Enjoy our delicious no-bake protein balls made with peanut butter, chocolate chips, maple syrup, protein powder, and oats. These easy-to-make energy bites are one of my favorite road trip snacks. Make these energy balls with any nut butter you like for a gluten-free, vegan, high-protein snack.
Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this energy-boosting snack is perfect for keeping you fueled during your adventures. Check out our collection of road trip sandwiches if you’re planning road trip food ahead of a journey you’re taking.
We like to make these with vanilla protein powder and natural peanut butter for a healthy take on Reese’s pieces, but you can also use chocolate protein powder to make a double chocolate, no-bake energy ball of your own!
No-Bake Protein Balls with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Recipe Author
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Cookie Scoop
- 1 Airtight storage container
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural organic peanut butter (or almond/nut/seed butter)
- ¼ cup Honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 ounce chocolate protein powder (about 1 large scoop)
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, protein powder, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. The mixture may seem thick initially, but keep mixing, and it will come together. You can knead the dough towards the end for easier mixing.
- Once thoroughly combined, use a small cookie scoop to portion out and shape the dough into approximately 18-22 balls.
- Store the protein balls in a covered container in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
Video
Notes
- Enjoy your road trip with these delicious no-bake protein balls as your healthy and energizing snack!
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, depending on your preference.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or almond milk to help bind the ingredients.
- Leftover protein balls will keep in an airtight container in room temperature for a week.
Nutrition
Storage
Oatmeal energy balls are a great snack on the road, as they last a while without cooling. For optimum freshness and flavor of your accessible, no-bake energy bites during your road trip, it’s essential to store them properly.
Place the homemade protein balls in an airtight container, a jar, or a Ziploc bag and store them in a cool, dark place to prevent air exposure. There is no need to keep them refrigerated, either!
If you’re embarking on a long journey, consider freezing the chocolate peanut protein balls and thawing them in a cooler as needed to ensure they stay fresh throughout your trip.
Variations
This protein energy balls recipe is just the blueprint for kick-starting your energy ball experimentation journey! We love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Still, you are welcome to experiment with these delightful variations to suit your taste buds and find your favorite energy bites recipe:
- Nutty Delight: Replace the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the mixture for an extra layer of texture and taste.
- Berry Blast: Toss in dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Matcha Madness: Substitute some oats with matcha powder for a vibrant green color and a hint of earthy flavor.
- Sunflower Powder: Use sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter.
Top Tips
Consider these handy tips to enhance your easy no-bake energy bites recipe:
- Use a natural, unsweetened protein powder to keep the overall sugar content of these healthy protein balls low.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, depending on your preference.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or almond milk to help bind the ingredients.
- Get creative with the size and shape of your protein balls. Make them bigger for a more substantial snack, or roll them into bars for a different presentation.
FAQs
Can I substitute oats with a different grain?
While oats work best for the texture and consistency of these protein balls, you can experiment with other grains like quinoa flakes or shredded coconut.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes! You can substitute maple syrup for honey or agave syrup, if you prefer.
How long can I store these protein balls?
When stored in a cool, dark place, they can last up to a week. If frozen, they can be stored for up to a month.
Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite protein powder—whey, plant-based, or any other variety that suits your dietary needs.
How many grams of protein are in each protein ball?
There are 5 grams of protein per ball.