These healthy no food processor protein balls just require a mixing bowl. SO easy to make, the recipe is gluten free and can easily be made dairy free and vegan. Just choose a plant-based protein powder, and a vegan sweetener!

If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to boost your energy and taste good, these healthy Protein balls are a tasty, restorative snack. These bite-sized energy balls come together in one bowl with just 5 simple ingredients: oats, peanut butter, desiccated coconut, sweetened with honey, and made into a powerful protein-boosting snack with the addition of vanilla protein powder.

The best part about making protein balls is there is no need for a food processor! Mix them up in a single bowl, whoop!

Why You’ll Love these No Food Processor Protein Balls

• They’re full of healthy goodness. Each ingredient has its health benefits and is adjustable to your diet. Protein balls made with oats, honey, and peanut butter are naturally gluten-free and offer an energy boost, making them a go-to snack when you’re feeling a little drained. Start with a few in the morning to get you going.
• One-bowl recipe. These no-food processor protein bowls come together in just one bowl without the hassle of lugging out the machinery. One bowl and a spoon will bring these little bites of goodness to life.
• Make-ahead-friendly recipe. This batch makes about 25 protein balls to store in the fridge or the freezer for extended shelf life. Prepare for the week with this quick on-the-go breakfast option or in-between meals energy-boosting snack!
• Easily customisable. Switch up the peanut butter for another nut butter, add seeds and nuts for more texture and flavor, and even add some dried fruit for a chewier bite.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Protein Energy Balls

The recipe for these no-food processor protein balls is quite flexible, too. So long as you get the ratio between wet/sticky and dry ingredients right, you can create a variety of combinations. The most economical type (and how I’ve written out the recipe below) is simple peanut butter and honey base.

• Peanut butter – swap for another nut butter such as almond, cashew, or a nut butter blend for more dimension.
• Honey – these could also use other liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup, date syrup, or rice malt syrup.
• Oats – use plain rolled oats, sometimes called “jumbo oats,” or porridge oats (which are slightly more finely milled) in this recipe; either should work just fine. Plain rolled oats will give you a chunkier texture.
• Protein powder – vanilla-spiced protein powder compliments the peanut butter beautifully and adds additional fragrant sweetness to them, but you could swap this out for another flavour. Make this protein ball recipe vegan-friendly by using a rice, pea, or hemp protein powder.
• Desiccated coconut – is the perfect texture for protein balls because it is finer than shredded coconut and a bit dryer, too. Meaning it holds together well with the peanut butter and honey base. Not only is it mixed into the batch but also used to coat the outside.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make nut butter protein balls

Healthy snacks shouldn’t be complicated. These chewy, sweet, and creamy no-bake protein balls are easy to make, delicious, and decadent enough for dessert, too! Plus, making homemade protein balls gives you peace of mind and adjustments. The store-bought protein bars are great, but less control over the ingredients.

Step 1: Combine the peanut butter and honey in a bowl.

Step 2: Add the oats, coconut, and half of the protein powder and use a sturdy spoon to combine. The mixture will be slightly sticky but firm enough to form the balls. Add more protein powder until you get the best consistently.

Step 3: Drop a tablespoons worth in your hand, form a ball, and roll each piece in the extra coconut to coat.Step 4: Once all the protein balls are rolled out, place them in the fridge until firm. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized protein balls that come together more quickly.
• Roll them while sticky to ensure that the desiccated coconut adheres well.
• Make them into no-bake protein energy bars by pressing the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish. Refrigerate before cutting them into squares.
• Add flax, chia, or hemp seeds to boost these healthy protein balls – a few tablespoons can be rolled into the mixture.
• Choose a good quality protein powder! The quality and flavour of your protein powder will significantly influence the result here. I like vanilla in mine, but occasionally swap it up and use a cacao-containing protein powder for a chocolate hit.

When should I eat protein balls?

Enjoy protein balls as fuel in the morning for a fast breakfast, between meals to keep you going through the day, as a pre-workout snack for maximum and sustained energy, and after working out as a replenishing snack.

Are protein balls healthy?

These protein bites are full of fibre, protein, and healthy fats for a delicious snack that’s good for you too.

Why are my protein balls falling apart?

Protein balls may be dry and crumbly when more moisture is needed after adding all the ingredients. To fix, add a splash of milk, such as almond or oat milk, until you reach a sticky texture.

How to store protein balls with oats?

• Store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost in the refrigerator overnight – or you can eat them straight from the freezer which I kinda like!

If you make these protein balls don’t forget to take a snap and tag me on Instagram, you can find me these days over at @moniquecormacknutrition 🙂

No Food Processor Protein Balls

Protein balls with 5 simple ingredients: oats, peanut butter, desiccated coconut, honey and vanilla protein powder. No food processor needed, mix them up in one bowl!

4.83 from 35 votes

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Course: Snacks and Bites

Cuisine: dairy free, egg free, gluten free, paleo, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 25 small balls, approximately

Calories: 94kcal

Equipment

• large mixing bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter – smooth, 100%. Or use a different nut or seed butter
• 1/4 cup honey or another liquid sweetener of choice
• 1/2 cup rolled oats – gluten free
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup protein powder – I recommend vanilla or chocolate flavour
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut EXTRA for rolling

Instructions

• Place the peanut butter and honey in a large bowl and use a spoon to mix them together a little.
• Add the oats, 1/4 cup of desiccated coconut and 1/4 cup of the protein powder to the bowl (i.e. only add half of the protein powder to begin with).
• Using a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula, start combining all of the ingredients together. They should form a slightly sticky dough, with a consistency where it can be rolled into balls. Once the mixture has largely come together, you can test it by rolling a bit into a ball with your hands. If it’s too wet, add extra protein powder until it reaches the right consistency.
• Roll heaped tablespoons of the dough into balls, and then roll in the extra desiccated coconut to coat.
• Place the balls in the fridge to firm up a little. Leave them stored in the fridge in an airtight container, or alternatively freeze them for a longer life (where they should keep for about 3 months).

Notes

*Nutrition facts are an estimate only as the nutrition calculator uses a generic measure for “protein powder” and the exact protein powder you use will affect the nutritional content of this recipe.

*Other liquid sweeteners you can use in this recipe include maple syrup, rice malt syrup, coconut syrup and/or date syrup.

*You can use plain rolled oats, sometimes called “jumbo oats”, or porridge oats (which are slightly more finely milled) in this recipe, either should work just fine. Plain rolled oats will give you a more chunky texture.

*Choose a good quality protein powder! The quality and flavour of your protein powder will greatly influence the end result here. I really like vanilla in mine, but occasionally swap it up and use a cacao-containing protein powder for a chocolate hit.

Have you made this recipe?I love seeing your creations! Take a photo and then tag me @nourish.everyday on Instagram!

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal (5%) | Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Sodium: 49mg (2%) | Potassium: 88mg (3%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Calcium: 6mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)