Sweet and chewy, these vegan protein balls make for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They are loaded with protein and fiber, making them an ideal snack to keep handy. This recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to whip up!
If you're searching for a snack that can keep you full until your next meal, these vegan protein balls would be perfect! Like my protein cookies and protein cinnamon roll, these energy balls contain plant-based protein powder, which means they are packed with protein.
I highly recommend trying my protein iced coffee or protein hot chocolate for those who prefer beverages.
💚Why you will love this recipe
- Chewy, decadent, and incredibly delicious
- An easy-to-make recipe that is ready in 10 minutes and does not require a food processor
- Highly customizable with tons of flavor combinations
- Portable and can be easily taken on-the-go
🥜What you will need
📃Ingredients notes and substitutions
- Oats - Both quick and rolled oats will work. The former will yield a smoother texture, while rolled oats yield chewier protein balls.
- Protein powder - Choose a flavor and brand of protein powder you like. I love using Orgain’s vanilla protein powder.
- Peanut butter - Use a runny natural peanut butter as it is much easier to mix. Other nut butter like almond or cashew butter can be used in place.
- Maple syrup - Can be substituted with agave or date syrup. To make this recipe low-sugar, sugar-free maple syrup substitutes will also work.
- Chocolate chips - Make sure to use vegan chocolate chips, like the Enjoy Life dark chocolate morsels.
- Vanilla extract - An optional ingredient, gives protein balls a hint of vanilla flavor.
🔪How to make
Making the dough - Combine oats, protein powder, and chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir to mix, then add maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Using a spatula or your hands, mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Shaping protein balls - Using a 2-tablespoon cookie dough scoop, scoop out a portion of the mixture, and roll them into balls.
Chilling and serving - Enjoy immediately, or allow vegan protein balls to firm up in the fridge for an hour before serving.
✅Helpful tips
- Texture of protein ball dough - The dough should be slightly crumbly but still holds together well. If your dough is too dry, add a splash of milk or more peanut butter.
- Use a protein powder you like - Your vegan protein balls will take on the flavor of your protein powder.
- Smoother texture - If you prefer energy balls to have a smoother texture, make yours in a food processor by pulsing together all ingredients until a crumbly dough forms.
- Making energy bars - Transform this recipe into energy bars by pressing the dough firmly into an 8x8 lined baking pan. Allow to chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours, then slice it into bars.
- Get creative - Switch up the ingredients to create different flavors to keep things interesting! The easiest way to do so is by swapping the flavor of protein powder used.
✨Flavor variations and add-ins
Almond joy - Replace peanut butter with almond butter. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut. Alternatively, use my homemade coconut almond butter.
Oatmeal raisin - Replace chocolate chips with equal parts of raisins, and stir in ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Chocolate - Use a chocolate-flavored protein powder. You can also mix in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, but you might need to add some milk if the mixture is too dry.
Carrot cake - Mix in ¼-⅓ of shredded carrot, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a small pinch of nutmeg. I recommend using a vanilla or carrot cake-flavored protein powder for this variation.
❄️Storing suggestions
Fridge - Vegan protein balls can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container.
Freezer - They can be frozen for 3 months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in one layer, and pop them into the freezer for 1-2 hours or until they are solid. You can then transfer them to a zip-top bag to be frozen.
Before serving, thaw them at room temperature until they are soft enough to be enjoyed.
❔Commonly asked questions
If you find that your protein balls are crumbly and not staying together, the dough may be too dry. To remedy this situation, add a small amount of milk or peanut butter to make the dough more sticky and easier to mold into a ball.
These protein balls are gluten-free since all the ingredients used do not contain gluten. Choosing certified gluten-free oats is essential to avoid cross-contamination during food processing.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Protein Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats or quick oats (90g)
- ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder or other flavors (45g)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (50g)
- ½ cup peanut butter or another nut butter (120g)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or other liquid sweetner (60ml)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Combine oats, protein powder, and chocolate chips in a bowl, and mix well.1 cup rolled oats, ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder, ¼ cup chocolate chips
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Using a spatula or your hands, mix until a crumbly dough forms. If the dough is too dry to hold together, add a splash of milk or more peanut butter.½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie dough scoop, scoop out a portion of the mixture, and roll them into balls.
- Enjoy immediately, or allow vegan protein balls to firm up in the fridge for an hour before serving.
Notes
- Use a protein powder you like - Your vegan protein balls will take on the flavor of your protein powder.
- Smoother texture - If you prefer energy balls to have a smoother texture, make yours in a food processor by pulsing together all ingredients until a crumbly dough forms.
- Making energy bars - Transform this recipe into energy bars by pressing the dough firmly into an 8x8 lined baking pan. Allow to chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours, then slice it into bars.
- Get creative - Switch up the ingredients to create different flavors to keep things interesting! The easiest way to do so is by swapping the flavor of protein powder used.
Nutrition
Nutrition info calculated is just a rough estimate and is provided as a courtesy. Bear in mind that value will vary based on variables like specific brand or type of product used. To obtain the most accurate representation, it is highly recommended that you calculate it on your own with the actual amount and type of ingredient used.
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