No Bake Protein Balls Recipe
If you’re searching for a delicious snack that delivers both on flavor and nutrition, look no further than these No Bake Protein Balls. They’re sweet, chewy, and totally satisfying—perfect for busy mornings, post-workout energy, or just when that afternoon snack craving hits! Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable add-ins, these bite-sized treats are unfussy to make and endlessly adaptable. No baking required, just mix, roll, and chill for something you’ll keep coming back to all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the protein balls:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
How to Make No Bake Protein Balls
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all your No Bake Protein Balls essentials on the counter. Measure out your oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, protein powder, ground flaxseed, vanilla, chocolate chips, and milk. Having everything ready makes mixing much smoother and ensures you don’t forget that one superstar add-in!
Step 2: Mix It All Up
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your oats, peanut butter, sweetener of choice, protein powder, flaxseed, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Stir everything together until you have a thick, even dough. It should start to look a bit like chunky cookie dough—don’t be afraid to get a little vigorous with your mixing!
Step 3: Adjust Consistency If Needed
If your mixture feels a bit crumbly or dry, drizzle in milk, just one tablespoon at a time. Give it a few stirs each time you add milk until the dough holds together easily when pressed. The goal is a mix that you can roll into balls without them falling apart or sticking stubbornly to your hands.
Step 4: Roll Into Balls
Either using a small cookie scoop or the palms of your hands, roll the mixture into one-inch balls. This should make about 16 No Bake Protein Balls. Place each ball onto a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking—and admire how perfectly snack-sized they look!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop your tray in the refrigerator and let the protein balls chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up, making them easy to grab and go. Once set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!)
How to Serve No Bake Protein Balls
Garnishes
To dress up your No Bake Protein Balls, try rolling them in shredded coconut, an extra dusting of cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts before chilling. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is also a game-changer for those who love a sweet-salty combo!
Side Dishes
Pair these protein balls with a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for an ultra-satisfying breakfast, or serve alongside a smoothie for an energizing midday snack. They also play really well with a crisp apple or banana for extra fiber and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the No Bake Protein Balls on a pretty cake stand for a brunch spread, skewer them onto lollipop sticks for a party, or individually wrap them for grab-and-go lunchbox treats. You can even dip them halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover No Bake Protein Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to snack smart all week long.
Freezing
To extend their shelf-life, freeze the protein balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw a few in the fridge overnight whenever you want a quick treat.
Reheating
No reheating necessary with these! If eating straight from the freezer, let your No Bake Protein Balls sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly for the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make No Bake Protein Balls without protein powder?
Absolutely! Just add a bit more oats, flaxseed, or even almond flour to keep everything balanced. They’ll still be delicious and provide a hearty snack.
How can I make these nut-free?
Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the almond or cashew swaps. Be sure to use allergy-friendly chocolate chips, and you’ll have a perfect nut-free treat.
What else can I mix in?
The sky’s the limit! Dried fruit, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or toasted coconut all make excellent stir-ins for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition in your No Bake Protein Balls.
Are these gluten-free?
They certainly can be if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check your packaging if gluten is a concern, but the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I stop the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Try chilling the dough for a few minutes before rolling or lightly dampen your hands with water or oil. It makes rolling quick, easy, and mess-free!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying these No Bake Protein Balls enough—they’re easy, quick, and bring so much joy to snack time. Give them a go and see just how fun and tasty it is to fuel your day!
Print
No Bake Protein Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No Bake Protein Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for a quick energy boost. Packed with oats, peanut butter, and protein powder, these little bites are a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
For the protein balls:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, flaxseed, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips until well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together easily.
- Form Balls: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Chill: Place the protein balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- You can swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.
- Add chia seeds, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for extra nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
