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No Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls Recipe

October 16, 2023

These simple and healthy no bake oatmeal protein balls are perfect for an easy snack on-the-go! With rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter and a touch of honey, these no-bake protein balls recipe will keep you satisfied for hours!

No bake oatmeal protein balls in a colorful bowl.

I cannot accept the idea that someone could NOT like energy bites. Unless they’re one of those annoying people who “doesn’t like healthy food” (we should have a chat), the only reason I can think of for why someone might not love protein balls is because they have yet to find their flavor combo.

This is the reason why I am always trying to come up with new, creative flavors. From almond joy, to gingerbread and of course those blueberry muffin energy balls, I am absolutely convinced that there is a flavor and taste out there for everyone.

The other week my friend Cat was over and the topic of energy balls came up. Obviously. Because when am I not chatting about energy balls? Like C (my C, not Cat) Cat is not a big chocolate fan. It took some digging but it turns out that oatmeal raisin is her jam. So I set out to convince another being of the world that energy balls are gods gift to the healthy snacking earth.

I’ve since made this recipe twice. Once with Oatmeal Raisin, and once with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and both are BOMB.

I don’t discriminate between raisin lovers and chocolate lovers. 

But I do discriminate between those who love protein balls recipes and those who claim to not like them. I prefer to pretend the latter just don’t exist! Life just makes more sense that way…

What You Need to Make Protein Balls

This protein balls recipe is fairly simple and uses a lot of ingredients you likely have around your house:

  • Rolled Oats – feel free to use certified gluten-free oats if necessary
  • Protein Powder – I personally find whey works best but you can use plant-based protein powders if you prefer. Vanilla protein powder is ideal but you could also sub with a different flavor.
  • Cinnamon – not essential but I prefer adding it!
  • Chia Seeds – do not SKIP! The only alternative would be ground flax seed. This is essential to get the protein balls to stay together and are also a great source of fiber
  • Peanut Butter – or other nut butter such as almond butter. Ideally natural and without added sugar and oil.
  • Raw Honey – adds sweetness and helps this protein balls recipe stick together
  • Vanilla Extract – for flavor
  • Add- ins – mini chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries etc…
  • Liquid – will depend on your protein powder how much liquid you add but you can use any variation of non-dairy milk or water. Keep adding until you get the desired texture.

What I love about these no bake protein balls is that NO FOOD PROCESSOR is required! These literally could not be easier to make!

How to Make No Bake Protein Balls

STEP 1: MIX ALL INGREDIENTS IN ONE BOWL

Add oats, protein powder, cinnamon and chia seeds to a large mixing bowl and stir. Add in peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Add in raisins (or preferred add-in). Mixture should be slightly sticky but still crumbly.

Ingredients for protein balls mixed in a white bowl

STEP 2: ROLL INTO BALLS

Slowly add in liquid 1 tablespoon at a time and using hands (get dirty!) combine until it comes together in a sticky ball that holds together. If mixture is too dry, add in more liquid but not so much that it won’t hold shape. Roll into balls using hands. Roughly a tablespoon each.

rolled protein balls in a black storage container.

STEP 3: SET IN FRIDGE

Place in a container to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Store in fridge until ready to eat.

This simple and healthy little no bake oatmeal protein energy balls recipe is perfect for easy snacking on-the-go! With rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter and a touch of honey, these energy balls will keep you satisfied for hours!

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How Long do No Bake Protein Balls Last?

These peanut butter protein balls will last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Alternatively you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months and pull as many as you want out roughly 30 minutes before eating.

How Much Protein is in these Energy Balls?

This will depend entirely on which protein powder you are using. To calculate the correct amount, determine how much protein in 2 scoops (or 1/2 cup) and divide it by the number of protein balls you made. Note: There is also some protein in the other ingredients so your amount may actually be slightly higher.

Likewise – I do not calculate nutrition facts on my recipes. You’re welcome to enter the ingredients into an online calculator if you’re looking for this information.

Can I Make these Vegan?

Yes! To make these protein balls vegan you can replace your whey protein powder with plant-based protein and the honey with brown rice syrup. DO NOT use maple syrup. It is not sticky enough to help the protein balls keep their shape.

Are These No Bake Protein Balls Portable?

Yes but I’d recommend eating them within a few hours of removing from the fridge. I’d recommend storing them in a hard glass container so that they don’t get squished in a ziploc of bag.

Can I Make These Energy Balls Nut Free?

Yes you most definitely can. Just replace the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter.

Help! My Energy Bites Are Too Dry!

You’ll just need to add a little bit more liquid 1 tablespoon at a time. Every protein powder is slightly different so some are more absorbent than others. Just slowly add your liquid until a sticky but not too wet mixture comes together.

MORE PROTEIN BALL RECIPES

Looking for more protein energy balls recipes? Here are a few of my favorites!

Print

No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Energy Balls

This simple and healthy no-bake oatmeal protein energy balls recipe is perfect for easy snacking on-the-go! With rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter and a touch of honey, these energy balls will keep you satisfied for hours!

