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Give yourself a midday boost with Easy Protein Balls. Made with just 7 base ingredients, these energy balls can be transformed into 5 different flavors. Choose your favorite and whip them together in less than 10 minutes!
Your new favorite energizing snack
I’m always on the hunt for new healthy snacks. Emphasis on always. So, when I got the idea to create some healthy, oatmeal-rich power balls, I knew I had to make it happen.
What started as an idea to make a chocolate peanut butter flavor quickly turned into protein balls 5 different ways. I discovered that multiple flavors can be made with the same 7 base ingredients, and my mind was blown! With that discovery, an easy how-to for 5 different types of protein balls was born.
Thanks to the nutrients in rolled oats and nut butter, these little balls truly provide a kick in energy that’s perfect for jump-starting your morning or getting through an afternoon slump. I love to keep them handy right in my fridge!
Ingredients in simple protein balls
Protein balls are an easy feat because they all use the same base ingredients, which makes creating different flavors that much easier. To start, gather the ingredients listed below, and then check out the next section to see what you’ll need for your preferred flavor.
Base Ingredients
- Rolled oats: No matter the flavor you choose, rolled oats will make up the base of the protein balls. You’ll need 1.5 cups.
- Protein powder: Next, include 1 scoop (1/4 cup) of protein powder to give the energy balls that extra oomph.
- Salt: For flavor, throw in 1/4 tsp of salt.
- Almond butter: Next, we’ll thicken things up with 1/2 cup of almond butter.
- Honey: Add sweet goodness with 1/4 cup of honey.
- Almond milk: To help everything bind together, include 2-3 tbsp of almond milk.
- Vanilla: Finally, 1 tsp of vanilla completes the base portion of this recipe!
Note: There are a couple of base ingredients that will change depending on the flavor you choose, so be sure to review your flavor specifics before jumping in! The following section includes everything you need to know for creating each flavor.
Next, choose your flavor
Blueberry Muffin Protein Balls
If blueberry muffin flavored protein balls are your jam, achieve this flavor by throwing in 1/2 cup of dried blueberries!
Chocolate Peanut Butter
Enjoy chocolate peanut butter goodness by making two ingredient changes to the base ingredients listed above. First, swap the almond butter for peanut butter, and then swap plain protein powder for chocolate!
White Chocolate Cranberry
Next up is my favorite flavor: white chocolate cranberry. This flavor is so easy to make – just add 1/3 cup of cranberries and 1/3 cup of chocolate chips!
Chocolate Peppermint
To achieve chocolate peppermint protein balls (the best snack, especially during the holidays), throw in 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract. Then, skip regular protein powder in favor of chocolate protein powder!
Oatmeal Raisin
Last but not least, enjoy oatmeal raisin protein balls by including 1/3 cup of raisins and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon.
Everything you need to make easy energy balls
Ready to dive into your recipe? To get started, there are only 3 items that you’ll need: a large mixing bowl, a stirring utensil, and a sheet pan or plate for chilling the protein balls in the fridge.
You’ll need to measure out the following sizes: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
Note: Depending on the flavor you choose, you may not need all of the measuring cups listed above.
How to make easy protein balls five ways
Four steps to an energizing and healthy snack have never been simpler. From the start, these protein balls are simple to make. Just combine your ingredients, form into balls, chill, and enjoy!
To begin, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Add the wet ingredients on top and stir to combine. The mixture will be thick, so feel free to use your hands to really get everything combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add more honey or almond milk.
Next, add the mix-ins according to the flavor you’re making. Be sure to sub any ingredients that may be specific to that flavor.
Finally, roll the mix into balls and refrigerate for 1 hour before eating.
Substitution Tip
If you’re like me, you probably love to get creative in the kitchen! So if you’re feeling adventurous (or if you’re simply out of an ingredient or two), here are some simple swaps that you can use to fill the gaps in your ingredient list.
Rolled oats
First thing’s first: the oats. If you’re out of rolled oats, quick oats will do! The texture may wind up a little bit different, but the overall concept and great taste will still be there.
Almond butter
Prefer good old peanut butter? Use it! No matter the nut butter of your choice, you can use it in your recipe.
Honey
Want to skip the honey? Maple syrup will do! You may need a little extra, so a taste test is recommended!
Almond milk
Finally, I love using almond milk in my recipes, but any milk will work just fine. Use what you have!
Storing leftovers
Your energy balls should be kept in an airtight container and left in either the fridge or freezer. They will stay good in the fridge for about 5 days, and the freezer for 3 months!
If freezing, be sure to defrost before enjoying!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Need some more oat-filled goodness? Below are some more of my favorite oatmeal-containing recipes perfect for enjoying an energizing bite for breakfast, dessert, and everything in between.
