No-Bake Protein Balls

This recipe for No-Bake Protein Balls is so easy to make. If you are looking for a guilt-free treat that will provide you with the energy to get through the day, these are perfect! Not to mention that they are sweet, salty, and delicious. Plus, your kids will love them, too.

Healthy Protein Bites

Sometimes I am not sure what to give my kids as an after-school snack. I don’t want them to load up on sugar but I also want them to feel full until dinner. These no-bake energy balls taste like a treat but are packed full of protein and essential nutrients. It gives them a boost to make it through the day after long hours at school.

Watch The Recipe Video!

They are even great on the weekends! After a couple of hours of playing outside or a morning outing, my kids love to have a sweet treat and these are always my go-to. They are also so versatile – you can customize them and make different flavors! Just swap some of the mix-ins and you’re all set.

What You’ll Need to Make Oat Energy Balls

Simple recipes are some of my favorites and this one only needs 6 ingredients!

• Rolled oats – This is the most essential ingredient of these oat energy balls.
• Peanut butter – Not only does this add protein, but it also helps hold them together.
• Maple syrup – A natural sweetener instead of sugar.
• Chia seeds – These are rich in omega-3s and antioxidants.
• Chocolate protein powder – For an extra flavor protein boost.
• Dark chocolate chips – A sweet and yummy mix in.

How to Make Protein Balls

There are very few steps to make these no-bake energy bites. I like to make them ahead of time so they can spend some time in the refrigerator, but prep only takes minutes.

• Step 1. Add the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, protein powder, and chocolate chips into a large bowl. Mix until well combined. You can use a flat spatula or a large spoon.
• Step 2. Place the bowl in your refrigerator for about an hour. I don’t recommend longer than 2 hours so it doesn’t become too firm to scoop. Make sure it’s covered.

• Step 3. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the energy ball mixture. Roll in your hands to form a ball. Press firmly so they stick together. You can also use a spoon instead of the cookie scoop, I just find it is easier to keep the sizes consistent with the scoop.
• Step 4. Store in your refrigerator in an airtight container. 

Make These Protein Balls Into Bars

Another fun way to enjoy this recipe is in bar form! Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly. Press down to make sure it’s firm. Then you will refrigerate them for about an hour before slicing them into bars. You can store and freeze them the same way!

Flavor Variations 

Here are some substitutions that you can make to completely change up the flavors!

• Peanut butter. Almond butter or sunflower butter
• Dark chocolate chips. Semi-sweet chocolate chips or M&Ms
• Maple syrup. Honey
• Chia seeds. Flax seeds
• Chocolate protein powder. Peanut butter or vanilla
• Add-ins. Raisins, toasted coconut, vanilla extract, or dried cranberries
• Monster Energy Bites. Mini M&M candies and chocolate chips

Are Your No-Bake Protein Balls Dry?

Depending on the ingredients you use, the result can be a bit dry and the bites will start to crumble when you are forming them into balls. This sometimes can happen depending on the brand of protein powder you use. They tend to soak up any liquid, leaving you with a dry mixture. The same can be said about certain nut butter as well. There’s an easy way to remedy this. Add a small splash of water, almond milk, or even oat milk. This will add a little bit of mixture back into the mixture, making it easier to roll them.

How to Store Leftovers

These no-bake energy balls will last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place in the refrigerator for 24 hours before enjoying.

More No-Bake Treat Recipes

• Easy No-Bake Cookies
• No-Bake Haystack Cookies
• No-Bake Monster Cookie Bars
• Elderberry Popsicles
• 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls