This easy no bake protein balls recipe is the perfect snack or on-the-go breakfast. Made with simple ingredients and packed with protein, these energy bites are going to become a favorite pick me up!
PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE
Homemade no-bake protein balls are the best way to get in your protein and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Flavorful energy bites are made with oats, peanut butter, protein powder and your go-to add-ins. These protein balls are easy to make and are a great meal prep option to make sure you get your protein in throughout the week.
WHY MAKE THESE ENERGY BITES?
- Healthier– Not only are these protein bites delicious, making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients that go into these bites. You avoid all the preservatives, and extra toxic ingredients that you get when you buy store-bought energy bites.
- Customizable– A big reason why I love making these protein balls is because you can have fun with the flavors! I love making a variety of flavors for the week! I include 4 different variations of protein balls in this recipe!
- Affordable– Making peanut butter protein balls at home is cheaper than always buying protein balls! Depending on the brand you buy, store-bought protein balls can get pricey! So, if you are trying to stay on budget, make your protein balls at home!
- Easy– These energy bites are no-bake, making them so easy! All you need to do is mix, form and they are done!
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Oats– For the best results, you want to use old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats! You want to avoid using steel-cut oats when making homemade protein balls.
- Chia Seeds– Adding chia seeds is totally optional but adds more nutrients and benefits to your protein bites!
- Peanut Butter– Either classic creamy peanut butter or natural peanut butter can be used. You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter if desired.
- Protein Powder– The key source of protein in these protein bites is the vanilla protein powder! Use your favorite protein powder for the best results. I used Walmart Vanilla protein powder.
- Sweetener– To sweeten these peanut butter protein balls I prefer to use a natural sweetener like pure maple syrup or honey.
HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE PROTEIN BALLS
With just a few simple steps you can have these delicious, filling protein balls ready!
- In a bowl, add the ingredients to the protein balls. Mix until well combined.
- With a cookie scoop or spoon, divide into about 12-14 scoops.
- Using your hands, roll the scoops in round balls. (Make sure they are in a round, tight ball.)
- Store in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks!
FLAVOR VARIATIONS
You don’t have to limit these protein balls to just plain peanut butter balls! Here are some other delicious flavors you can do! Just add these ingredients to the base of my protein balls:
- Chocolate Chip–
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (milk, dark or semi-sweet)
- Cranberry Pecan-
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- Coconut Raisin-
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- Chocolate Peanut Butter-
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 mini chocolate chips (milk, dark or semi-sweet)
- 2 Tbsp extra creamy peanut butter
ADD INS-
The add-in ideas are endless for these delicious protein balls! Here are some classic ideas:
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- Dried fruit
- Cinnamon
- Shredded coconut
- M&Ms
- Ground flaxseeds
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
Peanut butter works as the binder for these protein balls! But you can use almond butter or any other butter you prefer.
If it’s not sticking together, it might be too dry. Depending on the peanut butter and protein powder brand you use it could seem on the dry side. No worries! Just add a little bit more peanut butter if it seems dry!
If you use 100% certified gluten free oats, then yes these can be gluten free!
If you want protein balls, then yes you want to add the vanilla protein. But for plain peanut butter balls, you can just leave out the protein powder!
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of protein powder! Use chocolate protein powder, coffee, cookie dough, birthday cake or even strawberry flavored protein powder.
If stored properly in an airtight container, stored in the fridge, they will last up to 2 weeks fresh!
Yes! These freeze great! Add them to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months! Just let them soften a bit before enjoying them!
OTHER EASY DESSERT RECIPES TO TRY-
If you have a sweet tooth, try these other easy and delicious dessert recipes!
No Bake Protein Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Classic Protein Balls
- 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
Chocolate Peanut Butter-
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp chocolate chips
Oatmeal Raisin-
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup raisins
Coconut Cranberry-
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup craisins
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the protein balls and then mix until well combined. (The mixture will be like dry cookie dough.)1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 Tbsp chia seeds, 1/4 cup maple syrup, or honey, 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
- Add any desired add-ins to the mixture and mix again. (You can divide the dough and make half plain and have with add-ins.)
- Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- With a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop or spoon, divide the batter into 12 even sized scoops. Using your hands, roll the scoops into a round ball.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
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