This simple and healthy no bake oatmeal protein balls recipe is 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!
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.
How to Make No Bake Protein Balls
STEP 1: 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.
STEP 2: 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.
STEP 3: Place in a container to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Store in fridge until ready to eat.
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.
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.
MORE PROTEIN BALL RECIPES
Looking for more protein energy balls recipes? Here are a few of my favorites!
- Chocolate peanut butter pretzel energy balls
- Pumpkin spice oatmeal energy balls
- Tahini and chocolate oatmeal energy balls
- Apple chai energy balls
- Matcha Chocolate Protein Balls
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!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 balls (depends on size) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Raw
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 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
- 2–4 tbsp liquid (almond milk, milk, water etc…)
Instructions
- Add oats, protein powder, cinnamon and chia seeds to a large bowl and stir to combine.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place in a container to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- 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
245 Comments
Trina
January 24, 2016 at 4:03 pmI just made these, OMG! I substituted the chia seeds for flax seeds and bran, my add in is chocolate chips. Next time trying raisins, I love raisins! I put the ingredients in the recipe section of my fitness pal for 20 servings and its about 131 calories per ball if you make 20.
I can’t wait to try other ingredients to the base recipe.
Davida Kugelmass
January 24, 2016 at 5:22 pmWonderful! So happy you liked them 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how you experiment with them some more!
Susan
September 21, 2018 at 5:15 pmWhat can I use instead of whey? Not supposed to do milk byproducts.
Sharon
April 17, 2020 at 1:19 pmUse a plant-based protein powder!
Carrie
January 21, 2016 at 5:52 pmCan’t wait to try them. Added the ingredients I don’t have to my grocery list. I do have a couple questions…..
How many Energy Balls per serving and how many calories per serving? I can’t find that information on or around the recipe.
The Healthy Maven
January 22, 2016 at 3:02 pmNot sure how many calories, but I only eat one or two at once depending on how hungry I am 🙂 Enjoy!
Crystal
January 9, 2016 at 6:45 pmThis was so easy and fun to make, gotta love getting dirty with your food 😉
Just waiting for mine to set in the fridge now… can’t wait to eat!
★★★★
The Healthy Maven
January 9, 2016 at 7:03 pmHope you enjoy, lovely! Yes, they are super easy and delish!
Erin Boyum
January 4, 2016 at 9:32 pmI was wondering how many caleries per serving as well.
Anna
October 28, 2015 at 12:37 pmHow many calories per serving?
Carrell Shivers
April 29, 2016 at 3:58 pmi doubled everything in the recipe except protein powder and chia seeds (and i used water) and just used 1/2 c choc chips. i made 35 balls and each was 83 cal and 11 carbs per ball. 🙂 delish!
Carrell Shivers
April 29, 2016 at 3:58 pmi doubled everything in the recipe except protein powder and chia seeds (and i used water) and just used 1/2 c choc chips. i made 35 balls and each was 83 cal and 11 carbs per ball. 🙂 delish!
Angela Eichholzer
March 16, 2018 at 7:30 pmI made these today (like delicious oatmeal raisin cookie dough) and followed the recipe to the letter. Exact calorie count will depend on the brands of products used and the number of energy balls produced. This batch made exactly 24 pieces (servings) at 68 calories each using the products I had on hand. Most free calorie tracking websites offer a feature where you can put in your recipe using the products you use and it will provide the nutritional breakdown for you (calories, carbs, fat, protein, sodium and sugars).
★★★★★
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen
August 13, 2015 at 8:38 pmEnergy Balls for the win! ALWAYS. “Get over it” Ha! Love it :-p
Davida Kugelmass
August 18, 2015 at 7:52 amhaha thanks babes 😉
Alexis @ Hummusapien
August 13, 2015 at 8:38 amAnyone that doesn’t like balls (of all kind, I don’t discriminate) is a weirdo. These are a dream, totes making them when I unpack my lifeeeeeee.
Davida Kugelmass
August 13, 2015 at 8:58 amSkype and ball date as soon as you’re unpacked. k thanks.
Maja
August 10, 2015 at 7:12 amI love healthy desserts – but if I really love the taste, I can eat all of them in a heartbeat. 🙂 Now that I am pregnant, I love sweets even more – but I really want to eat healthy. This is a great choice for me – just as long as I dont make too much of them!
x M.
http://nevermindnm.blogspot.com/
Davida Kugelmass
August 11, 2015 at 7:25 amI can only imagine how much my sweet tooth will increase when I’m pregnant! Good luck with the portion control 😉 xoxo
Dani @ Dani California Cooks
August 10, 2015 at 12:50 amI love that these have protein powder and oats in them! What a power duo!
Davida Kugelmass
August 11, 2015 at 7:27 amagreed! The ultimate combo!
Les @ The Balanced Berry
August 10, 2015 at 12:10 amI neeeeed these! I too am all about the energy balls, and oatmeal + raisin is a match made in heaven.
Davida Kugelmass
August 11, 2015 at 7:27 amI’m so happy I’ve got another raisin lover in thaaaa house!!!
Cassie
August 9, 2015 at 3:05 pmYay that it’s no bake! These look great before and after a workout, a snack, dessert or on the go!
Davida Kugelmass
August 9, 2015 at 6:36 pmexactly! I’ve been eating them for all three!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together
August 9, 2015 at 11:41 amShould we just start an energy ball company when you move to SF? Cool, glad that’s decided. xoxo
Davida Kugelmass
August 9, 2015 at 11:44 amKewaza West LOL. Can’t wait!
Christina Pepple
July 9, 2019 at 3:51 pmHow long do they stay fresh in the fridge?
Tanya
September 30, 2018 at 8:01 amGoing to make today. I am more interested in the protein and sugar breakdown than calories. Any info on that?
These sound so very yummy!
Jayde
May 29, 2019 at 12:46 pmOkay, so I made this recipe the other day and used the following:
1 1/2 Cups of “Quaker” quick oats
1/2 Cup of chocolate whey protein powder
1/2 Tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 Cup “Adams” smooth peanut butter
3 Tbsp natural honey
1 Tsp vanilla extract
1/3 Cup 70% dark chocolate chunks
4 Tbsp unsweetened cashew milk
Here are the stats for the above recipe in particular. This is per 1 ball (I made 20 balls in total with this recipe)
88 Calories
9g Carbs
1g Fibre
4g Sugar
4.5g Fat
4g Protein
Hope this helps anyone curious! 🙂
★★★★★
Sahla
October 21, 2020 at 2:47 amThank you so much for the calorie count !!!! Was looking for this <3
Anna
July 14, 2019 at 3:04 pmSounds great, I’m so going to try it! Since I’m very lazy tho and I just need something to eat in the morning so I can take my medicine, this seems to be the perfect mix of not much (so I don’t upset my stomach) and very healthy at the same time! But how long do the balls stay fresh in the fridge? Can they stay in there for a month, so I only have to make breakfast once a month and then eat one ball everyday?