Easy Peanut Butter Bliss Balls (No Bake!) (2024)

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These Vanilla Peanut Butter Bliss Balls only require 6 ingredients and are so easy to make! They are soft, chewy and deliciously packed with protein, fiber and nutrients! These no-bake energy protein balls are customizable and perfect for snacking on the go, as a post-workout nibble, or a healthy dessert!

Update: This recipe was originally published in June 2017. I edited the photos and updated the post below to include more information about these protein balls. Plus, I added a recipe video to show you how easy these vanilla energy bites are to make!

Hey, friends! T-minus nine days until the official start of summer! And, you know what that means: bathing suit season. I’m not sure if that deserves a ‘woot-woot’ or a ‘womp-womp’. I’ll be brazen and say it deserves a little bit of both.

I mean, so much yes to lounging poolside, frolicking by the ocean and soaking up the summer sun! But, yikes to the actual bathing suits.

Unfortunately, you just can’t have summer without itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie, yellow polka-dot bikinis. And, I don’t know about you, but I’m also going to need all the snacks. Pool, ocean or lakeside, it doesn’t matter. I need all the snacks when I’m lounging about!

So, today we are going to bust out some homemade bites perfect for both the season and your waistline! High Five!

About these vanilla peanut butter bliss balls

I really wanted to name these easy homemade honey nut vanilla peanut butter no bake protein energy blissfully delicious bites. But, that felt just a tad long-winded. So, I decided to keep the title small and sweet – just like these bites of heavenly bliss.

These bodacious bites are soft, yet dense and chewy with a marvelous melt in your mouth feel.

Plus, they are loaded with flavor, think: smooth vanilla, salty nuts, creamy peanut butter and subtly sweet honey! And, they are jam packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats, which makes these bites perfect for when hunger strikes. Because, being hangry is never a good look.

But, best of all, these little balls of bliss are chock full of good for you, nutrient rich ingredients, so you can keep up with those lofty beach body goals! 💪

Did I mention that these bites are packed with protein? I’m talking, jam-up-jelly-tight PACKED with PROTEIN. Not only do you get a healthy dose of plant-based protein from the nuts, but you also get a huge BOOST from the protein powder!

And, if all of the aforementioned deliciousness wasn’t enough, these vanilla energy bites are also a total breeze to prepare! NO baking, NO whisking, and absolutely NO stand-mixing! Just you, a food processor (or a bowl!), 6 ingredients and some good ole fashioned rolling with your hands.

What are bliss balls?

Bliss balls, also referred to as energy bites or protein balls, are a nutrient-rich, healthy snack. They are typically made with energy-boosting ingredients and ‘super foods’ to provide both protein and sustained energy.

There are many versions and flavors of protein balls, ranging from paleo and vegan friendly, to tropical coconut and rich chocolate! However, all of them are usually made with a combination of complex carbs, plant-based protein, dietary fiber and healthy fats.

Chewy in texture, deliciously sweet and blissfully delicious, bliss balls are the perfect energy-filled snack! They are made without any refined sugars and make a wonderful, guilt-free pre- and post-workout nibble, mid-day treat or no-bake dessert!

Ingredients in vanilla protein balls?

These bites are made with six simple ingredients:

• Nuts: For these protein balls, I used cashews. However, you can use any nut you would like or have on hand! They provide a bit of moisture along with nutty flavor, plant-based protein and healthy fats!
• Hazelnut Meal: Also known as hazelnut flour, it is made from whole raw hazelnuts and a good source of fiber and vitamin E. It is a delicious low carbohydrate and naturally gluten-free alternative to flour. Along with the nuts (listed above), it serves as a base ingredient. It provides delectable texture and wonderful flavor to the bites.
• Nut Butter: You can use any variety of nut butter you would like, such as peanut butter or almond butter. The butter helps bind the balls and adds healthy fats. One tip if you are mixing the bites with a spoon versus a food processor. Look for a nut butter that is runny or drippy versus solid. If you use a solid or dry nut butter it will be harder to mix the bliss balls together.
• Protein Powder: While I use vanilla whey protein powder, you can use any flavor you like! The powder increases the protein content of the bites. Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment with different flavors!
• Honey: Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and also helps bind the balls together. If you would like a vegan option, you can substitute maple syrup.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Vanilla extract is totally optional. However, it enhances all the flavors in the protein balls!

Energy balls recipe variations

This bliss ball recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted! I encourage you to make these your own, and use whatever ingredients you have on hand or your family loves!

1. Nuts: If you aren’t a fan of cashews, you can substitute any nut you would like. Hazelnuts, almonds, or peanuts are all delicious.
2. Hazelnut Meal: While the recipe calls for hazelnut meal, I have used almond meal or almond flour before and it is just as delicious! It can be used as a 1:1 substitution.
3. Nut Butter: You can substitute any variety of nut butter for the peanut butter. Almond, cashew or a blend of nut butters work well! Just make sure it is creamy in texture and the no-stir variety.
4. Protein Powder: Use your favorite protein powder flavor, or mix things up! Banana, coconut or birthday cake would be amazing!!
5. Sweetener: You can swap out the honey for a different liquid sweetener! Maple syrup, date syrup or rice malt syrup are all fantastic options!