  • Author: Davida Lederle
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2024 balls (depends on size) 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Raw
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder (about 2 scoops)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)*
  • 3 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup raisins, chocolate chips, craisins or preferred add-in
  • 24 tbsp liquid (almond milk, milk, water etc…)

Instructions

  1. Add oats, protein powder, cinnamon and chia seeds to a large bowl and stir to combine.
  2. Add in peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  3. Add in raisins (or preferred add-in). Mixture should be slightly sticky but still crumbly.
  4. Slowly add in liquid 1 tablespoon at a time and using hands (get dirty!) combine until it comes together in a sticky ball that holds together. If mixture is too dry, add in more liquid but not so much that it won’t hold shape.
  5. Roll into balls using hands.
  6. Place in a container to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Store in fridge until ready to eat.

*Make sure it is drippy. If not you may need to add in extra liquid at the end.

Keywords: energy balls, no-bake energy balls, oatmeal energy balls, protein energy balls, protein bites, protein balls

overhead image of a protein balls recipe in a colorful bowl.
  • Reply
    Lulu
    August 4, 2023 at 12:28 pm

    I love these BUT they should NOT be call “Protein Balls” -I just figured out the nutrition for the protein balls – not really protein balls😬
    Calories – 125
    Protein- 4 😏
    Fat- 4
    Carb – 20
    Sugar- 14
    They are SO good! But not protein filled 🤪
    I made 24 per batch and figured out how healthy they were…are were not.

  • Reply
    Samantha
    May 21, 2023 at 2:55 pm

    Hello and thanks for the recipe. Do you the nutritional & calorie values? I don’t see it here. Thanks!

  • Reply
    lynda
    May 5, 2023 at 11:39 pm

    I just made these and they are really delicious. I added 2/3 cup of craisins and I used a vanilla protein powder. I also had some coconut flakes I blitzed up in the mini food processer not until fine just not huge flakes and I also did the same for the oatmeal, I didn’t like the idea of having whole oatmeal in them. I weighed them at 30gms each and i got, after tasting 11 balls. I did weigh them before the coconut and I used water not dairy free milk just because I didn’t have any. I’ve entered it into fitness pal and got this,
    15 balls minus a half serving cooks treat, 114 cal, 5.5 total fat,9.8 total carb, 6g protein. honestly I was expecting more protein but hey, they’re delicious.

  • Reply
    Keila
    May 4, 2023 at 11:56 pm

    Do you know what the macros are for this recipe? So delicious but curious about what they are!!

  • Reply
    FitGAG
    April 4, 2023 at 6:19 am

    2 / 2

    I just stumbled upon an incredible recipe for No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Energy Balls on TheHealthyMaven.com, and I have to say, I’m already in love. As someone who’s always on the go, these little balls of goodness are a lifesaver for me. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and are packed with protein and fiber to give me the energy I need to power through my day.

    The recipe calls for a few simple ingredients, including oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. You simply mix everything together in a bowl, form the mixture into small balls, and pop them in the fridge for a few hours to set. That’s it! No fancy kitchen equipment required.

    What I love about these energy balls is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you’re allergic to peanuts, you can use almond butter instead. If you’re vegan, you can swap the honey for maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!

    One thing to keep in mind is that while these energy balls are a great snack, they’re still high in calories due to the nut butter and chocolate chips. So if you’re watching your calorie intake, make sure to enjoy them in moderation.

    All in all, I highly recommend giving these No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Energy Balls a try. They’re delicious, easy to make, and a great way to fuel your body on the go.

    My question is, what other variations of this recipe can be made to cater to different dietary needs?

  • Reply
    zidane
    March 31, 2023 at 3:34 am

    thank you for the recipe

  • Reply
    Lori
    March 26, 2023 at 1:09 pm

    These are delicious!
    I used a combination of pea protein and PB powder. Also mini chocolate chips, and unsweetened coconut milk. Everything else per the recipe! Would definitely make again. I ended up with 16 balls. Super easy!

  • Reply
    Lizzelle Lawrence
    March 21, 2023 at 7:55 am

    Favourite recipe to use when making protein balls

    • Reply
      Davida Lederle
      March 21, 2023 at 12:59 pm

      So happy to hear that!

  • Reply
    Dawn
    February 7, 2023 at 7:17 pm

    Hello. Is there any way to use soft chia seeds for this? i.e. they have been soaked

    Thanks.

  • Reply
    Abigail
    January 8, 2023 at 6:36 pm

    What is the calories for these?

    • Reply
      Marsha Dunsmoor
      January 17, 2023 at 9:59 am

      Can you provide the nutritional value for each ball? At least the calories. Thank you

      • Reply
        Jeremiah
        January 21, 2023 at 9:27 pm

        I put the ingredients in a spreadsheet. I entered two scoops of Dymatize Vanilla Whey (110 calories, 25g protein per scoop) and 3 tbsp Kirkland Unsweetened Almond Milk. Making 20 balls with the 1x scale recipe, these balls would have 86.8 calories, 3.7g fat, 8.4g carbs, and 5.0g protein.

        I might try to get brave with another scoop of protein, so if I add that and another tbsp of the almond milk, it becomes 92.4 calories, 3.7g fat, 8.4g carbs, and 6.3g protein per ball with 20 balls.

  • Reply
    Tk
    December 6, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    love these, I add 3x the chia seeds, use half the honey to reduce the sugar and add 1x tbsp of almond powder. brilliant snacks!

  • Reply
    SReeves
    November 27, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    What measurement do you weigh out the balls? One ounce or bigger?

    • Reply
      April
      January 3, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      I used a tablespoon to scoop. I think I got out about 18. However I did use normal sized choc chips (which I won’t again) and also chunky pb

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