Protein Balls without Protein Powder

A plate of protein balls with a spoonful of peanut butter beside and a cup of coffee in the background.

4.50 from 2 votes

Protein Balls without Protein Powder

These protein balls without protein powder are chewy, sweet, and decadent. They make a great grab-and-go snack or light breakfast! All you need is a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes to make this recipe.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: balls

Calories: 127kcal

Author: Meesha

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats or quick oats (use gluten-free if needed)
½ cup roasted cashews or other roasted nuts of choice*
½ cup peanut butter or another nut butter
⅓ cup maple syrup or honey/agave/sugar-free syrup
2 tablespoons chocolate chips
2 tablespoons chia seeds optional
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions

In a food processor, add all ingredients except chocolate chips. Blend the ingredients until a dough forms. If the mixture appears dry, add some water or milk, a teaspoon at a time.
Next, add chocolate chips and give them a few pulses or until they are well incorporated into the dough.
Using a medium cookie dough scoop, scoop out a portion of the dough and form it into balls. Repeat until the dough is used up.
Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate your protein balls for an hour before digging in if you prefer a firmer texture.

Notes

*Nuts - Although I use roasted cashews, you can use nuts here. If your nuts are raw, I recommend lightly roasting them in the oven for 5-8 minutes at 180C/350F to enhance their aroma.

Helpful tips

Making protein balls without a food processor - Use quick oats instead of rolled oats. As for the nuts, roughly chop them up, or opt for almond flour instead. Begin by mixing the wet ingredients first, then add the dry ingredients.
Adjusting the texture of the dough - If your dough is too crumbly and dry to hold its shape, add some milk or water, a teaspoon at a time. You can add more oats if your dough is too wet and sticky.
Shaping balls with damp hands - To avoid the dough from sticking, make sure to wet your hands frequently when forming the balls.

Storing - Protein balls can be refrigerated for a week or frozen for 3 months. Allow frozen protein balls to slightly thaw and soften before enjoying!

Nutrition