My no-bake protein balls recipe is easy to make, loaded with healthy and feel-good ingredients, and tastes absolutely delicious!
If you haven’t made this recipe before, then you’re in for a treat! These no-bake protein balls are a staple in my household. They are satiating and delicious, and the kids are always asking for them!
The best thing about this recipe is how simple it is. It requires only a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and comes together in just a few minutes!
They are the perfect make-ahead recipe that comes in handy when you need a little energy boost midway through the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They are customizable. These no-bake protein balls are a flexible and customizable recipe that you can’t go wrong with! You have the flexibility to swap out different ingredients to match what you have on hand, or whichever flavors you’re craving!
- They are healthy. Made with healthy ingredients like dates, nut butter, and protein powder, these protein balls will satiate your hunger and give you a boost of energy.
- They are easy to make. This recipe comes together in just a few minutes, and only requires a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- They taste delicious. Chewy, nutty, and sweet– you will absolutely love the flavor of these protein balls (and so will the kids!)
No-Bake Protein Balls Ingredients
Medjool dates: Medjool dates are soft, sticky, and taste like caramel! Not only do they taste delicious, but they are nutrient-dense and loaded with antioxidants.
Oat flour: I like using oat flour to add the perfect texture to the protein balls. If you only have rolled oats on hand, you can blend them down to a fine flour to use in this recipe. You can also substitute with coconut flour– it works just as well!
Nut Butter: You can use any nut butter you’d like. Some of my favorites to use in this recipe are peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
Coconut Oil or Butter: You can use both melted coconut oil or melted butter. They both taste delicious in the protein balls, though the flavor may vary slightly. You can use whichever you have on hand or prefer.
Protein Powder: Adding protein powder is an easy way to sneak extra protein into your’s and your kid’s diets throughout the day. I use this grass-fed protein powder with no additives! When it comes to protein powder, it’s super important to get a high-quality brand!
Collagen Powder: Incorporating collagen into your diet is life-changing! Collagen strengthens your bones, nourishes your skin, helps to increase muscle mass, and so much more. I use this grass-fed collagen powder daily.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both maple syrup and honey are unprocessed sweetener options, loaded with minerals and antioxidants, making them perfect healthy options for this recipe.
Vanilla Extract: For that extra pop of delicious flavor!
Cinnamon: Though using cinnamon is optional, I love the warm and spicy touch it adds.
Sea salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to your protein balls to perfectly balance the sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins
Customize this recipe with any yummy add-ins you’d like! Some of my favorite ingredients to add are:
- Dried fruit
- Coconut flakes
- Chocolate chips
Can I Freeze the Protein Balls?
Yes, absolutely! One of my favorite things to do with this recipe is make multiple batches of this recipe and freeze them! That way I can simply pull them out of the freezer and have these nutrient-packed protein balls ready-to-go for myself and my family.
I suggest laying out the protein balls on a baking sheet and freezing for an hour or two, before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. This will prevent the balls from sticking to one another when in storage.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months!
How to Make No-Bake Protein Balls
1. Add the dates to a food processor and blend until smooth and paste-like. Add in the nut butter, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
2. Add the coconut flour or oat flour, protein powder, collagen powder, salt and cinnamon. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
3. At this point you can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or any other additions you’d like. Make sure to pulse a few times in the food processor to evenly distribute.
4. Scoop out about 2 tbsp of the dough at a time, rolling it in between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up, and enjoy!
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
No-Bake Protein Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup oat flour or coconut flour
- 1/2 cup nut butter peanut, almond, or cashew butter
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1 scoop collagen powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the dates to a food processor and blend until smooth and paste-like. Add in the nut butter, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
- Add the coconut flour or oat flour, protein powder, collagen powder, salt and cinnamon. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- (Optional) At this point you can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or any other additions you’d like. Make sure to pulse a few times in the food processor to evenly distribute.
- Scoop out about 2 tbsp of the dough at a time, rolling it in between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up, and enjoy!
Notes
Want to Learn How to Make More Delicious Recipes From Scratch?
Once you start swapping premade food staples for healthier, homemade alternatives– you won’t ever go back! There is nothing better than creating wholesome meals for your family that are nourishing and delicious! Which is why I created a recipe guide full of healthier, from-scratch versions of your favorite kitchen staples that you and your family will love. Grab a copy today, and fill your kitchen with delicious and simple recipes just like this one!
Did you make my no-bake protein balls recipe? Let me know in the comments! To explore the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: