The easiest no bake protein balls on the internet with four different flavors – chocolate peanut butter, tahini chocolate chip, cinnamon raisin and almond joy. Take 10 minutes to whip up a batch of these protein balls and snack healthy all week long!
Who knew one snack could have so many names?! Protein balls, energy bites, just “balls”. . . I’m sure there are even more out there. No matter what you call them, one thing is for sure: they are one of the best snacks to have on hand for easy, healthy snacking!
I know some people love their store-bought protein bars (and I have a few favs too) but I honestly really like making homemade protein balls because I can control what ingredients go into the mix AND they’re way cheaper. Plus, coming up with the different flavor combinations is so fun!
That said, I know not everyone has a food processor so I’m excited to share four different protein ball recipes that you can make without a food processor and without dates!
The cool part about this recipe is that you can use the same basic formula to create FOUR different recipes — just by switching up a couple different ingredients you have a brand new flavor!
Protein Ball + Energy Bite Ingredients:
Old-fashioned rolled oats – I always use rolled oats for protein balls because during processing they get steamed and flattened/rolled. This makes the texture way better for no bake recipes!
Nut butter – My one tip for nut butter is to make sure it’s drippy! It can be hard to mix when you have a more “solid” or “dry” nut butter, so I recommend finding a runny nut butter. You can use any nut butter you want for the base . . . even a seed butter like sunflower butter or tahini if you’re allergic to nuts.
Honey – I add a hint of sweetener to my base because, in my opinion, it is the key to balanced flavor! Feel free to use maple syrup if you want these balls to be vegan.
Protein powder – For these protein balls, I’m using a plant-based, organic protein powder. This obviously majorly increases the protein content, which I’m a huge fan of, but it also brings in some fun flavors like vanilla or chocolate and a little sweetness to the mix.
That’s it! That’s your base recipe. I like to add in fun mix-ins to make the flavors really unique, and I’ve included four simple recipes below. Try these first and when you feel comfortable mixing on your own, go for it and get creative!
Protein Balls are Too Dry or Crumbly?
Some protein powders will soak up more liquid than others and some nut butters are drier than others. This is totally normal and it might cause your your protein ball mixture to seem a little dry or crumbly. If this happens, just add a little water or almond milk to the protein ball mixture, 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture is moist enough to form into balls. Just be careful not to add too much liquid.
I love to make a batch of these on the weekend so that I have grab-n-go snacks throughout the week. They’re also perfect for a pre or post-workout snack (or even dessert). I usually eat two a time!
The easiest no bake protein balls on the internet with four different flavors – chocolate peanut butter, tahini chocolate chip, cinnamon raisin and almond joy. Take 10 minutes to whip up a batch of these protein balls and snack healthy all week long!
Place oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem too thick at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls.
Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Almond Joy
Place oats, almond butter, honey, protein powder and shredded coconut in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem too thick at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls.
Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Cinnamon Raisin Cookie
Place oats, cashew butter, honey, protein powder, raisins and cinnamon in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem a little crumbly at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls.
Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Tahini Chocolate Chip
Place oats, tahini, honey, protein powder and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem too thick at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls.
Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Video
Notes
If the protein ball mixture seems a little too dry or crumbly, add water or almond milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture forms together.
I made the chocolate peanut butter recipe and it was absolutely divine! Not only was the recipe simple but the finished product was giving what I needed to give. Thank you!
I will be trying the other recipes
Just a quick note . . . I too make my own protein bites. Just be aware that eating uncooked oats can cause bloating & gas. A good subsitute is qinoa flakes.
Hi Joanne. Removing the protein powder will change the consistency of these protein balls. I recommend trying my Easy No Bake Energy Balls or these Date Energy Balls instead.
The brand Kodiak makes oats with protein in them. I sub everything that calls for regular oats with the Kodiak oats. Every little bit of protein helps!! I’ll be making your recipe. Thanks for sharing!!
Just made these and they’re amazing!! Used agave instead of honey, and cocoa flavored protein powder. My dad has dementia and finding things he will eat that will give him nourishment can be difficult. So excited for him to try these!
Leave a Comment
I made the chocolate peanut butter recipe and it was absolutely divine! Not only was the recipe simple but the finished product was giving what I needed to give. Thank you!
I will be trying the other recipes
Hi Aurelia, that makes me so happy to hear! I’m glad this recipe was a hit. Thank you for leaving a comment and review!
Just a quick note . . . I too make my own protein bites. Just be aware that eating uncooked oats can cause bloating & gas. A good subsitute is qinoa flakes.
Thanks for sharing a great substitute Joanne! I really appreciate it.
I’m not a fan of protein powders. Do I need to use it and, if so, what would be a good substitute.
Thanks 🙏 n advance
Hi Joanne. Removing the protein powder will change the consistency of these protein balls. I recommend trying my Easy No Bake Energy Balls or these Date Energy Balls instead.
The brand Kodiak makes oats with protein in them. I sub everything that calls for regular oats with the Kodiak oats. Every little bit of protein helps!! I’ll be making your recipe. Thanks for sharing!!
That’s a great idea, thanks for sharing that tip, Lisa!
Just made these and they’re amazing!! Used agave instead of honey, and cocoa flavored protein powder. My dad has dementia and finding things he will eat that will give him nourishment can be difficult. So excited for him to try these!
I’m so glad you like these, Lauren! I hope your dad does too. Thanks for sharing!