Banana Protein Balls
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My banana protein balls are soft, chewy, and full of real banana flavor without tasting artificial. They’re an easy no-bake snack perfect for meal prep or post-workout snacking- no protein powder needed.
I rarely buy anything ‘banana flavored’ at the grocery store because it almost always tastes artificial. That makes sense, honestly, because most snack balls and energy bites don’t actually contain real banana- just artificial extracts or flavorings. That’s exactly why I wanted to make homemade banana bread protein balls using actual bananas.
Inspired by my banana protein bars and classic protein balls, I adapted the two into a simple grab-and-go snack. The tricky part was incorporating fresh bananas without the bites turning gummy or overly soft after a day or two. During recipe testing, I found the key was adding a super-absorbent flour, which helps soak up the extra moisture bananas release as they sit (fun fact: it’s also why banana bread gets even moister the next day).
Made with a shortlist of wholesome ingredients, these bites are naturally satisfying, though I like boosting the protein even more with a scoop of protein powder. That part is completely optional.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- No dates! Most no-bake protein balls use dates as the binder, but I found ripe bananas give these a much softer, more banana-bread-like texture.
- Perfect for leftover bananas. When I have a ripe banana or two on the counter, this is one of my favorite ways to use them up.
- Naturally wholesome. There’s no dairy, eggs, heat-treated flour, or refined sugar needed.
- Easy to boost the protein. Even without protein powder, the bites are surprisingly satisfying, though adding a scoop can increase the protein significantly.
Key Ingredients
Here are the main players in banana protein balls, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below:
- Coconut flour. I tested oat flour and coconut flour, and found the coconut was far more absorbent. It gives them a slightly cakey texture without any overpowering coconut flavor.
- Granulated sweetener. My original recipe called for erythritol, but when I retested these, I found allulose was the better sugar-free substitute, as it didn’t leave bits of the bites grainy. Regular brown sugar works.
- Banana. The riper the banana, the sweeter your banana bites will be.
- Peanut butter. Smooth and drippy, with no added sugar or salt. Alternatively, use any nut butter, such as almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
- Maple syrup. You need a liquid sweetener for binding, sweetness, and keeping the bites soft and chewy. I like maple syrup, but honey or agave nectar can also be used.
- Milk or water. Only needed to thin out the dough.
- Chocolate chips. Optional but recommended. For added texture, I used a mix of mini sugar-free chocolate chips and regular chocolate chips.
- Protein powder (optional). Add 1-2 scoops of vanilla protein powder and adjust the texture with more milk (you will need about an extra 1/2 a cup). I recommend avoiding whey protein powder, as I found it made the mixture noticeably harder to roll and shape.
How to make banana protein balls
Step 1- Prep. Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper.
Step 2- Mix. In a blender or food processor, blend the banana until smooth. Add the other ingredients except the chocolate chips. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 3- Shape and chill. Using a cookie scoop, form bite-sized balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Adjust the consistency. If the batter is too thick, add extra milk. If it’s too thin, add more coconut flour. The dough should be firm but easy to roll.
- Swap the coconut flour. You can use blanched almond flour or oat flour instead. Just note you’ll need to add more, as neither is as absorbent as coconut flour. Start with 1 ½ times the amount and add more as needed.
- Chill the mixture if it feels sticky. Depending on how ripe your bananas are, the mixture can sometimes become too soft to roll right away. I like chilling it for 10-15 minutes first, which makes shaping the bites much easier.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover banana bread energy balls should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks. I actually prefer them chilled, as the texture is softer and fudgier.
To freeze: Place leftover energy bites in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months. If I’m going to snack on a couple later in the day, I just remove them straight from the freezer and keep them on the counter.
More protein ball recipes
Banana Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flour sifted, 120g
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup allulose * See notes, 48g
- 1 medium banana about 1/4 cup mashed, 115g
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup 30ml
- 1/4 cup peanut butter can use any nut or seed butter, 60g
- 1/4 cup milk ** See notes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional, 45g
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, food processor, or mixing bowl, blend your banana until smooth. Add the rest of your ingredients, except for the chocolate chips. If your batter is too thick, add a little extra milk. If too thin, add more coconut flour. Fold through your chocolate chips. The dough should feel soft and sticky, but easy to roll.
- Using your hands, form into bite sized balls and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
These looks cute and perfectly delicious… I love all no bake recipe!
I love banana bread, but I love the idea of no bake banana bread more. And the addition of chocolate chips just takes this over the top. So, team chocolate, because chocolate+bananas=amazing.
The BEST combination- Thanks Heather!
Everything you post…I wanna make. STOP IT!! Just kidding don’t because you are brilliant. I am such a snacker/healthy treats/indulgent treats everyday so your recipes are always right up my alley. Also my Monday has been craziness so therapy baking is happening once I am done with all the hoopla-business. These may have to make the list 🙂
Please do!!! 🙂
I haven’t turned the oven on in forever, although since we just turned the AC on today, there’s a chance we might use the oven this week. We shall see. Tonight’s dinner was leftovers from Saturday so all we used was the microwave. Score.
I love anything and everything banana, bites and all.
No bake is perfect for summer, and these look delectably gooey!
Thank you so much 🙂
Anonymous can bite it because no bake is where it’s at, yo! Especially in the form of banana bread bites!
Hahaha bite these balls. You rock, Gina!
Banana bread is the bomb.com. Thanks for making it into a no-bake form! Now I have use for all these bananas that are browning….
Thanks Jess! enjoy!
These sound crazy good! Keep on with the no-bake recipes! #rebelsrule
Thanks so much Mandy! 🙂
You are definitely king of no bake and I think that is a good thing. Who wants to bake when its hot outside?! I think people who don’t have anything nice or constructive to say should back off. And these look delicious! I wonder what Anonymous will have to say…lol!
Haha thanks so much 🙂 I appreciate it!
I never turned off my oven – it’s been running all summer – what can I say – I like it HOT! 🙂
Arman – I am loving the texture of these no bake banana bites! so what was the reasoning behind Anonymous’ was warning against posting any more no-bake recipes? I say you should guard these recipes and open up a no bake bakery and we will all be lining up!
Hahahaha thanks so much, Shashi 🙂
Lve your no-bake delights! Don’t you ever stop! 😉
Banana bread is SERIOUSLY my favorite. I studied abroad in Sydney and the cafe’s there literally had the best banana bread I’ve ever had. I don’t know what it was, but holy crap so good.
And I gotta go with TEAM CHOCOLATE <3
Thanks Ashley- Banana bread is my favourite too! OH wow- That is awesome- I worked in Sydney last year 😀
Dear Arman, I must admit, not even this hot summer has kept me from turning on my oven! It’s nice to no-bake recipes to refer to however, no matter what time of year, especially when it comes to healthy snack foods like these banana bites. I thoroughly enjoy your recipes and posts, Arman. Keep up all the good & delicious work my friend. Take care, Catherine
Thanks so much for your kind words, Catherine- It means the world 🙂
Greedy girl goes for chocolate and vanilla! I love cashew milk. It’s my favorite at the moment.
Sometimes I wonder what these Anonymouses suppose to achieve with comments like that! Does that make them feel better? How very sad!
On the other hand maybe I should say thank you to her/him because otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten this recipe 😉
Right? Thanks Juli!
These no bake bites look perfect to make in this hot weather! Since I love coconut flour, I will try that version.
YES! Great to see another coconut flour fan 🙂
I love no-bake recipes – especially this time of year! I love these little banana bread bites – what a genius idea!!
Thanks so much 🙂