Protein Balls
These easy Protein Balls are perfect for healthy snacks and post workouts. Made with protein powder, they come together in a bowl in 5 minutes without baking. Ideal for meal prep and customizable, they can easily turn into cookie dough, chocolate, or any flavor you like.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Resting Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Gluten-free, High Protein, Keto, Low carb, Vegan
Keyword: no cook, oat flour, peanut butter, protein powder
Servings: 12 protein balls
- ¾ cup (70 g) protein powder vanilla
- ½ cup (50 g) oat flour or almond flour
- ⅓ cup (80 g) peanut butter or almond butter
- 3 tbsp (55 g) maple syrup or honey, more for sweetener balls
- 1 ½ tbsp (20 g) Greek yogurt or nondairy yogurt
- ¼ tsp salt skip if using salted peanut butter
Cookie Dough Flavor
- ¼ cup (30 g) chocolate chips optional
Double Chocolate Flavor
- ¼ cup (30 g) chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder as replacement for 3 tbsp oat flour
In a large mixing bowl, combine protein powder with oat flour, peanut butter, Greek yogurt and maple syrup. If using unsalted peanut butter, add a pinch of salt.
Using a spatula or a fork, stir all ingredients until combined into a smooth dough. Add more peanut butter if the dough is crumbly, or add more oat flour if sticky - this depends on protein powder used.
Scoop equal portions of dough and roll between your palms into smooth, round balls. If sticky, lightly coat your hands with oat flour. Place the balls over a parchment paper lined tray or food container and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
After they have set, enjoy immediately or keep stored in the fridge for a maximum of 4 days.
Troubleshooting
- Crumbly dough – Fix it by adding a bit more nut butter or a splash of milk/Greek yogurt until smooth and rollable. Add liquid slowly to avoid making it too wet
- Sticky dough – Whey protein can make dough feel like chewing gum! Stir in more oat flour or protein powder (a tablespoon at a time) until the texture firms up. Letting the dough sit for 5-10 minutes can also help.
- Weird taste – If it's bland or slightly off, add a bit of maple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener. A pinch of salt also balances flavors. Always use a protein powder you actually enjoy—cheap ones will ruin the taste!
Storage Directions
- To store – Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze – Place in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutritional Values
Nutritional values are approximations, and serve as reference only. They are calculated for whey protein, nonfat Greek yogurt and do not include mix-ins like chocolate chips. Actual values may vary depending on brands, and additional ingredients you may add. For precise macros, I recommend calculating your own based on specific ingredients used.
Serving: 1 ball | Calories: 78.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.5g | Protein: 7.6g | Fat: 3.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.7g | Cholesterol: 9.8mg | Sodium: 75.8mg | Potassium: 69.5mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 4.2g | Vitamin A: 15.7IU | Calcium: 30.6mg | Iron: 0.5mg