- Cake Batter Overnight Oats
- Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Healthy Pumpkin Spice Granola
Best Protein Balls Five Ways
Give yourself a midday boost with Easy Protein Balls. Made with just 7 base ingredients, these energy balls can be transformed into 5 different flavors. Choose your favorite and whip them together in less than 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 1.5 cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop protein powder (1/4 cup)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Blueberry Muffin
- Add 1/2 cup dried blueberries
Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Sub peanut butter for almond butter
- Use chocolate protein powder
White Chocolate Cranberry
- Add 1/3 cup cranberries
- Add 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
Chocolate Peppermint
- Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Sub chocolate protein powder
Oatmeal Raisin
- Add 1/3 cup raisins
- Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients on top and stir to combine. Mixture will be thick, so feel free to use your hands to really get everything combined. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or almond milk.
- Add in the mix-ins of your choice.
- Roll into balls and refrigerate at least 1 hour before eating.
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Sophie says
Making for the millionth time!! Great recipe.
Erin says
Hi Sophie, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Michelle says
I’m obsessed with these! I make a double batch and press them into a 9×9” pan then cut into bars, rather than rolling into balls. I always have a batch in my freezer!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Michelle, so glad you loved them!!
Jenna says
These were SO good. I made the chocolate peanut butter ones specifically. Easy, healthy and taste like dessert TY 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenna, so glad you enjoyed them!
Kris Bernardin says
These are incredibly good! I added the dried cranberries and Mini white chocolate chips and my 2 year old grandson and myself have loved them! I can’t wait to try different flavors.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kris, so glad you both loved them! 🙂
Jillian Denker says
These are so perfect when you are looking for something quick and delicious!! Super easy and can eat them on the go. I love that this all comes together in just a few minutes using minimal ingredients. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jillian, so happy you loved them!! 🙂
Annalisa says
These are delicious!! I made the chocolate peanut butter ones and they are so good I just wanted to eat it with a spoon 🙂 such a great snack!
Erin says
Hi Annalisa, so happy you loved them!!
Lindsey Mesa says
I made these for my super picky toddler who definitely doesn’t get enough protein throughout the day. He absolutely loved them! I made the peanut butter chocolate balls and added a handful of chocolate chips to make them even more appetizing for said toddler. Both of us really enjoyed these. Quick and easy to make and SO delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsey, so happy you all loved them so much! 🙂
Kayla says
My 3 year old and I made the blueberry muffin balls together and we both love them! So easy and so delicious.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kayla, so happy you both loved them!
Abbey says
So easy and so delicious! Perfect meal prep addition for a busy week
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abbey, so happy you enjoyed them!
Melissa Bellows says
Can I make these without oats? Is it possible to make them with only protein powder, no grains?
Erin says
Hi Melissa, I haven’t tried it without outs but feel free to give it a try and let me know how they come out!
Taylor C says
I absolutely love these protein balls! I’m a chocolahic, so I made the chocolate chip and peanut butter ones and LOVED them!! I usually do fasted cardio first thing in the morning, but, in an effort to gain muscle, I’ve been eating one of these before my workout. They are delicious, SO easy to make, and are the perfect grab and go snack or breakfast! They’re a new weekly staple in my house!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so happy you enjoyed them so much!! Thanks for your kind words!
Annie says
These are a game changer. I am a new, first-time mom, so free time isn’t really a thing anymore. I needed something that I can grab on the go while keeping me energized, and these are IT!!! They are so easy and simple to make. I didn’t have any of the extra ingredients on hand to make a speciality flavor, so I just melted some chocolate chips to drizzle on top. Definitely a new weekly staple in our house!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Annie, so glad you liked them!
Chase says
These protein balls are a staple in my house. We make them 1-2 times a week as a grab and go and they are always gone so quick! Will always go back to this recipe.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Chase, so happy you love them!!
Nikki says
I was gifted some local honey and wanted to make something where I could taste it. These are perfect! I did PB instead of almond and added mini chocolate chips and a bit of cinnamon. Perfect for my first week back in the office!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nikki, so glad you loved the bars!! 🙂
Gabi says
Perfect snack to keep in the freezer! I made these on Wednesday and they’re already gone! So delish and easy to make 😊
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Gabi, I am thrilled you loved them!!
Kelsey says
A quick bite! I like to make these (or Erin’s perfect bars) at the beginning of the week as a snack to get myself through the day (I work weird hours and don’t eat lunch till late) My favorite mix is the cinnamon raisin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelsey, so glad you loved them so much! 🙂
Katy says
Once again, Erin kills it with the customizations. Her ideas are so innovative but the base of what she creates is where the real magic happens. Easy, delicious, perfect for meal prep, and so many varietals. I love the way she creates her recipes for this very reason!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katy, YAY so glad you enjoyed them!
Brie says
Super easy! Took about 5-10 minutes to make. The taste is spot on (made the oatmeal raisin variety) and it’s a great post-workout bite!
Erin says
Hi Brie, so glad you enjoyed them!
Holly says
Perfect snack for on the go! Or as a substitute for reaching for a sugary snack.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Holly, so happy you enjoyed them!
Aly Yeadon says
Made these on whim and LOVED them!! I added mini chocolate chips – so good.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Aly, so glad you liked them and greta addition!