Protein Balls With Protein Powder Recipe
This easy Protein Balls With Protein Powder Recipe delivers a sweet, chewy, satisfying no-bake snack with oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet or plate
- Parchment paper
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
Rolled oats – 1 ½ cups
- Rolled oats give these protein balls a hearty texture. They also help absorb moisture and keep the mixture from becoming too sticky.
- Quick oats can work too but I personally enjoy the slightly chewier texture that rolled oats provide.
Protein powder – ½ cup
- Use your favorite protein powder. Vanilla chocolate, peanut butter, or unflavored protein powder all work well.
- Keep in mind that different protein powders absorb moisture differently. Whey protein and plant-based protein powder may create slightly different textures so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
Creamy peanut butter – ½ cup
- Peanut butter adds richness flavor, and moisture. It also helps hold the mixture together.
- You can substitute almond butter cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer.
Honey or maple syrup – ⅓ cup
- This adds natural sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Honey gives the protein balls a slightly floral sweetness while maple syrup adds a deeper caramel-like flavor.
Ground flaxseed – 2 tablespoons
- Flaxseed adds a mild nutty flavor and blends easily into the mixture.
Mini chocolate chips – ¼ cup
- These are optional but highly recommended if you ask me! Little pieces of chocolate make the protein balls feel like a treat.
- You can use dark chocolate milk chocolate, or dairy-free chocolate chips.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- A small amount of vanilla gives the recipe a warm bakery-style flavor.
Pinch of salt
- Salt may seem like a tiny detail but it helps balance the sweetness and makes the other flavors taste brighter.
Optional: Chia seeds – 1 tablespoon
- Chia seeds add a little texture and make a nice addition if you enjoy them.
Instructions
Step 1: Add the dry ingredients to a bowl
- Place the rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Stir everything together so the protein powder is evenly distributed throughout the oats.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
- Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Use a sturdy spoon or silicone spatula to mix everything together.
- At first, the mixture may seem a little dry. Keep mixing. The peanut butter and sweetener will gradually coat the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Fold in the chocolate chips
- Once the mixture starts coming together, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- You can also add chia seeds, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit at this stage.
Step 4: Check the consistency
- Take a small amount of the mixture and squeeze it in your hand.
- If it holds together easily, it is ready to roll.
- If it feels too dry or crumbly, add one tablespoon of peanut butter or honey at a time until the mixture becomes easier to shape.
- If it feels too sticky, add a little more oats or protein powder.
Step 5: Roll into balls
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture.
- Roll each portion between your palms until you have a smooth, round ball.
- Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill
- Place the protein balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
- Chilling helps them firm up and improves the texture.
- After chilling, transfer them to an airtight container.