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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
    Susi Matthews
    August 12, 2022 at 10:15 am

    These are super easy, terrific tasting and easy to carry around. I used the chocolate protein powder and kept in the cinnamon. I also added about a 1/2 cup of lightly toasted coconut. They are MUCH better the 2nd or 3rd day; takes that long for the ingredients to really blend together. Next time I’m trying it with raisins and adding crushed almond.

  • Reply
    Corbin
    July 14, 2022 at 11:38 am

    Can I freeze these? And how long?

  • Reply
    Terri
    July 5, 2022 at 1:29 pm

    It would be nice to know more nutritional information

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2022 at 8:05 am

      It all depends on the type of protein powder that is used.

  • Reply
    Heidi
    May 21, 2022 at 4:25 pm

    Anyone ever tried this using chocolate protein powder with the oatmeal and raisins? I have been having a craving for oatmeal raisin cookies and think this would satisfy my craving but only have chocolate protein powder.

    • Reply
      Jo Lo
      May 25, 2022 at 2:21 pm

      If you like the taste of your chocolate protein powder, then yes…it will be just as good. I personally leave out the cinnamon on Chocolate ones. Cherry chips are good with them as well as chocolate or butterscotch. Raisins to be healthier.

  • Reply
    Missy
    April 22, 2022 at 6:16 pm

    Great base! I added cocoa powder, flax seed, chocolate chips, hemp seeds, coconut and slivered almonds.

  • Reply
    Chez
    April 18, 2022 at 7:51 am

    I love these protein balls! They are delicious and easy to make. I’m always looking for different ways to use them and enjoy them all the time. You can’t beat the convenience of making your own protein bars at home.

  • Reply
    Jasmin
    February 10, 2022 at 5:52 am

    They taste great, healthy, and super easy.

  • Reply
    M J Roberts
    January 16, 2022 at 7:03 pm

    I made these today and they taste great! I may have overlooked a breakdown of the nutrition info, such as approximate calories, carbs etc. My husband really likes them. However, he is diabetic and has to keep up with his arms and sugar.

    Thanks!

  • Reply
    Amber
    November 20, 2021 at 10:42 am

    What is the serving size for these protein bites?

  • Reply
    Patrick B
    August 22, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    Great recipe… oatmeal and cranberries (which I chop to incorporate more evenly) is the bomb. I use unflavored whey because I don’t like the taste of vanilla whey… just add a bit more real vanilla or can change to maple flavoring… also really nice. With my ingredients: 21 portions – 78 kcal, 8 carbs, 3 fat, 4 protein. Enjoy!!!

  • Reply
    Melinda Leary
    August 16, 2021 at 8:14 am

    Any chance someone could post the nutritional information for these?

    • Reply
      Patrick B
      August 22, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      It depends on your ingredients.

      There are several nutritional calculators available. However, using my ingredients and the recipes measurements: 21 balls made with each ball being- 78 kcal, 3 fat, 8 carb, 4 protein.

    • Reply
      Eric Payne
      January 27, 2022 at 5:09 pm

      I made my macro chart on excel. My measurements were
      205 cal, 10.6g protein, 14.8g carbs, and 12.1g fats

  • Reply
    Mia
    August 7, 2021 at 5:32 am

    Love these !!!! Made them today, super easy!! For anyone who doesn’t like peanut butter like me I made my own cashew butter by blending cashews for 10 mins and adding a lil but of oil, tastes amazing in this recipe :))

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