The 10-Minute Peanut Butter & Jelly Snack My Whole Family Loves

Name: The 10-Minute Peanut Butter & Jelly Snack My Whole Family Loves
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 4 cups honey or maple syrup; 4 cups ground flaxseed; 4 cups dried strawberries (or any dried fruit you love); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

April 6, 2025

Recipes

There’s just something about the flavor of peanut butter and jelly that takes me straight back to childhood. And while I’m not packing lunchboxes anymore, I am always on the lookout for quick, energizing snacks I can feel good about grabbing in the middle of a busy day. Enter: Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Balls.

These little bites are everything I love in a snack—portable, protein-packed, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. They take less than 10 minutes to make, use simple ingredients I always have on hand, and taste like a nostalgic twist on the classic sandwich. Whether I’m running out the door, working through the afternoon slump, or just craving something bite-sized and satisfying, this is the recipe I keep coming back to.

Why I’m Hooked on These PB&J Energy Balls

I’ve made a lot of energy ball variations over the years, but this one hits different. Here’s why these stay in my weekly snack prep rotation:

No baking needed—just mix, roll, and chill
Only six ingredients, and I almost always have them around
Naturally sweetened with no refined sugar
Packed with protein and fiber to keep me full
Kid-friendly and approved by even the pickiest snackers

They also freeze beautifully, so I’ll often double the batch and stash half away for future snack emergencies.

What You’ll Need

(Makes 12–14 balls | Prep Time: 10 minutes)

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup dried strawberries (or any dried fruit you love)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional add-ins:

A pinch of salt (especially if your peanut butter is unsalted)
A tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber
A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips (if you’re feeling indulgent)

How I Make PB&J Energy Balls (Step-by-Step)

1. Chop the Fruit
I start by finely chopping the dried strawberries. If they’re a little sticky, I’ll dust them lightly with a pinch of oats or flour to make them easier to work with.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, I stir together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

3. Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Next, I add the oats, flaxseed, and chopped strawberries. I mix until everything is evenly coated and starts to stick together. If the mixture feels too dry, I add a little more peanut butter or a drizzle of honey. If it’s too sticky, a tablespoon of oats usually fixes it.

4. Roll Into Balls
Using my hands or a small cookie scoop, I roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. I usually aim for about 1-inch in diameter—just big enough for a couple of satisfying bites.

5. Chill and Store
I pop them into the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to an airtight container. They last for up to a week in the fridge, but honestly, they never stick around that long.

My Tips for the Best Energy Balls

Use natural peanut butter for a softer texture and fewer additives.
Soften the peanut butter slightly if it’s straight from the fridge—it makes mixing easier.
Chop the dried fruit small so every bite gets a little “jelly” moment.
Wet your hands lightly when rolling to keep the mixture from sticking.

Fun Flavor Variations I’ve Tried

Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, there’s so much room to play. Here are a few combos I love:

Peanut Butter + Dried Blueberries = PB&J remix with a tart twist
Almond Butter + Dried Cherries = rich, deep flavor and a little fancy
Sunflower Seed Butter + Raisins = nut-free and still delicious
Chocolate Peanut Butter + Dried Bananas = dessert disguised as a snack

You can also toss in some protein powder for a post-workout version or drizzle them with melted dark chocolate if you want to turn them into a more indulgent treat.

When I Eat These

Honestly? Anytime. But here’s when they really come in handy:

Morning rush: A couple of these with coffee and I’m good until lunch.
Post-workout: They’re a great protein-carb combo for recovery.
Afternoon slump: Just one hits the spot without weighing me down.
School snacks: I pack them for my niece, and she thinks she’s getting dessert.
Late-night cravings: A sweet treat without the regret.

They’re also amazing for travel—I pack them in a zip-top bag and keep them in my purse or carry-on for airport days or road trips.

FAQs About These Energy Balls

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. I freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They thaw quickly and taste just as good.

Q: What if I don’t have flaxseed?
A: You can swap it for chia seeds, oat flour, or just more oats. The texture may change slightly, but they’ll still hold together.

Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter?
A: Totally—it adds a nice crunch! Just be sure it’s still a natural-style butter so the mix isn’t too dry.

Q: Are these safe for toddlers?
A: As long as your little one can handle peanut butter and chewy dried fruit, these are a great option. I make mini versions when I share them with younger kids.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Balls are everything I want in a snack—quick, healthy, nostalgic, and seriously satisfying. They taste like a throwback to my childhood lunchbox but keep me fueled through my grown-up schedule. No baking, no weird ingredients, and no excuses not to have something homemade and wholesome on hand.

So if you’re looking for a better snack that doesn’t feel like a chore, make a batch of these. Your future self will thank you every time you open the fridge.