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EASY NO BAKE PROTEIN BALLS

This simple and healthy no-bake oatmeal protein energy ball recipe is perfect for easy snacking on-the-go! With rolled oats, protein powder, almond butter and a touch of honey, these energy balls will keep you satisfied for hours!

These sweet, no bake treats take minutes to throw together, are filled with good-for-you ingredients, and make for quick, portable breakfasts and snacks. They’re a great way to get lots of nutritious ingredients into one bite and are super tasty too! They are just like protein bars but made into a bite sized grab-n-go snack. I know some people love their store-bought protein bars 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 have you looked at all those “things” they put into some of those protein bars??? If I can’t pronounce it, I don’t want to be eating it!

If there’s one thing I learned about myself during my health and fitness journey, it’s that I absolutely must have healthy snacks available or I become an out of control raging junk food-aholic! 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 at night when you are craving something sweet). And don’t get me started on what a healthy on-the-go snack this is for my kiddos instead of chips or high sugar processed protein bars! The kids think they taste great and I know they are healthy! Win, win!

Today, I’m sharing the master recipe for my protein balls, along with a few tasty ways to create different fun flavors on your own. Just by switching up a couple different ingredients you have a brand new flavor! The base recipe is super simple and comprised of just four basic ingredients.

4 Basic “BASE” 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! Plus it’s filling, inexpensive, versatile, and gives me the sensation that I’m eating oatmeal cookie dough instead of a healthy snack. I use and recommend Bob’s Red Mill’s Gluten Free Rolled Oats, because they are high quality, high in fiber, and, for those with dietary concerns, truly gluten free.
  • Nut butter – Nut butter, like almond, cashew or peanut butter, helps bind the balls, adds healthy fats, protein and makes the energy balls sustaining. It’s also delicious. My first 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, coconut butter or tahini if you’re allergic to nuts. My second tip is to remember to choose a nut butter that doesn’t have any added sugar, partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats, or artificial ingredients. The label should have just one ingredient: “almonds” (and maybe a pinch of salt). As with any type of food, moderation is key.
    Side Note
    : I, personally, do NOT use peanut butter because almond butter is slightly healthier because it has more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Peanuts are actually a legume (not a nut), and this group of foods, which also includes beans and peas, contain phytates (compounds that can potentially impair your absorption of certain minerals) and lectins (proteins that can be toxic in very high amounts). In “real people” speak, peanuts can hurt some people’s gut and cause increased inflammation. This happens to me so I personally choose almond butter.
  • Honey – I add a hint of honey to my base because, in my opinion, it is the key to balanced flavor! Honey is a delicious alternative to refined sugar, which is 100% empty calories. Make sure to choose a high-quality brand honey, because some lower-quality ones may be mixed with syrup or added sugar. Keep in mind that honey should only be consumed in moderation, as it is still high in calories and natural sugar.
  • Protein powder – For these protein balls, I use a grass fed beef paleo protein powder. There are tons of options out there for protein powders, just find the protein powder that’s best for you by looking at the ingredients carefully. Animal-based protein powders include casein, whey, and collagen. Plant-based protein powders include pea, rice, and hemp. Look for protein powders that have as few ingredients as possible and a natural added sugar like stevia and not sucralose. Protein powders obviously majorly increases the protein content, which I’m a huge fan of, but it can also brings in some fun flavors like vanilla or chocolate and a little sweetness to the mix.

 

That’s it! That’s your base ingredients. Simple right? You may ask be asking, “Can I make protein balls without the protein powder?” Yes absolutely! You don’t need protein powder to make these balls. They will hold together and still be healthy and delicious without the addition of the protein powder. That’s what’s so great about them! You can customize the recipe to what you have on hand and to what you like best and for how healthy or unhealthy you prefer!

Now the fun part! Just the base is yummy but I like to add in fun mix-ins to make the flavors really unique. There are all sorts of ways that you can customize this protein ball recipe, so feel free to get creative! I like to do a combination of superfood additions, such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, along with ingredients I love purely for their taste, like dark chocolate, chopped dried fruit, unsweetened coconut and did I mention chocolate? Other fun options you can include:

  • Raisins or dates
  • Dried cranberries or other dried fruits
  • White, mint or milk chocolate chips
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
  • Chia seedsflax seedshemp seeds
  • Hazelnut (Nutella)

Just remember when mixing up your own recipe, the quality of your ingredients can quickly make this a NOT SO HEALTHY RECIPE!

The recipe below is my favorite combination but if you want the base recipe just exclude the dark chocolate chips. I suggest trying the base recipe first and when you feel comfortable mixing on your own, go for it and get creative!

Dark Chocolate Protein Balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Yield: 24

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 scoops (about 50–60 grams) chocolate protein powder
  • 2 Tablespoons dark chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

Place oats, almond 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 (bonus arm workout  )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. Tip: Throw on disposable kitchen gloves to help with the stickiness if you have them!

Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls and then roll with your hands.

Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.

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

  • Serving Size: 1 ball (Chocolate PB)
  • Calories: 104
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

 

Hope you and your family enjoy these as much as me and mine!

To Your Good Health! Eat Well! Alla Salute! Mangia Bene!

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