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Easy High-Protein Energy Balls: Best No-Bake Snack

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These no-bake energy balls are packed with protein and made with simple ingredients like rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey. They’re the perfect portable snack for busy mornings, post-workout refueling, or a healthy treat that actually keeps you full.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (30g) vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons (14g) ground flaxseed
  • ¼ cup (45g) dark chocolate chips
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup rolled oats, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, and 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed. Whisk them together until evenly distributed.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ¼ cup honey. Don’t mix yet—just dump them on top of the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix until combined: Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together. Start slow to avoid flinging oat pieces. Keep mixing until no dry spots remain, about 2 minutes of vigorous stirring.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips: Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt. Fold them in gently until evenly distributed.
  5. Let the mixture rest: Let the dough sit in the bowl for 5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture from the peanut butter and honey, transforming the texture from sticky and loose to firm and rollable.
  6. Check the consistency: After resting, the dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers. If too dry and crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk or water and mix again. If too sticky and wet, add 1 tablespoon of oats and mix.
  7. Roll into balls: Lightly wet your hands with water. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 16 to 18 balls.
  8. Chill for at least 30 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. This firms up the balls and makes them easier to handle.
  9. Transfer to storage container: After chilling, move the energy balls to an airtight container. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking.

Notes

Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before rolling—this is crucial for texture. Wet your hands slightly before rolling to prevent sticking. Different protein powders absorb liquid differently; adjust with a tablespoon of milk or water if needed. For extra flavor, toast the oats at 350°F for 8-10 minutes before using. These keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: energy balls, high-protein snack, no-bake, peanut butter, healthy snack, gluten-free option, meal prep, kid-friendly