Keto Protein Balls are a satisfying snack that only requires six ingredients, takes less than 10 minutes to make, and there are multiple ways to flavor them.
The entire family will love these peanut butter protein balls. Whether you are heading to the gym or need an energy bump for the pick up line at school, these protein balls are a much better (and tastier!) alternative to what you can buy in the store.
At only 3.1g net carbs, these low carb protein balls are quick and easy to make. Plus, they are packed with healthy fats, so you’ll stay satisfied in between meals.
This was inspired by my Easy Keto Peanut Butter Granola Bars on this site, and pairs well with this Quick Easy Coconut Coffee.
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Ingredients
Only six ingredients are needed to make these delicious keto peanut butter balls. In addition to peanut butter itself, almond flour, keto-friendly protein powder, and some fun mix-ins make up the rest of the ingredients needed.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Keto-friendly protein powder – I chose to use a vanilla protein powder for a mild flavor.
- Natural peanut butter with no added sugar – make sure to stir the peanut butter well when you measure to ensure the natural oils are mixed in.
- Almond flour – this helps bind everything together while keeping the protein balls keto.
- Flax seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Macadamia nuts – this is optional, but I recommend giving it a try.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Peanut butter lovers rejoice: very little prep is needed to make keto protein balls!
The only ingredient that might need a bit of prep is your macadamia nuts if you opt to add them.
I wasn’t able to locate crushed macadamia nuts, so I put the large chopped pieces of nuts in a bag and broke them into small pieces with a rolling pin.
Of course, if you are not using macadamia nuts, then you can skip this step.
Combine the protein powder, almond flour, flax seed, pumpkin seed, and peanut butter in a food processor. Pulse several times until your protein ball mixture is crumbling.
Add a spoonful of water to the protein ball mixture and combine. Continue to add water to one spoonful at a time until the mixture is sticking together, about 3-4 spoonfuls of water.
Scoop the peanut butter mixture using a tablespoon and form them into a ball.
Roll each ball in crushed macadamia nuts if desired.
Set the ball aside and repeat forming the balls until you have formed 18 keto protein bites.
Hint: if the macadamia nuts don’t want to stick to your protein balls, dip the ball in water or almond milk and then roll in the crushed nuts. The water will help the nuts stick to the protein balls without making them sticky.
Substitutions
Looking for an alternative to one of the ingredients needed to make keto protein balls? Check out the list below of common substitutions for some of the ingredients used in this recipe.
- Peanut butter – any seed or nut butter can be used in place of peanut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter are a few good options.
- Pumpkin Seeds – replace with a different seed or omit altogether.
- Flaxseeds – the flaxseed adds a boost of fiber. You can replace it with sesame or chia seeds or omit it altogether.
Keep in mind that any changes to the ingredients will change the nutritional value of the recipe. Not seeing the substitution you are looking for? Leave a comment to get recommendations.
Variations
Are you looking to add some variety to your keto protein balls? Check out the list of flavor variations below. With just a few small tweaks, you can have a whole new flavor.
These flavors are great additions with or without the macadamia nuts. Just make sure to check the nutrition to keep these low carb.
- Chocolate Chip – mix some sugar-free chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips into your protein balls.
- Double Chocolate – use a low carb chocolate protein powder or mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Cinnamon – sprinkle in some cinnamon for a flavor similar to granola.
See these 9 Best Sugar-Free Homemade Granola Recipes on my website for even more flavor ideas!
Equipment
I used a food processor to help me mix up these peanut butter energy balls, but it is not necessary. I mostly used the food processor so that it would chop up my pumpkin seeds for me.
If you prefer, you can mix the protein balls in a bowl with a mixing spoon. Keep the pumpkin seeds whole or crush them like the macadamia nuts.
Storage
Your keto protein balls should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
The energy balls can also be stored frozen and defrosted a few at a time. Frozen protein balls will stay good for 3-6 months in the freezer.
Top tip
Your keto protein ball mixture will be dry when you first mix it. Adding water a spoonful at a time will help your mixture stick together when forming into balls.
If you are having a hard getting the crushed macadamia nuts to stick to the balls, dip them in water and then roll them in the nuts. This will help the nuts stick without making the protein balls mushy.
FAQ about peanut butter protein balls
Isolated whey, pea, or collage protein powders are typically low in carbohydrates, sugar-free, and high in protein, making several brands keto friendly.
Not all protein powders are keto-friendly so make sure to read the ingredients labels and look for sweeteners that are not keto.
These protein balls are full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber while being sugar-free. They are a healthier snack alternative that can help fuel your body between meals.
Protein balls contain protein and nutrients that will give you a boost of energy and help replenish your body. They are best-enjoyed pre or post-workout or between meals to help keep your energy levels up.
These protein balls are filling, so 1 protein ball is the recommended serving. If you would like to snack on more, I recommend making them into smaller bite-sized balls.
Keto Protein Balls (Keto Energy Balls)
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor
Ingredients
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup protein powder
- ½ cup almond meal/flour
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed/linseed
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 3-4 tbsp water
- ½ cup macadamia nuts crushed, optional
Instructions
- Combine the protein powder, almond flour, flax seed, pumpkin seed, and peanut butter in a food processor. Pulse several times until your protein ball mixture is crumbling.
- Add a spoonful of water to the protein ball mixture and combine. Continue to add water to one spoonful at a time until the mixture is sticking together, about 3-4 spoonfuls of water.
- Scoop your protein balls using a tablespoon and form them into a ball. Roll each ball in crushed macadamia nuts if desired. Enjoy! Store protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- I used 1/2 cup of whole macadamia nuts and crushed them in a bag with a rolling pin. You can also crush the macadamia nuts using a food processor.
- Dip the protein balls in water and roll in the crushed macadamia nuts if you are having trouble getting the nuts to stick.
Nutrition
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Can I leave out the protein powder? Thank you!
Hi Jeanette, you can leave the protein powder out. You would need to add more almond flour to thicken the dough though. Just mix in a bit at a time until the dough it thicken and sticking together but not sticking to your hands. Hope this helps.
Could I substitute coconut flour for the almond flour?
Hi Jess, if you want to use coconut flour I would suggest adding it a tablespoon at a time until you get the correct consistency. Keep in mind that the coconut flour will absorb more liquid than almond flour. Hope that helps!