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Easy Protein Balls made 12 Different Ways! Switch up your snack lineup with these easy no-bake protein bite recipes. They’re perfect for on the go and include grain-free, refined sugar free, gluten free and nut-free options too!
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EASY SNACKS FOR ON THE GO
Protein balls, no bake energy bites, fat bombs and homemade granola bars are one of our favorite healthy snack recipes to make for busy school mornings.
SO WHAT ARE PROTEIN BITES?
Protein balls or protein bites are portable bite-sized snacks that you roll into balls. They are super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Most protein ball recipes call for oats, nut or seed butter, sweetener, sometimes protein powder plus any add-ins of your choice.
ARE PROTEIN BITES GOOD FOR YOU?
Homemade protein bites are not only delicious, but they are so much better for you than many store-bought snacks. They taste just like dessert but are made with wholesome ingredients are refined-sugar free.
PROTEIN BALLS
- old fashioned oats (use gluten free if necessary) – omit for protein balls without oats and use the recipe below for grain free protein bites
- sticky sweetener such as maple syrup, honey, brown rice syrup or organic agave
- natural nut butter or seed butter (creamy almond butter, natural peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter or pumpkin seed butter)
- a good QUALITY protein powder – we like Nuzest OR Garden of Life
OTHER INGREDIENTS YOU CAN ADD TO HEALTHY PROTEIN BALLS:
- pure vanilla extract (recommended for adding flavor)
- ground cinnamon (my favorite)
- Himalayan or sea salt (cuts down on sweetness)
- almond flouror oat flour
- avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- shredded coconut
- ground flax seeds, chia seeds
- chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans etc.)
- pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
- dried fruit (preferably unsweetened or with less sweetener – cranberries, raisins, blueberries, cherries etc.)
- chopped chocolate, no-sugar added chocolate chips OR semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Remember to check the labels if you have any food allergies or sensitivities. Use gluten free or nut free ingredients as needed.
HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN BALLS
- Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl or pulse together in a food processor.
- Pack and roll your energy balls tightly into 1 – 1.5 ” sized balls – (about one – two tablespoons of dough)
- Chill the cookie dough prior to rolling helps the dough stick together
- Press dough into a square baking pan lined and cut into bars after chilling instead of rolling into balls
- Wet hands slightly to help the dough stick together
- Heat nut butter with 2 teaspoons of avocado or coconut oil to make it more liquidy – this is especially necessary if you are using nut butter near the bottom of the jar
- Different brand of nut butters yield slightly different consistency and results, adjust as needed. I usually like to use organic and / or natural nut / seed butters
- Increase amount of liquid (nut butter / sweetener / oil ) if dough seems too dry
SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PROTEIN BALLS FOR KIDS:
- Swap out shredded coconut for ground flaxseeds, almond meal or oat flour
- Use good quality protein powder with no added sweeteners OR swap with hemp seeds and / or chia seeds for an extra boost of nutrition
- Pulse softened dried dates, prunes or apricots with some water in your [amazon_textlink asin=’B008J8MJIQ’ text=’food processor’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’lifmadswe09-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’842bb58c-6f25-11e8-b582-5311111eb0ea’] if you don’t want to add any liquid sweeteners
- A pinch of sea salt helps to cut down sweetness and adds flavor
HOW TO STORE PROTEIN BITES?
You can store these breakfast protein bites at room temperature but chilling them in the fridge prevents them from getting too soft or mushy.
Just place the energy balls in a single layer in an airtight container or in zip-lock bags.
FOR MEAL PREP AND FREEZER:
You can make a double batch of this healthy protein balls recipe ahead of time and place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set. Then we store them in freezer-friendly zip-top bags.
Then you just grab one or two in the morning or any time you need a quick pick-me-up.
ARE PROTEIN BITES HEALTHY?
Protein balls are a great healthier treat option when enjoyed in moderation on a balanced diet. They are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with fiber and protein but sweet enough to satisfy that sweet dessert craving.