How to make no bake bliss balls

Energy bites are incredibly easy and only require 10 minutes of hands on preparation!

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

1. Pulse cashews: Place cashews in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until they resemble coarse sand.
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse: Add the remaining ingredients. Pulse the mixture until it is thoroughly combined and comes together. The mixture should resemble a dough-like paste.
3. Roll into balls: Use your hands to scoop out 1 tablespoon of mixture. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Transfer balls to a parchment paper lined baking pan.
4. Freeze: Transfer pan to the freezer. Freeze for 20 minutes.
5. Serve: Sprinkle the bliss balls with protein powder if desired. Enjoy!

Step by step photos: making protein bites at home

FAQs: frequently asked questions

How to make bliss energy bites without a food processor?

No food processor? No problem! These bliss balls are incredibly easy to make without any special equipment or the aid of a food processor!

To make bliss balls without a food processor:

1. Crush the nuts: Place the nuts in a heavy-duty resealable bag. Place the bag on a hard, flat surface and smooth the nuts out into an even layer. Use a rolling pin, the flat-side of a meat mallet, or another similar object to crush them. It’ll take multiple whacks, but use this as an opportunity to get out any pent up aggression. Continue to crush the nuts until they are ground and resemble coarse flour.
2. Mix ingredients: Transfer crushed nuts to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the hazelnut meal, peanut butter and protein powder. Stir together. Add in the vanilla and honey. Stir again. If mixture is hard to stir, use your hands to mix well.
3. Proceed with recipe as directed – rolling mixture into balls and freezing.

Are bliss balls healthy?

Energy protein bites are made with good-for-you ingredients and packed with nutritional benefits!

Protein ball health benefits:

• Protein: Bliss balls are are an excellent source of natural protein! These bites are full of both plant-based protein from nuts and complete protein from the whey protein powder. Protein helps improve muscle protein synthesis and promotes the growth of lean muscle mass.
• Fiber: Both the nuts and hazelnut meal provide a good amount of fiber. Fiber helps keep you feeling fuller for longer and also promotes a healthy gut!
• Healthy Fats: These bliss balls contain a good amount of healthy fats from the nuts and nut butter. Healthy fats provide fuel for your body and help you absorb nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and antioxidants.
• Antioxidants: Hazelnut meal and ‘high-quality’ honey combined provide a significant amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants help limit damage caused by free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Carbohydrates: Each protein ball contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates. Carbs are your body’s primary source of energy, which makes these bites perfect when you need a midday pick me up or pre-workout snack!

How many calories?

The number of calories in an bliss ball will vary greatly depending on the recipe, as well as the brand and precise measurements of ingredients used. These vanilla bliss balls have approximately 96 calories per serving (1 ball).

Serving vanilla protein bites

Vanilla bliss bites make the perfect grab-and-go snack; however, you can also serve them as a part of a breakfast, brunch, or dessert spread.

• Dip in chocolate: For a classic and indulgent treat, dip your vanilla bites in melted chocolate sauce. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, and you can even add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
• Drizzle with caramel:If chocolate isn’t your thing, salted caramel sauce is excellent here.
• Roll in nuts:Toast your favorite raw nuts for savory flavor or candy nuts for sweet flavor. Crush them in a bag with a rolling pin and roll the bites in the nuts for amazing flavor and texture.
• Dust with flavor: Keep things simple and dust the top of your peanut butter bliss balls with cocoa powder, confectioner’s powder, or edible gold flakes.

Serving and pairing suggestions

• Pack energy bites in your lunch for a healthy, satisfying snack
• Enjoy as a post-workout treat.
• Gobble them up as a guilt-free dessert.
• Pair them with fruit:For a simple and refreshing pairing, macerate your favorite fresh fruits with granulated sugar and citrus zest. Sliced bananas, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries are wonderful choices here. Top your fruit with whipped yogurt for the perfect nutritious snack duo.
• Serve them as part of a breakfast spread with eggs scrambled with avocado, oatmeal banana breakfast cookies or oat with chia seed, and flavored mimosas.
• Dish ’em up as part of a sweet snack spread with white trash candy, soft oatmeal raisin cookies and baked cinnamon sugar donut holes.

Storing energy bliss bites

How to store bliss balls?

Peanut butter energy balls can be stored in an airtight container on the counter, or in the refrigerator or freezer. The main goal is to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the energy balls to keep them fresh!

Since they are made with shelf-stable ingredients they do not need to be refrigerated and they will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days.

How long do they keep?

To extend the shelf life of vanilla protein balls, refrigerating is recommended. Bliss balls will dry out if stored at room temperature for too many days. Protein bites stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator will last for up to 1-2 weeks.

Can energy bites be frozen?

Peanut butter energy balls freeze beautifully!

To freeze, place energy balls in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To use, thaw the bites in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying!

Healthy, delicious and packed with nutritious goodies, these Vanilla Peanut Butter Bliss Balls are a snack you can feel good about eating.

Until Thursday friends, cheers – to getting your healthy summer snack on!

XOXO

Cheyanne

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The best Vanilla Peanut Butter Bliss Balls recipe plus step-by-step video👇

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