Easy No-Bake Protein Energy Balls

peanut butter granola power bites recipe

Protein energy balls are the perfect healthy snack for people with busy lifestyles. These little bites are packed with protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a midday snack, post-workout fuel, or a quick grab-and-go breakfast, protein energy balls are a great option. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make at home using simple ingredients like almond butter, flax seed, and certified gluten-free oats.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making protein energy balls, including the best ingredients to use, tips for storage, and fun ways to customize them to suit your taste.


Why Protein Energy Balls Are the Best Healthy Snack

Protein energy balls combine the benefits of high-protein snacks with the convenience of a no-bake recipe. These small but mighty bites are rich in nutrients, offering grams of protein in every serving. With natural peanut butter or almond butter as the base, they provide healthy fats and a nutty flavor, making them a delicious treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.


Ingredients for Protein Energy Balls

One of the best things about protein energy balls is how customizable they are. Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to get started:

  1. Nut Butters: Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a creamy texture and rich flavor. Natural peanut butter is another great option for classic peanut butter energy bites.
  2. Oats: Certified gluten-free oats, old-fashioned oats, or oat flour are essential for structure.
  3. Sweeteners: Add a touch of maple syrup or medjool dates for natural sweetness.
  4. Protein Powders: Vanilla protein powder, whey protein powder, or plant-based protein powder boost the protein content.
  5. Mix-ins: Mini chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or cocoa powder can make these energy bites taste like cookie dough or even an almond joy.
  6. Seeds and Add-ins: Chia seeds and flax seed are excellent sources of fiber and omega-3s.

These ingredients come together to create a simple recipe with no baking required. It’s a fun way to whip up a batch of healthy snacks in just minutes!


How to Make Protein Energy Balls

See our recipe card below or follow these easy steps to create your own batch of protein energy balls:

  1. Prepare Your Tools: Use a food processor or a large mixing bowl, depending on your preferred method.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Combine almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and any other wet ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in quick oats, protein powder, flax seed, and any additional mix-ins.
  4. Form the Balls: Use a medium cookie scoop or mini cookie scoop to shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
  5. Chill: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up.

Tips for Storing Protein Energy Balls

Protein energy balls are best stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Here’s how you can keep them:

  1. Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
  2. Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months and can be eaten straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature.

Fun Ways to Customize Energy Balls

One of the most exciting parts about making protein energy balls is how many sorts of ways you can customize them. Here are some ideas:

  • Flavor Twists: Try adding almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor or cocoa powder for a chocolate bar vibe.
  • Holiday-Inspired Treats: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal flavors.
  • Special Diets: Use sunflower butter and certified gluten-free oats for nut-free, gluten-free snacks.

When to Enjoy Protein Energy Balls

These energy bites are versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day:

  • Post-Workout Snack: With their high protein content, they’re perfect for refueling after a workout.
  • Midday Snack: Keep a few in your bag for a quick, healthy snack during a busy day.
  • Sweet Tooth Satisfier: Thanks to the mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips, they make a great snack for anyone craving something sweet.

Why You Should Make Them at Home

Homemade protein energy balls are more cost-effective than store-bought options like protein bars. Plus, they’re free of preservatives and can be tailored to meet your dietary needs. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or looking for a simple recipe to bake energy bites, homemade options are the way to go.


Final Thoughts

Protein energy balls are the perfect healthy snack for anyone looking to enjoy something tasty, nutritious, and easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch of protein-packed bites that are ideal for personal consumption or sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re making peanut butter protein balls, oatmeal energy balls, or bake protein energy balls, these snacks are sure to become one of your favorite things to prepare.

Print out this original recipe on your recipe card and try different ingredients to make it your own. The good news is that there are endless combinations, so you’ll never get bored. Try our almond butter cookies recipe for another healthy snack. Happy snacking!

Energy Balls - Power Balls - Protein Balls Recipe
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Energy Balls

Granola energy balls provide a powerful punch of energy and healthy benefits. Make them quickly and easily then refrigerate to keep the energy flowing all week. These little power balls are a great sweet and crunchy snack that travels well for work or play. See why kids, teenagers, and adults keep coming back for more of this recipe for breakfast or snack!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 24 balls
Calories: 130kcal
Cost: $5

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quick Cooking Oatmeal, Uncooked
  • ½ cup Natural Peanut Butter

  • ¼ cup Honey
  • ½ cup Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate (Chopping the chocolate provides more chocolate goodness in each bite)
  • cup Dark Raisins
  • cup Sunflower Seeds Shelled (Be sure to use shelled seeds)
  • ½ cup Peanuts, Chopped
  • ½ cup Walnuts, Chopped

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients for power balls by hand in a large bowl.
  • Chill mixture for 30 minutes in refrigerator.
  • Roll into 1/2 to 1 inch energy balls.
  • Ready to eat and enjoy!

Notes

Calorie values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.
Variations for Protein Ball Recipe:
Add coconut for a tropical flavor
Substitute vanilla or butterscotch chips for dark chocolate
Use gluten free, sugar free, or low carb versions of ingredients to accommodate Keto, Mediterranean, Low Carb, Lower Calorie, Gluten Free or Vegan.
Use local honey to help allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Use pumpkin seeds (pepitas),  chia seeds, or flaxseeds instead of sunflower seeds – or use a combination.
Flavor with a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract.  Or try a teaspoon of orange flavoring with shredded coconut.

Nutrition

Serving: 1balls | Calories: 130kcal

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1 Comment

  • Reply
    Darlene Farabee
    12/03/2021 at 10:37 pm

    5 stars
    Easy recipe for energy balls! These are so satisfying, delicious, and EASY!

  • 5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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