This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
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.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/protein-balls-4.jpg)
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!
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.
Table of Contents
Why I love this 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!
- Perfect texture. They are chewy yet doughy, similar to raw cookie dough. Taste-wise, they’re like unbaked oatmeal cookies with a protein twist!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“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!” – Linda
Ingredients needed
- 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 and provide 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
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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.
![homemade protein balls.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/protein-balls.jpg)
Arman’s recipe tips
- 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.
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
Storage instructions
To store: Place no bake balls in an airtight container and keep them 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.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/protein-balls-2.jpg)
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.
These balls contain a good amount of protein and carbohydrates, making them 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 (source).
These protein energy balls have less than 100 calories each. Enjoy two or three for a well-balanced and satisfying snack.
More no bake high protein recipes to try
- Protein pudding
- Chocolate protein bars
- Keto protein bars
- Peanut butter protein balls
- Protein chia pudding
- Or any of these protein powder recipes
![protein balls recipe.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/protein-balls-recipe-378x378.jpg)
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published July 2022, updated and republished May 2024
This recipe for Protein Balls is easy and tastes amazing.
I’m enjoying them every day.
I actually never made protein balls.
Inwould just change flavour of whey protein, maybe chocolate! Or maybe peanut butter flavour.
Inwould just change flavour of whey protein, maybe chocolate!
My favorite protein balls recipe!!!
Thanks,Sandy!
My favorite protein balls recipe!
My favorite protein balls!!!
Very satisfying and great for maintaining weight or gaining weight as well as a snack for when u are at the gym or working out at home.
Thanks, Robin!
Super easy to make, grandchildren loved helping!!
I also enjoy crumbling them up in some plant based yogurt.
I made these with almond butter and drizzled them with white chocolate. They were easy to make with ingredients I already had on hand and they tasted great. I made a batch at the beginning of the week to have on hand for a quick, healthy snack.
Love these quick, easy to make snack balls . . . especially the chocolate ones!
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 tastes great!!
this was the first protein ball recipe that I found and its the one that introduced me to you! I love, love, LOVE this recipe and I make it all the time.
Easy & delish!