These easy no-bake protein balls are a healthy, high-protein snack, naturally sweetened and ready in minutes-no baking required!
Made with wholesome rolled oats, ground flaxseed, golden honey, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder, they're perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a quick on-the-go snack.
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A Quick Look At The Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: No Bake Protein Balls with Oats
🕒 Ready In: 10 minutes (plus setting time)
👪 Serves: 10
🍽 Calories: 192 per protein ball
🥣 Main Ingredients: Oats, Vanilla Protein Powder, Almond Butter
📖 Dietary Info: High protein, naturally sweetened, refined sugar-free, meal-prep friendly, freezer-friendly
👌 Difficulty: Easy
Summarise & Save This Content On
These no bake protein balls are something I make often. I usually have a couple after a gym or swim session when I need a quick refuel, and they're easy to pack for coastal walks when I want a steady boost of energy.
Packed with protein, healthy fats, and slow-release carbohydrates, these easy protein balls help keep you full and energised between meals, making them ideal for busy days and on-the-go snacking.
If you enjoy oat-based snacks, there's plenty more to try on the blog. My no bake flapjacks are another easy, make-ahead option, and you might also like my classic flapjacks, banana, peanut butter & honey flapjacks or chewy granola bars. For breakfast, air fryer baked oats or a bowl of Nutella porridge are great oat-based choices too.
We loved these energy balls, so tasty and filling. Perfect for the teens lunchboxes! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Vanessa
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✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- Quick and easy to make - no baking required and ready in minutes, making them ideal for busy days.
- Balanced and satisfying - made with oats, nut butter and protein powder for a mix of protein, healthy fats and slow-release carbohydrates.
- Naturally sweet - lightly sweetened with honey and vanilla, with an optional drizzle of dark chocolate for a little treat.
🛒 Ingredient notes
A full ingredients list along with Metric and US Customary measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Porridge oats - rolled porridge oats provide a wholesome, chewy base that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Vanilla protein powder - Adds a smooth, natural sweetness while boosting protein to support your energy levels. You could also use a flavourless protein powder if you prefer. I use WillPowders Vanilla Protein Powder.
Ground flaxseed - Packed with fibre and omega-3s.
Cinnamon - Adds warmth and a subtle spiced sweetness.
Vanilla extract - Enhances the natural vanilla flavour and makes the protein balls extra tasty.
Honey - Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind the mixture together. You could also use maple syrup.
Almond butter - Adds creaminess, healthy fats, and a rich, nutty taste. Swap for peanut butter or cashew butter.
Milk - Moistens the mixture so it holds together perfectly. Plant based milks can also be used.
Dark chocolate - Drizzled on top for extra flavour. I use 90% dark chocolate but anything over 70% is great.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Need to substitute an ingredient?
Have an allergy or dietary preference? Let AI customise the recipe for you.
🔪 How to make no bake protein balls
One: Combine porridge oats, vanilla protein powder, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, almond butter, and milk in a large mixing bowl.
Two: Stir everything together until you have a sticky, well-blended mixture.
Three: Roll the mixture into 10 bite-sized balls and place on a lined baking tray.
Four: Melt a little dark chocolate and drizzle over the energy balls, then place them in the fridge to firm up for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
Top Tips
- Use runny nut butter for the best texture - if yours is thick, warm it slightly to make mixing easier.
- Taste before rolling and adjust the sweetness or flavourings to suit your preference.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure evenly sized protein balls.
🍴 Serving suggestions
Enjoy 2-3 homemade protein snack balls as a post-workout pick-me-up, a quick and easy breakfast, or a mid-morning or afternoon snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a steady energy boost.
📖 Variations
- Swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate or strawberry flavour, or even a flavourless one.
- Use peanut butter instead of almond butter and add chocolate chips.
- Mix in dried berries like cranberries or blueberries.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture.
- Roll the balls in desiccated coconut for a tropical flavour.
Storage
Store - Keep the vanilla protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze - Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw before eating.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate, strawberry, or any flavour you like - just adjust the sweetness if needed.
Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based milk to keep them completely vegan.
Yes, you can leave it out and replace it with extra oats or ground nuts, although the protein content will be lower.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The mixture is too dry. The protein powder or oats have absorbed too much moisture. | Add a splash of milk or a little extra nut butter and mix again |
| The mixture is too sticky. There is too much liquid. | Stir in extra oats or protein powder, 1 tablespoon at a time |
| Protein balls taste chalky. Certain protein powders can be dry or overpowering. | Use a high-quality protein powder such as WillPowders |
😋 More easy snack recipes with oats
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Recipe
Easy No Bake Protein Balls
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Equipment
- Baking Paper
Ingredients
- 150 g Rolled Oats
- 40 g Vanilla Protein Powder or use a different flavour or flavourless one
- 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 150 g Almond Butter
- 4 tablespoon Milk
- 20 g Dark Chocolate
Instructions
- Combine porridge oats, vanilla protein powder, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, almond butter, and milk in a large mixing bowl.150 g Rolled Oats, 40 g Vanilla Protein Powder, 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1 tablespoon Honey, 150 g Almond Butter, 4 tablespoon Milk
- Stir everything together until you have a sticky, well-blended mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 10 bite-sized balls and place on a lined baking tray.
- Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave and drizzle over the balls, then place them in the fridge to firm up for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.20 g Dark Chocolate
Video
Notes
- Use runny nut butter for the best texture - if yours is thick, warm it slightly to make mixing easier.
- Taste before rolling and adjust the sweetness or flavourings to suit your preference.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure evenly sized protein balls.
Valerie Marshall says
I would've to try this. Not sure how much 0.4c is.
Beth Sachs says
Hi Valerie. Apologies, I have now corrected this. It should read 1/3 cup (US). As I'm in the UK I find it difficult to convert into US weights and measures as we use grams.
Vanessa says
We loved these energy balls, so tasty and filling. Perfect for the teens lunchboxes!