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!
Hi Im vegan and was wondering what your suggestion would be for replacing the honey ? Thank you
Hey Theresa – you can use maple syrup instead.
How can I lower the sugar content I am supposed to get more protein in my diet and less sugar also what is tahini
Hey Margaret – you can skip the maple syrup or use a sugar-free syrup or a few drops of stevia instead and tahini is ground sesame seeds.
They taste so good. I have made the peanut butter and also the tahini protein balls. They are both my favorites. Thank you Brittany for these recipes.
You’re so welcome, Marsha! I’m so glad you’re loving these protein balls. I really appreciate you coming back to leave a comment + star rating. 🙂
I tried the almond joy ones and they were DELICIOUS!! I only had coconut almond butter so i used that ..yum! Although im going to freeze most of them since im only one person so they should last..cant wait to try the others!
Woo!! So glad you loved the almond joy ones, Amy. I so appreciate you coming back to leave a comment + star rating!
Brittany, I made the peanut butter/chocolate chip combo protein Balls and they are absolutely delicious! Thanks so much for your recipes! I’m looking forward to trying the others!
Ahh yay, that makes me so happy to hear, Lori! I’m so glad you’re loving these protein balls. 🙂 Thanks for trying them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. It means the world to me!
Truth is, I went online looking to BUY some protein snacks, but when I came upon these recipes, they looked so good, I decided to give making my own a try. I’m so glad I did. I made the Almond Joys, and wow…they were delicious and completely satisfying. Fun and easy to make, too. The full recipe made enough protein balls to carry me for about 10 days (sharing with my wife and son as well). I’m onto the Cinnamon Raisin Cookie next. So impressed!
A few more things to add here: 1) I went for quality on all the ingredients, starting with those from-heaven Red Mill rolled oats, and I think that made a difference. 2) Thanks, Brittany, for posting these recipes. One protein ball and a small Greek Yogurt if I’m very hungry, and the problem is solved.
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Tom! I’m so glad you came across my recipe and enjoyed it!! I really appreciate you coming back to leave a comment + star rating. The reviews are super helpful to other readers, so thank you. 🙂
Why do you need to refrigerate the protein balls (as long as you don’t add milk.) ??
Hey Kimberly – They last way longer if stored in the fridge / freezer and keep them from becoming too soft. You can definitely store them in an airtight container at room temp if you prefer, but they won’t stay fresh as long.
How long can you freeze them for?
They should last about 3-4 months in the freezer. 🙂
I love making protein balls and bars because they have fewer ingredients and are less processed than the packaged kind. Plus, my kids love them. Chocolate chip is always a hit and I can’t wait to try your Almond Joy recipe. These all look delicious!
Me too!! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the almond joy version. Keep me posted!
These are awesome and super customizable! I added a little more protein powder (cake flavored!) in mine, used cashew butter because it was what I had, but stayed mostly consistent with the proportions mentioned in this recipe. I didn’t even need to add honey since my protein powder is stevia-sweetened. Can’t wait to get some chocolate protein powder next time I’m at the store and try to the almond joy ones!
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Lex! I’m so glad you enjoyed these protein balls. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. <3
Just made the Almond Joy. Love them! Had to add a little cashew milk and found more success pinching them into balls, rather than rolling. Yum, yum, yum! Can’t wait to try the Tahini Choc Chip. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go hide these from myself so I don’t eat them all
Haha yay!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the almond joy ones, Susan. 🙂 Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. It means the world to me!