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My banana protein balls are a healthy, homemade snack full of real banana flavor. They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and made with NO protein powder!
Keen on more protein ball recipes? Try my cranberry protein balls, snickerdoodle protein balls, and carrot cake protein balls next.
Craving the flavor of banana bread but need a quick, healthy snack? You’ll love my banana bread protein balls!
Inspired by my banana protein bars and classic protein balls, I figured, why not make them into an even more convenient grab-and-go snack? Made with a shortlist of wholesome ingredients, they’re my favorite post-workout treat.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- No dates! 99% of no-bake protein balls use dates as the binder. I love dates as much as anyone, but I prefer to skip them in this recipe.
- A new way to use leftover bananas. One can only have so much banana bread before it starts to get old (or so I’m told).
- Healthy. There’s no dairy, eggs, heat-treated flour, or refined sugar!
- 20 grams of protein. And that’s all without protein powder.
Ingredients needed
- Coconut flour. My favorite low-carb, grain-free flour that’s naturally absorbent and high in protein. It also gives the protein balls a chewy, cake-like texture.
- Salt. Brings out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon. A must for any banana dessert.
- Granulated sweetener. I used erythritol, but you can use any sweetener or even regular brown sugar if you prefer.
- 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, like almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness and to soften the protein bites. Agave nectar or honey can also be used.
- Milk. I used unsweetened coconut milk, but any milk will work.
- Chocolate chips. Optional but recommended. For added texture, I used a mix of mini sugar-free chocolate chips and regular chocolate chips.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
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 malleable.
- Swap the coconut flour. Try 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.
- Amp up the protein. Add 1-2 scoops of vanilla protein powder and adjust the texture with more milk. I’d suggest avoiding whey protein powder as it can make the balls difficult to shape.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover banana bread energy balls should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
To freeze: Place leftover energy bites in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
More ways to use leftover bananas
Banana Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flour sifted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup allulose * See notes
- 1 medium banana about 1/4 cup mashed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter can use any nut or seed butter
- 1/4 cup milk ** See notes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
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.
- Using your hands, form into bite sized balls and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Pshh, who doesn’t love no bake and what is wrong with that person? Regardless, if it led to this recipe then I thank them! If it’s ok I’m featuring it on my Friday Favorites (www.chasingmyhalo.com). Keep them coming!
Hey Angie! Thanks for your kind words and for linking me- Would you able to use a small picture and not my long pin? Thanks 🙂
Hi I just found your recipe through pinterest I love these as a lunch box idea and no baking PERFECT!! My son’s have nut allergies so I’m thinking I will sub the nuts for seeds and the cashew milk for rice milk. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
OH yay! Thanks so much, Monique! Hope the little ones like it 🙂
Do you think it would be okay to use normal flour and milk? I love cashew milk, but don’t have any in my fridge right now..and I never have gluten free flour on hand.
Hi Hannah! I would recommend oats or ground oatmeal over flour- I find normal flour to be quite bitter and dry- Any milk will work 🙂
These are the best! I keep tinkering with the recipe. I use half almond flour and half coconut and double the recipe. I also use sunbutter instead of cashew. This is my second batch and I barely needed any cashew milk. In fact I didn’t use any for the first 12 balls and then the dough started to crumble. I probably put too many vegan chocolate chips and coconut flakes because these did not want to roll as I got to the end! They taste amazing though!!!! And helped me lose 5 lbs last week! Thanks vegan dude! p.s., I used unsweetened cashew milk and added a tablespoon of vanilla to cut the sugar. Heheh!
If I want to use real milk, is it a direct substitution, or would I use a different amount? Also, can I use all-purpose flour? Thanks.
Definitely use the same amount of whole milk 🙂 All-purpose flour, tends to give it a really gritty texture- Can you use rolled or quick oats? 🙂
OMG!!! These are amazing! I’m just a regular gal trying to cut out as much processed sugar as possible, but still trying to satisfy my ravenous sweet tooth. I saw this and knew I had to make them. I used regular white flour, 2% milk (only 2 TBSP), all natural peanut butter, honey and 6 packets of Splenda (which I probably didn’t need) and omitted the protein powder. I tested them on my 4-year-old daughter and she wasn’t happy when I only let her have two! She wanted to keep noshing. I will definitely be making these regularly as a healthy snack.
Alisha!!!! Thank you so much for your kind words and I LOVE it when recipes are kid approved- Seriously, they have the best tastebuds 🙂
Have a great day, Alisha and give the little one a hi 5 from me!
“I turned on my oven to make some roasted potatoes to go with some **seafood** I’d picked up at the store earlier that day”
“I then cursed ‘Anonymous’ (even though it was not their fault my face got the sauna treatment) and proceeded to eat my potatoes with my **chicken**”
Which was it? Seafood or chicken?
Hey there! thanks so much for picking that up- Beyonce’s picture threw me off ha! It was seafood (broiled salmon) Cheers!
i’m assuming that actual milk can be used instead of soy milk. Correct? These sound delicious!! I love “nana” bread, but would like a healthier option.
Hi Alisha! You are absolutely correct, you can use any milk of choice- Although add one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached! 🙂
You are so so awesome!! Just found your blog and I am obsessed!! Your photograph, writing style, and {obviously} your recipes are absolutely fantastic!!! *PS no bake recipes are my favorite;) Thanks for doing what you do!!
Thanks so much- This means a tonne! 🙂
I absolutely adore the no bake recipes, hit the jackpot stumbling upon your page! Mommy to 4 being able to whip up simple yet yummy and NOT so bad for you treats is wonderful, thanks and keep sharing 🙂
Cali, this comment absolutely made my day- That’s my goal- easy quick and healthy recipes 🙂
OK I made them this morning…mine are more like ummmm cookie dough LOL…not sure where I went wrong…but they still taste good!
Oh no! Sorry to hear that- It often can be attributed to the brand of protein powder or amount of liquid you use! 🙂
Holllllaaa at 40 No-Bake recipes. So not mad. And these banana babes…. *heart eyes*
Hahaha thank you, Natalie!