Protein Balls
These Protein Balls are an easy, no-bake snack packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Perfect for a natural energy boost anytime, they combine simple pantry staples like rolled oats, nut butter, and natural sweeteners into delicious bite-sized treats that can be customized to your taste and dietary needs.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons protein powder (any preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- Optional spices: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, chia seeds or flaxseeds, chocolate chips, protein powder, and dried fruit to ensure even distribution.
- Add the Nut Butter and Sweetener: Add the almond or peanut butter and drizzle honey or maple syrup over the dry mix. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until a sticky dough forms. Adjust by adding more nut butter or sweetener if too dry.
- Flavor It Up: Pour in vanilla extract and optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Mix well to evenly infuse the flavors.
- Shape Into Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray for ease of handling.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the tray for at least 30 minutes to allow the Protein Balls to firm up and hold their shape. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or store.
Notes
- Slightly wet your hands to prevent dough from sticking while rolling.
- Adjust the oats and nut butter ratio to achieve your preferred texture firmness.
- Taste the mixture before rolling to tweak sweetness if necessary.
- Store Protein Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Substitute nut butters with seed butters like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter for nut-free options.
- For longer storage, freeze the Protein Balls on a baking sheet then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: protein balls, no-bake snack, healthy snack, energy bites, gluten free, natural sweeteners, protein snack