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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.
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
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.
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:
- Swap out the peanut butter. Easily replace the peanut butter with either almond butter (or any nut butter), sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
- Lower the calories. Use low calorie peanut butter and swap out the maple syrup for sugar free maple syrup or sugar free honey.
- Ensure they are gluten-free. This is just a reminder to use certified gluten-free oats and/or quinoa flakes.
- Lower the carbs. Instead of switching around this recipe, try making keto energy balls instead.
- Protein balls without protein powder? Try making peanut butter oatmeal balls instead.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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
4-Ingredient Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup peanut butter * See notes
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
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.
This 4-ingredient protein ball recipe has been my #1 FAVORITE since I first made them 5 months ago!! I do add mini chocolate chips. My 5 grandchildren absolutely LOVE these protein balls!! SO easy & SO delicious!! Thank you for sharing your great recipe!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks, Teresa!
I made a big batch of these and brought them to work where I store them in a freezer and have one whenever I need a snack boost. So yummy!
Thanks, Linda!
Easy & delish!
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 ❤️
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.
Good
I love this recipe. Does protein build muscle?
It aids muscle growth, in combination with exercise and adequate carbs and healthy fats.
I love this recipe
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!!
Would honey work as a substitute for maple syrup?
Yes it will!
Wild honey work as a substitute for maple syrup?
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!
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?
Great love them
Here we like our “Treats” with peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, and dried blueberries, (that we dehydrate ourselves-no sugar added) so it’s like pb & j
Hi Big Mans World, the link to the protein powder you used seems invalid, do you mind updating it? it would be very helpful to calculate the macros. Thank you!
Will do!
Is there a substitute for protein powder?
You can just leave it out 🙂
These sound wonderful, except there is too much maple syrup for a diabetic. Also can’t use sugar substitutes.
My question is can these be made without any maple syrup.
I make peanut butter cookies without any sugar at all and they are great.
Hi, I’m on weight watchers. How do I calculate your recipes? They are great!
No idea! You could use a weight watchers calculator if they have one.
If I wanted to add chia and/or flax how much would I put in?
I would add maybe 1/4 cup but you’d need to add some liquid or milk to thicken/bind.
Rosemary, go on the WW site….you can put in all the ingredients on your WW phone app, and it will calculate everything for you. Go to “My Food” and then over to “Recipes.” You can put the ingredients in and it will tell you how many points they are. Ask someone at the meeting if you cannot figure it out.
Would chocolate protein powder be a good substitute for vanilla (it’s all I currently have on hand)? Or do you think that would change the taste of them too much?
It should be fine 🙂
Do you have any substitution recommendations for the oatmeal? I’m allergic☹️
Quinoa flakes could work!
I’m kinda stupid 😉 but I made 18 instead the proper amount how do I work out the protein and calories now
No worries! You can use myfitnesspal to calculate it all and then divide it by 18 🙂
I don’t like using protein powder. Is there something else I could use as a substitute? Maybe flax meal, chia seed powder, etc.?
Yes, Linda- check out the peanut butter oatmeal energy balls
I used some of my post pandemic supplies to make these. I had everything on hand. Big tub of Vanilla Protein powder I bought last year when there was limited meat in the stores (only to find out it was for a few weeks because of hoarders!) I followed the recipe exactly, used honey and regular Peanut Butter. I started out with a bowl and a wooden spoon but was no not mixing fast enough for me. I have an electric stand mixer so dumped everything in there on low. Used some of my “vinyl gloves” to roll them into med. size balls. Great taste and simple recipe with everything I had on hand. Thank you posting this !
I’m wondering if I may have permission to post a few of your protein balls on my healthy eating FB group? We have 180 members. I would give you credit and you could get more followers as well. May I have permission?
Hi there 🙂 You can link them to the recipe 🙂
Can I use granola instead of oats?
Of course 🙂 As long as they are not clusters 🙂
Will you be putting the recipe with the metric messurements, i know its on some recipes. Ps I’m being lazy and can google but i usually convert it wrong. I did the protein donuts and completely messed up measurements.
No we use American cups and tablespoons
Are these kid friendly? I got the organic protein powder unsure if I just use less than a half cup or not to use it?
Sure are!
You can leave the protein powder out if you like!
How long can these stay fresh for in the fridge? Are they freezable as well?
100 star
Anyone try this Rice Krispies like cereal instead of 1 c of oatmeal?