just fine (and it’s kind of fun). If you want perfectly uniform balls, a melon baller makes quick work of it, but who has one of those lying around?
Storing Your Snacks
Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about a week, though honestly, in my house it never lasts more than a day!
How to Serve These Up
They’re perfect as a snack anytime. Personally, I like them with a hot cup of tea in the afternoon. My kids take them in their lunchboxes, and they sometimes come back for more. (What can I say? We love snacks!)
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t rush the chilling step. I once tried to speed things up by putting them in the freezer; let’s just say it didn’t end well. They were rock solid! Also, trust your instincts—if the mix feels too wet, add a touch more oats.
FAQ from Curious Readers
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Absolutely, go nuts! (Pun intended.)
Do I have to use protein powder? Nope, you don’t have to. They taste just as good without it.
Why do I need to chill them? Chilling helps them firm up and hold their shape. Otherwise, you’ve got yourself a sticky situation.
If you’re looking for more snack ideas, check out AllRecipes or EatingWell for inspiration. Happy snacking, my friend!
