NO BAKE PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE

Why I Love This Recipe:

These no-bake protein balls are a life-saver when I need a quick, healthy snack. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners, making them perfect for a pre-workout snack, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-dinner treat. The best part? They only take 10 minutes to make and require no baking! Plus, the variety of flavors – Chocolate Peanut Butter, Almond Joy, Cinnamon Raisin Cookie, and Tahini Chocolate Chip – ensures there’s something for every taste. With only a few simple ingredients, you can have an easy, nutritious snack ready to go all week long.

Ingredients:

Chocolate Peanut Butter:

• 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 scoops (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 (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 (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 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: For each flavor, place the corresponding oats, nut or seed butter, honey (or maple syrup), protein powder, and any other ingredients (chocolate chips, raisins, shredded coconut, etc.) in a large bowl.
2. Combine the Dough: Stir the ingredients together until fully combined. The mixture might seem thick or a bit dry at first, but it will come together with some muscle. I recommend using your hands near the end to knead the dough until it’s smooth and well mixed. If the dough seems too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water or almond milk at a time until it forms a dough.
3. Form Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
4. Store: Once formed, place the protein balls in a covered container and store them in the fridge or freezer.

Tips & Tricks:

• Mixing Tip: When mixing the ingredients, it may seem too thick or sticky at first, but just keep stirring. The dough will eventually come together. If it’s still hard to combine, using your hands to knead can help.
• Consistency Tip: If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a little water or almond milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until it becomes dough-like.
• Perfect Size: To keep your protein balls uniform, use a small cookie scoop for easy, even-sized portions.
• Flavor Customizations: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters (like cashew or sunflower seed butter) or swap raisins for dried cranberries or other dried fruits for a personalized twist.

Notes:

• These protein balls make a fantastic snack or breakfast on-the-go. They’re high in protein and healthy fats, which help keep you full and satisfied.
• Sweetener: You can use honey or maple syrup in each of the recipes for a natural sweetness, but feel free to adjust the sweetness based on your preference. If you want to cut down on sugar, a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener work well as a substitute.
• Protein Powder: Any type of protein powder can work here, but I recommend using a high-quality, flavorless or chocolate-flavored protein powder to match the recipes.

FAQs:

Can I make these protein balls ahead of time? Absolutely! These protein balls are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and keep them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy snack whenever you need it.

How long do these protein balls last? In the fridge, these protein balls will last for up to 1 week. In the freezer, they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Can I make these protein balls without protein powder? Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute protein powder with ground flaxseed or chia seeds for an additional boost of fiber, or simply leave it out and adjust the amount of oats and nut butter for a delicious, more traditional energy ball.

Can I use a different nut butter? Yes! Feel free to swap almond butter for peanut butter, cashew butter, or tahini depending on your taste and dietary preferences.

Storage:

• In the fridge: Store protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• In the freezer: For longer storage, place protein balls in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before eating, or enjoy straight from the freezer for a cold, chewy treat!

These no-bake protein balls are a great way to snack healthy and satisfy your sweet tooth in the most convenient way possible. Try them today and keep a batch ready to fuel your busy week