These no bake energy balls with protein powder are an healthy snack to make in about 15 minutes with a few simple ingredients, and keeps you satisfied when you need an energy boost.
I have a teenage son who swims over two hours a day for his high school swim team.
He eats a lot! He’s always looking for a healthy workout snack that is high in protein and gives him the carbohydrate boost that he needs.
These energy balls with protein powder are the perfect swimmer snack.
Call them what you want, energy balls, protein balls, protein bites, bliss balls, power bites, they are perfect for breakfast, after a workout at the gym, before a swim meet … you get the picture.
They are really quite easy to make and it was a neighbor who turned my son onto these peanut butter protein balls.
I had never made them for him before because they contain peanut butter, an ingredient my son is not a big fan of.
I followed the directions my neighbor suggested for this simple recipe to make a big batch of these no bake power balls.
What’s great about this recipe is that you can mix it up.
There are lots of great options.
But he loves it in these no bake energy balls.
What’s great about this recipe is that you can mix it up and add your favorite flavors .
You can use any kind of nut or seed butter, any kind of dried fruit, semisweet or dark chocolate chips, nuts or seeds.
The possibilities are endless. It just depends what you’re in the mood for.
Are energy balls with protein powder good for you?
Energy balls are loaded with protein, good carbs, healthy fats and are high in fiber.
They have great taste and are the perfect on-the-go snack before or after a workout.
I prefer a whey protein powder but there are many varieties available including chocolate protein powder, vanilla protein powder and even unsweetened.
Feel free to use plant based vegan options, casein or egg protein powders.
How do you store these easy protein balls?
In the fridge: Store energy bites in a sealed container or bag in the fridge for a week.
In the freezer: Freeze energy bites on a cookie sheet for an hour before transferring them to ziplock freezer bags.
Energy ball base ingredients
To make this easy snack, you will need a few ingredients. See the full recipe card below.
Old fashioned rolled oats: You’ll need about 1/2 cup of original raw oats, not the quick oats.
Ground flax seed: The bulk section at my grocery store has flaxseed already ground. If yours does not, simply grind it at home in a food processor or leave it whole.
Peanut butter: Go for the natural variety, crunchy or smooth depending on your personal preference. If you prefer a different kind of nut butter, the possibilities are endless.
Honey: I prefer raw honey because the flavor is simply outstanding but any kind will do. Not a fan of honey? Switch it up with maple syrup.
Protein powder: To give these energy balls an extra boost I like to add my favorite brand of protein powder.
Chocolate chips: Semi sweet, bittersweet, white or dark chocolate… grab whatever suits your fancy.
Other variations:
Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, medjool dates would all be delicious in place of chocolate chips.
Coconut: I prefer the flaky unsweetened variety.
Nuts or seed: Chia seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans … you get the picture.
Nut butters: If peanut butter is not your thing, give almond butter, cashew butter or even sunflower butter a try.
Maple syrup: Swap out the honey in this recipe for true maple syrup, not the stuff made out of corn syrup.
Cocoa powder: Just add in a scoop to make these chocolate energy balls.
How to make no bake energy balls with protein powder
To make this high protein snack, start by grabbing a bowl.
Add the oats. Start by combining your dry ingredients, including protein powder and ground flaxseed.
Mix in the peanut butter. You’ll need a wooden spoon because this can become a gooey challenge.
Drizzle in a touch of honey. This is where things get a little sticky. Use that spoon to really work the dry ingredients into the wet.
Add the chocolate chips. My son prefers mini chocolate chips. He says they’re the perfect size for these healthy energy balls.
Roll the mixture into balls. Use a spoon to scoop the batter into the perfect 1-inch ball.
Refrigerate or freeze. Make sure your no bake energy balls are stored in an airtight container until you need them.
More snack ideas
- Chewy fruit and nut granola bars
- Banana berry smoothie pops
- Allergy safe pumpkin muffins
- How to make churro almonds
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No Bake Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 scoops protein powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mixed together all the ingredients using a spoon or your hands if necessary. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and refrigerate.
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #homeandplate. I’d love to see what you cook!
We keep these on hand at our house as well. I love eating them for late night snacks when the munchies hit.
It is the perfect late night snack. Not to much and enough to satisfy a craving 🙂
I love to make these and have time for a snack! I prefer to freeze them, great classic recipe!
When I make them, they don’t last long enough to freeze…but yes freezing is a great idea.
I love how easy and simple these were to make, I can’t wait to snack on them! Thank you!
Thanks Tawnie….it is so easy to double the recipe too. Plenty for everyone 🙂
One of my girlfriends just got back into swimming (she used to swim in college) and she said how she forgot how hungry she gets! Sending this to her now!
Yes it does increase your appetite…these power balls are the perfect answer. Thanks Tracy
I have a very active daughter who would love these! In fact I think the whole family would enjoy them, pinning to make later x
It’s perfect for a follow snack after a workout and also just to enjoy if you are hungry and need a snack. Thanks Michelle
Gosh, 2 hours swimming a day? I bet he does eat a lot. These bites look delicious.
Yup two hours a day during the school year and twice a day during Christmas break. They are warriors!
Can these be left at room temp. Thinking of taking to funeral home for visitors
Yes…they can be left at room temperature.