balls/bites gluten-free raw snacks

No Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls Recipe

February 23, 2023

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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: 20-24 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

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!

  • Reply
    Trina
    January 24, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I 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.

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      January 24, 2016 at 5:22 pm

      Wonderful! So happy you liked them 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how you experiment with them some more!

      • Reply
        Susan
        September 21, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        What can I use instead of whey? Not supposed to do milk byproducts.

        • Reply
          Sharon
          April 17, 2020 at 1:19 pm

          Use a plant-based protein powder!

  • Reply
    Carrie
    January 21, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    Can’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.

    • Reply
      The Healthy Maven
      January 22, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      Not sure how many calories, but I only eat one or two at once depending on how hungry I am 🙂 Enjoy!

  • Reply
    Crystal
    January 9, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    This 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!

    • Reply
      The Healthy Maven
      January 9, 2016 at 7:03 pm

      Hope you enjoy, lovely! Yes, they are super easy and delish!

  • Reply
    Erin Boyum
    January 4, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    I was wondering how many caleries per serving as well.

  • Reply
    Anna
    October 28, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    How many calories per serving?

    • Reply
      Carrell Shivers
      April 29, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      i 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!

    • Reply
      Carrell Shivers
      April 29, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      i 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!

    • Reply
      Angela Eichholzer
      March 16, 2018 at 7:30 pm

      I 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).

  • Reply
    Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen
    August 13, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    Energy Balls for the win! ALWAYS. “Get over it” Ha! Love it :-p

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 18, 2015 at 7:52 am

      haha thanks babes 😉

  • Reply
    Alexis @ Hummusapien
    August 13, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Anyone 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.

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 13, 2015 at 8:58 am

      Skype and ball date as soon as you’re unpacked. k thanks.

  • Reply
    Maja
    August 10, 2015 at 7:12 am

    I 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/

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 11, 2015 at 7:25 am

      I can only imagine how much my sweet tooth will increase when I’m pregnant! Good luck with the portion control 😉 xoxo

  • Reply
    Dani @ Dani California Cooks
    August 10, 2015 at 12:50 am

    I love that these have protein powder and oats in them! What a power duo!

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 11, 2015 at 7:27 am

      agreed! The ultimate combo!

  • Reply
    Les @ The Balanced Berry
    August 10, 2015 at 12:10 am

    I neeeeed these! I too am all about the energy balls, and oatmeal + raisin is a match made in heaven.

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 11, 2015 at 7:27 am

      I’m so happy I’ve got another raisin lover in thaaaa house!!!

  • Reply
    Cassie
    August 9, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Yay that it’s no bake! These look great before and after a workout, a snack, dessert or on the go!

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 9, 2015 at 6:36 pm

      exactly! I’ve been eating them for all three!

  • Reply
    Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together
    August 9, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Should we just start an energy ball company when you move to SF? Cool, glad that’s decided. xoxo

    • Reply
      Davida Kugelmass
      August 9, 2015 at 11:44 am

      Kewaza West LOL. Can’t wait!

      • Reply
        Christina Pepple
        July 9, 2019 at 3:51 pm

        How long do they stay fresh in the fridge?

    • Reply
      Tanya
      September 30, 2018 at 8:01 am

      Going to make today. I am more interested in the protein and sugar breakdown than calories. Any info on that?

      These sound so very yummy!

      • Reply
        Jayde
        May 29, 2019 at 12:46 pm

        Okay, 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! 🙂

        • Reply
          Sahla
          October 21, 2020 at 2:47 am

          Thank you so much for the calorie count !!!! Was looking for this <3

    • Reply
      Anna
      July 14, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      Sounds 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?

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