12 PROTEIN BALLS RECIPES
1. Peanut Butter Protein Balls
2. Chocolate Protein Balls
Paleo / Vegan
3. Apple Cinnamon Protein Bites
4. Apricot – recipe below
5. Banana Nut – vegan
6. Carrot Cake
Nut Free Energy Bites
7. Coconut – click the link or scroll to the bottom for the recipe listed below
8. Cranberry
9. Lemon
10. Oatmeal Protein Balls– click the link or scroll to the bottom for the recipe below
11. Pumpkin Protein Bites
12. Turtle Pecan – recipe below
13. Grain Free / Low Carb / Keto Protein Balls
5 from 7 votes
Protein Bites
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Easy Protein Balls made 12 Different Ways! Switch up your snack lineup with these easy no-bake protein bite recipes. They're perfect for on the go and include grain-free, refined sugar free, gluten free and nut-free options too!
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: energy balls, energy balls recipes, energy bites, energy bites no bake, energy bites recipes, no bake energy balls, no bake energy bites, protein balls, protein bites recipes
Servings: 144 (12 energy bites per flavor)
Calories: 77 kcal
Author: Kelly
Ingredients
- Click this link for Peanut Butter Protein Bites:
- Click this link for Chocolate Protein Bites:
- Click this link Apple Protein Bites:
Apricot Protein Bites
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 3 tablespoons dried unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
Banana Nut Protein Balls
- 1/3 cup natural creamy almond butter slightly heated
- 2 tbsp maple syrup , OR honey if not vegan
- 1 small (1/4 cup) extremely ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups rolled oats gluten free as needed - I use Bob's Red Mill
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews (or walnuts)
Carrot Cake Protein Balls
- 1/2 cup pitted dried dates
- 1/3 cup dried apricots or raisins
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
Coconut Almond Butter Protein Balls
- 2/3 cup creamy almond butter , slightly heated
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup gluten free old fashioned oats
- 12 whole almonds for garnish, optional
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
- Click this link for Cranberry Energy Bites
Lemon Protein Balls
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Protein Balls
- 2/3 cup natural creamy almond butter slightly heated
- 1/3 cup liquid honey
- 1 2/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats gluten free as needed - I use Bob's Red Mill
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
- Click this link for Pumpkin Energy Bites
Pecan Butter Protein Balls
- 3/4 dried pitted dates
- 1 cup pecans
- 2 tablespoons pecan butter can also sub with your favorite nut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup OR Lakanto sugar-free
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 12 pecan halves optional for garnish
- 1 tsp pea protein powder , optional
Grain-free Paleo / Keto Protein Bites
- 1/4 cup cashew butter can sub with nut butter or seed butter of your choice
- 1.5 Tbsp Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup OR pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup superfine blanched almond flour
- 1 tbs pea protein powder can also sub with 2 Tbs more superfine blanched almond flour
Instructions
Go to link for 5 Ingredient Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-energy-bites/
Go to link for Almond Joy Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/stuffed-almond-joy-energy-bites/
Go to link for Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/apple-energy-bites/
For the Apricot Energy Bites
Place the cashews and almonds in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined into a sticky "dough" like consistency.
Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
For the Banana Nut Energy Bites
In a large bowl, mix together heated nut butter, maple syrup (or honey if not vegan) and mashed banana until smooth.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.
Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
For the Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Place the apricots, dates and nuts in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined into a sticky "dough" like consistency.
Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Go to link for Cranberry Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/no-bake-cranberry-coconut-energy-bites/
For the Lemon Energy Bites
Place the apricots, cashew butter and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients except for the reserved coconut and pulse until combined into a sticky "dough" like consistency.
Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls. Roll into the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, if desired.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
For the Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites
In a large bowl, mix together the heated nut butter and coconut oil until smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut and oats and mix until well combined.
Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.
Garnish each energy bite by pressing one almond in the center, if desired.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
For the Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bite
In a large bowl, mix together heated nut butter and honey until smooth.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.
Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Go to link for Pumpkin Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/pumpkin-energy-bites-no-bake/
For the Turtle Pecan Energy Bites
Place the dates and pecans in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the pecan halves and pulse until chopped well).
Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls. Press one pecan halve in the middle of each energy bite.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
For the Grain Free / Keto / Paleo Protein Bites
In a large bowl, mix together the nut or seed butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, almond flour and protein powder (if using.
Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
Protein Bites
Amount Per Serving (1 energy bite)
Calories 77 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 1g2%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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