Protein Balls

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5 from 815 votes
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Get your protein fix the delicious way, in these instant protein balls! Easily customizable and with tons of flavor options, I love how they need just 4 base ingredients.

Keen for more high protein snacks? Check out homemade protein bars, cookie dough protein bars, and protein chips.

protein balls

I’m the person who ALWAYS needs a snack between meals to keep hunger at bay. To ensure I remain satisfied and energized, I need some protein, and this is where protein balls come into play!

Table of Contents
  1. What are protein balls?
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make protein balls
  4. Flavor variations
  5. Dietary swaps and substitutions
  6. Storage instructions
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More no bake protein powder recipes to try
  9. Protein Balls (4 Ingredients) (Recipe Card)

What are protein balls?

Protein balls are energy bites or bliss balls that have added protein in them, thanks to protein powder. They are typically made with peanut butter and oatmeal and can be flavored in a variety of ways.

Here are some reasons why I love this protein energy balls recipe

  • 4 Ingredients only. Unlike other energy ball recipes, this one only needs four ingredients. Bonus? No butter, no eggs, no oil!
  • Ready in 5 minutes. From prep to plate, this entire recipe takes just five minutes.
  • It’s easily customizable. Add mini chocolate chips and candy, dip them in chocolate, and fold in some nuts; the possibilities for adding to the mixture are endless.
  • Vegan and gluten-free! Yep, these tick both these dietary boxes!
  • They have a chewy yet doughy texture, similar to raw cookie dough. Taste-wise, they’re like unbaked oatmeal cookies with a protein twist!

Ingredients needed

This is a very simple and very short ingredient list. If you’ve made any of my healthy snacks before, you’ve probably got everything on hand!

  • Rolled oats– Gives the energy balls a chewy texture. This is a fabulous slow-releasing energy carb. 
  • Protein powder– The key ingredient giving this recipe the added boost! I prefer using casein or brown rice protein powder (or other plant-based protein powders), but some whey protein powder can work. 
  • Peanut butter– Hold the balls together, along with providing a rich flavor. See below for easy substitutions and nut-free options!
  • Maple syrup– Adds sweetness and helps hold the balls together. 
  • Mix-ins- I’ve included tons below, but a few more: chia seeds, coconut, ground flax seed, and more.

How to make protein balls

Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold through your flavor mix-ins of choice.

Step 2- Roll them into balls. Next, using your hands (or a mini cookie scoop), roll out balls, place them on a parchment paper lined plate, and refrigerate them for five minutes, to firm up. 

peanut butter protein balls

Flavor variations

For the flavor variations, make the basic base recipe first. Then, fold through the extra ingredients to change up the flavors.

Monster cookie protein balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/2 cup mini M&M’s or vegan candy buttons

White chocolate cranberry balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries

Chocolate peanut butter balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Oatmeal raisin balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Chocolate chip balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Dietary swaps and substitutions

The beauty of any kind of protein energy balls is that you can customize them in tons of ways or make them suitable for other diets. Here is what we’ve tried:

Storage instructions

To refrigerate: Place no bake balls in a sealable container and keep in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 4 weeks.

To freeze: If you make a big batch of these balls, they can be placed in a ziplock bag and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

no bake protein balls

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein balls good for you?

Protein or energy balls are a great snack to enjoy between meals, as they contain ample amounts of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. One or two balls will keep you satisfied and energised between your main meals.

Are protein balls good after a workout?

As these balls contain a good amount of protein and carbs, they are a fantastic option after a workout. Studies show that eating something with a balance of carbs and protein 30 minutes after a workout improves recovery time and also aids muscle growth.

How many calories are in an energy ball?

These protein energy balls have less than 100 calories each. Enjoy two or three for a well-balanced and satisfying snack.

More no bake protein powder recipes to try

protein balls recipe.

4-Ingredient Protein Balls

5 from 815 votes
An easy 5-minute recipe for homemade protein energy balls made with 4 ingredients! Chewy, easy and made in one bowl, they are EASILY customizable with a myriad of options!
Servings: 24 Balls
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 4 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, mix your oats with protein powder until combined. Add your peanut butter and syrup and mix well. Fold through your mix ins of choice.
  • Lightly wet your hands (or spray them with cooking spray). Form 20-24 small balls of dough. Place on a plate and refrigerate until firm.

Notes

* Any nut or seed butter can be used.
TO STORE: Place no bake balls in a sealable container and keep in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 4 weeks.
TO FREEZE: If you make a big batch of these balls, they can be placed in a ziplock bag and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Protein ballCalories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSodium: 57mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 2gCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 10g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    ty ! great recipe & info … the swaps , the storage , the calories … !!! I cut the recipe in 1/2 to try it for the 1st time and accidentally doubled the protein and it came out amazing ! 😋 it’s also kid approved ❤️

  2. 5 stars
    I have an extremely difficult son when it comes to eating any kind of healthy food. He has an excessive amount of weight to lose and a lot of these non carb, no sugar receipts are perfect for him.
    Thank you.

  3. 5 stars
    These are delicious! I did add extra syrup the second time I made them because they were on the dry side but even if you don’t add extra they still taste amazing!!

  4. 5 stars
    Made these! They are delicious! Just wanted a little something for the AM with my coffee. I followed the recipe. My add ins were dried cranberries, cashews, choc chips, a touch of ginger, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of stevia. Then I baked mine (because I am not the biggest fan of cold food) for about 5min at 350F. They are perfect!

  5. Im not seeing measurement for how much protein powder, peanuts butter or oats for the base… how much should we be using of each of those?

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