Trust me when I say that these no-bake PB protein balls taste like dessert. In fact, they are a bit like eating peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough. (You're welcome.) 🙂 Almond flour, shredded coconut and vanilla protein powder make up the base without oats involved. Just mix, chill and roll.
"Will definitely make these again... Thanks for a solid recipe!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Gwen, One Happy Dish reader
I usually make smaller recipes, but this is one batch I'm happy to keep full-sized. They freeze beautifully, so I can store some away and pull out a couple whenever a sweet craving calls. (For a baked alternative to satisfy a peanut butter craving, try these 3-ingredient PB cookies.)
🌿 Ingredients
I like using blanched almond flour for this recipe, but almond meal works just fine too. Use unsweetened shredded coconut if possible, or cut back a little on the maple syrup for sweetened coconut.
Salted, creamy no-stir peanut butter works best, but you can also use natural peanut butter if you'd prefer. (Just make sure to fully mix and incorporate any separated oil before using.)
I tested this recipe with a few different protein powders, but the one that yielded the best results and taste for me was Vega Protein Made Simple (affiliate link). I felt this one had the best texture, and the taste was neutral enough that I didn't feel like it added any sort of unnatural sweetness or aftertaste.
See recipe card below for exact quantities.
📝 Instructions
Storage and freezing
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you're stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. I like keeping a few in the fridge and tucking the rest away for another day (instant snack stash.) 😉
When you're ready for one or two, take them out of the freezer and let them soften at room temperature for about 5 minutes first.
If you love these protein balls, check out these simple snack recipes for even more sweet ideas.
💭 FAQ
If your protein ball batter is too dry and not sticking together, you can add a tiny bit of water and mix everything again until it sticks well enough to roll into formed balls.
If your protein ball batter is too wet or sticky, make sure you've let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes after you mix everything together. If it is still too sticky to handle, mix a little extra almond meal into the batter and try to roll them into balls again.
🍳 Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place ½ cup almond flour, ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ cup salted creamy no-stir peanut butter, ¼ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup maple syrup, and ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl and use a silicone spatula to mix very well until incorporated.
- Place the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm slightly. (Don't skip this step!)
- Use your hands to form 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet.
- Carefully place the balls in a parchment paper-lined container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour.
Gwen
I can't eat oats, so always looking to make protein bars / balls without them. This recipe is really good - just too sweet for ME as is. My vanilla protein powder is very low on sweetness, but still reduced the maple syrup to a little over 1/8 cup. Next time I will reduce the ms even slightly more, to suit my tastes, but will definitely make these again! Worth making, just start with less maple syrup and add more if needed. Thanks for a solid recipe!
Allison Campbell
You're very welcome, Gwen! Thanks so much for your kind words. I know recipes can be so personal especially when it comes to sweetness; this is a great suggestion for others who might want a little less as well. 🙂
Gwen
As a follow up to my first review, my 24 year old son cannot get enough of these, haha! I literally make them now on repeat. They are so easy to make, and they really are, in my son's words tonight: "the best protein balls mom has ever made"! YUM!
Allison Campbell
Awww, great to hear Gwen--so glad he loves them!!:)