💥 Protein Balls with Oats
📝 Description:
These Protein Balls with Oats are chewy, nutty, naturally sweet, and loaded with clean energy. Made with rolled oats, whey protein, peanut butter, and a touch of honey, they’re a super simple, no-bake snack that keeps you full and energized between meals. Perfect for gym-goers, busy mornings, or kid-friendly lunchbox treats.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla whey protein powder (about 2 scoops)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ⅛ cup natural peanut butter (or almond/cashew butter)
- 3 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and chia seeds. - Add wet ingredients:
Stir in peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 tsp water or milk; if too wet, add more oats. - Form balls:
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. - Chill:
Place balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Store & enjoy:
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Customize it: Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for variety.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Nut-free version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Too sticky? Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before rolling into balls.
🍽 Servings:
- Makes about 12–15 balls (depending on size)
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Ball – Approximate):
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 4g
🌟 Health Benefits:
- Protein-rich: Great for muscle recovery and satiety.
- Slow-digesting carbs: Oats provide lasting energy.
- Healthy fats: From nut butter and chia seeds.
- No refined sugar: Naturally sweetened with honey.
- High fiber: Supports digestion and fullness.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I skip the protein powder?
A: Yes, but reduce the honey slightly and add more oats or nut butter to maintain texture.
Q: Are these good before or after workouts?
A: Both! They’re ideal post-workout for muscle recovery, or pre-workout for sustained energy.
Q: Can I make them without chia seeds?
A: Yes—just leave them out or replace with ground flaxseeds or hemp seeds.
Q: Can I bake these?
A: These are designed to be no-bake. Baking will dry them out.
Q: How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?
A: Lightly oil your hands with coconut oil or water before rolling.