No Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls Recipe

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!

These 5-star protein balls have been a staple on the blog since 2014. This post was updated in January 2025 with added details and pictures. Read on for more!

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.

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.

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.

Lee says:

“I tried these and they are LIFE CHANGING! These are so tasty, and so filling. I didn’t add any add ins, and they taste so much like the peanut butter rice crispie treats my mom used to make me as a kid. Definitely going to be making these again.”

–>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?

There is roughly ~5 grams of protein per ball. 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!

• 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
• Cottage cheese cookie dough protein balls

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