I remember one morning my kitchen was a total mess and I had kids running around looking for snacks and I was trying to make something healthy and quick and the peanut butter got stuck to the spoon and honey dripped everywhere and somehow the chocolate chips ended up on the floor and even though it was chaos I loved every minute because the end result was these little bites of goodness that everyone gobbled up before I could even take a picture.
Sometimes I forget to measure things exactly and I just scoop the oats and protein powder into the bowl and mix it all together and yes the first batch was a bit crumbly but we just pressed them together with our hands and the kids thought it was fun to squish and roll them into little balls and it taught them patience and how to help in the kitchen without me stressing.
One day I tried adding extra vanilla because I thought it would make it smell amazing and it did but I also spilled a bit on the counter and my youngest tried to lick it off and I laughed and said careful and then we all ended up tasting a tiny bit of the dough because it was just too tempting and I realized that sometimes the mistakes and mess make the recipe even more memorable and fun.
I love how quick it is to make and how you can change a few things each time and one day we added coconut flakes and the next day some cinnamon and the kids argued about which was best and honestly I couldn’t decide because each version is a little different and still so delicious and it’s nice to have something healthy ready when the after school snack chaos hits.
I like to eat them with a lot of different things and some mornings I have them with a glass of cold milk and other times I pair them with yogurt and granola or even sliced bananas and peanut butter and I once tried them with Cottage Cheese Brownies and it was surprisingly good and we also tried them with apple slices and almond butter and even hot chocolate and honestly every combination tastes great and makes snack time a little adventure.
Making them on a lazy Sunday afternoon is my favorite because I put on music and the kids help a little or just watch and it feels like a little ritual and sometimes I forget an ingredient and have to improvise and the balls turn out a bit different each time and that’s fine because no one complains and we all sit down together and share them and it makes me feel like I’ve done something right for my family and that little messy kitchen chaos is worth it.
I always keep some in the fridge for those moments when someone suddenly says they are hungry and we don’t have time to bake or drive somewhere for snacks and I like knowing that they are made from real ingredients and not just sugar and that they give energy and a smile and my husband sneaks one in his pocket for later and I catch him and we both laugh and it makes me happy that something so simple can make everyone feel good and cared for.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Protein powder
- Chia seeds
- Mini chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
- Coconut flakes
Ingredients notes
- Rolled oats – soft grains that give the balls something chewy and healthy
- Peanut butter – creamy spread made from peanuts that makes the balls sticky and yummy
- Honey – sweet golden syrup that helps hold everything together
- Protein powder – powder that gives your body extra strength and energy
- Chia seeds – tiny seeds that add crunch and healthy stuff for your body
- Mini chocolate chips – little chocolate pieces that make it taste like a treat
- Vanilla extract – a flavor liquid that makes it smell super nice
- Coconut flakes – thin pieces of coconut that make it fun and a little sweet
How to make no bake protein balls ?
Step 1: prepare the oven and pans.
Even though this recipe does not use the oven you still need a clean counter and a big bowl to mix things in and a baking tray to put the balls on because it helps keep everything organized.
Step 2: mix the dry ingredients.
In a big bowl add rolled oats protein powder chia seeds and coconut flakes then stir them together until they are all combined and look like a soft sandy texture.
Step 3: add the sticky ingredients.
Now add peanut butter honey and vanilla extract to the dry mix and stir everything really well until the mixture sticks together like dough and you can form balls with your hands.
Step 4: fold in the chocolate chips.
Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips so they are spread all around in the dough and every bite has some chocolate.
Step 5: form the balls.
Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them between your palms to make little balls about the size of a golf ball then place them on the tray lined with parchment paper or a clean plate so they do not stick.
Step 6: chill in the fridge.
Put the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the balls harden a little and become easier to eat and store because they hold their shape better.
Step 7: serve and enjoy.
Once chilled take them out and enjoy a healthy snack that is sweet chewy and full of energy perfect for kids or adults anytime you need a boost.
Kitchen equipment needed
- Big mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking tray or plate
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Refrigerator
Storage options
You can keep the no bake protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week and they stay chewy and fresh and you can also freeze them for up to three months and just let them thaw a little before eating.
Variations
You can use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter or swap mini chocolate chips for dried cranberries or raisins or add cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra flavor and roll the balls in crushed nuts or extra coconut flakes for a fun twist.
FAQs
What is no bake protein balls made of?
No bake protein balls are made of rolled oats peanut butter honey protein powder chia seeds mini chocolate chips vanilla extract and coconut flakes and you can change some ingredients to fit your taste.
What does no bake protein balls taste like?
No bake protein balls taste sweet and slightly nutty with little crunchy bites from the chocolate chips and a chewy texture from the oats and coconut.
Can kids eat no bake protein balls?
Yes kids can eat no bake protein balls because they are made from safe healthy ingredients and they are soft and easy to chew and fun to eat.
Are no bake protein balls healthy?
Yes they are healthy because they have protein fiber and good fats and natural sweetness from honey and they give energy without processed sugar.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes you can make them vegan by using almond or peanut butter and maple syrup instead of honey and check that protein powder does not have dairy.
How long do they last outside the fridge?
No bake protein balls should not be left outside the fridge for more than a few hours because they can get soft and sticky and lose freshness and taste.
Can I use other seeds instead of chia seeds?
Yes you can use flax seeds sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of chia seeds and they will add different crunch and nutrients.
Can I make them bigger or smaller?
Yes you can make them bigger like snack size or smaller like bite size just adjust chilling time so they harden properly and stay together.
no bake protein balls
Course: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes120
kcal15
minutesQuick and easy no bake protein balls full of protein fiber and sweetness perfect for kids and adults.
Ingredients
Rolled oats
Peanut butter
Honey
Protein powder
Chia seeds
Mini chocolate chips
Vanilla extract
Coconut flakes
Directions
- Even though this recipe does not use the oven you still need a clean counter and a big bowl to mix things in and a baking tray to put the balls on because it helps keep everything organized.
- In a big bowl add rolled oats protein powder chia seeds and coconut flakes then stir them together until they are all combined and look like a soft sandy texture.
- Now add peanut butter honey and vanilla extract to the dry mix and stir everything really well until the mixture sticks together like dough and you can form balls with your hands.
- Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips so they are spread all around in the dough and every bite has some chocolate.
- Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them between your palms to make little balls about the size of a golf ball then place them on the tray lined with parchment paper or a clean plate so they do not stick.
- Put the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the balls harden a little and become easier to eat and store because they hold their shape better.
- Once chilled take them out and enjoy a healthy snack that is sweet chewy and full of energy perfect for kids or adults anytime you need a boost.
