Easy No Bake Protein Balls
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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!
No Food Processor Needed
One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of protein ball recipes call for medjool dates and a food processor. I have a TON of recipes that fit this bill – like my Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Balls, Homemade Larabars, Pumpkin Pie Larabar Balls, Blueberry Muffin Larabar Balls, etc.
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. Nuzest is one of my favorite brands. It’s plant-based and has a minimal, clean ingredient list. You can use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
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!
Everything You Need to Make Easy No Bake Protein Balls
Glass Food Storage Container with Silicone Sleeve
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Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set
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OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop, Black/Silver
Buy Now →Want More Protein Balls & Energy Bites?
- Energy Balls
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Cinnamon Raisin Cookie Protein Balls
- Almond Joy Protein Balls
- Vegan Protein Balls
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
- Coconut Protein Balls
- Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites
- Thin Mint Protein Balls
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
No Bake Protein Balls
Ingredients
Chocolate Peanut Butter
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 scoops, about 50-60 grams chocolate protein powder
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips
Almond Joy
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup natural almond butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 scoops, about 50-60 grams chocolate protein powder
- 1-2 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
Cinnamon Raisin Cookie
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup cashew butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 scoops, about 50-60 grams vanilla protein powder
- 2 Tablespoons raisins
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Tahini Chocolate Chip
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup tahini
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 scoops, about 50-60 grams vanilla protein powder
- 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Chocolate Peanut Butter
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
Any thoughts on adding flaxseed?
Ground flaxseed would be a great addition for extra fiber and healthy fats. I’d start with 1–2 tablespoons and see how the texture feels. Let me know if you try it!
is this recipe meant to make x24 balls?
I usually get 24 balls, yes. But this depends on how large or small you make your balls!
to make 24 they would be the size of a marble? at 114 calories each?
Totally fair question! The calorie count is based on making about 24 protein balls, and they’re usually about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—so definitely a few bites, not marble-sized. They’re small but mighty thanks to the nut butter, oats, and add-ins like chocolate chips or protein powder, which all add up calorie-wise. If you prefer a smaller snack, you could totally make mini ones and just adjust the serving size. Let me know if you try one of the flavors!
Our family has used this recipe several times over the last year or so. That says a lot. Delicious and easy, I like these better than oatmeal. Thanks for sharing your recipes.
That makes me so happy to hear, Kirsten! I love that this recipe has been on repeat for your family. Thanks so much for the kind review! 🙂
Tasted great and cant wait to try the rest of the flavors!
So glad you liked them, Jennifer! Hope you enjoy the other flavors just as much! Thanks for the review. 🙂
made these into 40gram balls as it wasn’t specific in weight count.
added extra cinnamon sprinkle on top.
Glad you gave these a go, Tanya! The extra cinnamon sounds like a great touch. Thanks for leaving a note about the size too!
Hi ! These are DELICIOUS ! I was just wondering if they really are 114,000cal because you have them down as 114 kcal.
Hi! So glad you’re enjoying the bites — and don’t worry, they’re definitely not 114,000 calories! The “kcal” just stands for kilocalories, which is the same as what we typically call calories. So 114 kcal means 114 calories per serving.
These are a home staple. I make them over and over.
Woo! So glad you’ve been loving this protein ball recipe. That makes me so happy to hear. 🙂
how long do they keep in the fridge? and how long do they take to defrost from frozen? excited to make these today for my children!
Excited for you to try them, Karen! They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks and freeze well for up to 3 months. If frozen, just let them sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes to soften. Hope your kids love them!
Is the nutritional information excluding the 2 scoops of protein powder? how are you getting 6g protein?
Hey Jess – No, the nutritional info includes the 2 scoops of protein powder. Are you thinking it should be more protein per ball? The nutritional info is based on 24 balls, so if your balls are bigger the protein content will be higher. The protein amount will also depend on the type of nut butter and protein powder you use. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I’ve made the chocolate peanut butter ones twice now!! Love this recipe. I recommend you getting a stand mixer! It makes it so much easier and faster than kneading or hand mixing.
So glad you’re loving the protein balls, Laura! A stand mixer sounds like a game-changer for these—great tip! Thanks for sharing and for leaving a review. I so appreciate it. 🙂
It might be a difference in ingredients perhaps. I’ll double check my calculations. I don’t know how to remove the comment, sorry! But again they taste great!
That might be it! No worries. I’m glad you’re enjoying these protein balls!