Why You’ll Love Them
They taste great. These bite-sized energy bites taste like cookie dough, and are naturally sweetened to help you avoid an energy crash later. They are perfect for meal prep! They are easy to make. Unlike date energy balls, which require a food processor, this protein ball recipe is easy to stir together in one bowl. (It makes clean-up easier, too.) They’re filling. With 6 grams of protein in each ball, along with healthy fats and fiber, these bite-sized treats will help keep you feeling satisfied between meals, or after your workout. They are easy to customize. There are 3 easy flavors to try below, but you can also get creative with this recipe. Try adding in dried cranberries and a little orange zest for a holiday flavor, or add in some chia seeds for a little crunch. You can also add in a few mini chocolate chips, or some shredded coconut, if you prefer. The variations are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I tested this recipe with Garden of Life Organic Vegan Protein Powder (< affiliate link), which is not particularly delicious on its own. If you are starting out with a protein powder that is already sweetened, you most likely won’t need as much added sweetness from the honey or maple syrup that the recipe below calls for. Feel free to add a splash of water, instead, of help the dough come together. If you need a nut-free recipe, you can replace the peanut butter or almond butter with sunflower seed butter, or tahini, instead. Or, if you want to use another nut butter, feel free!
How to Make Protein Balls
- Mix the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, rolled oats, protein powder, honey, and salt. (If you’re making another flavor, you may end up adding ground cinnamon & raisins, or cacoa powder, too.) Mix well with a spatula, until the dough is thick and looks relatively uniform.
- Scoop. Use a tablespoon or 1-ounce cookie scoop to scoop the mixture, then roll it between your hands to form balls. Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the rolling process, until all of the dough has been rolled into balls. Place them in the fridge to firm up for at least 1 hour. (Although it’s also fine if you want to eat one right away!)
- Enjoy! Once the balls have been chilled, they should be less sticky and easy to store in an airtight container. You can stash a few in your bag to take on-the-go, but they will last the longest if you keep the rest stored in the fridge. They taste like dessert! Looking for more healthy snacks? Try Granola Bars, Banana Snack Cake, or Frozen Banana Bites. If you try this protein ball recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.
