Whether as an on-the-go snack or midday treat, these Oatmeal Protein Balls are both wholesome and delicious!
I’m a sucker for oatmeal cookies, especially when there’s chocolate involved. I somehow convince myself oatmeal cookies are healthy, you know, because of the oatmeal. But we all know they’re loaded with carbs, butter, and sugar. Heck, that’s why they’re so good! That’s where these oatmeal protein balls come in. I came up with this recipe to curb my naughty oatmeal cookie cravings, but the great thing is that they’re perfect as a quick, nutritious snack to keep me energized throughout the day. The combo of simple ingredients and no-bake preparation made them an instant favorite for me and my family.
Oatmeal protein balls combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the protein boost of whey powder, making them a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. Their chewy texture, complemented by the crunch of chocolate chips (preferably dark) and the sweetness of raisins, really makes this taste more like a dessert.
Are Oatmeal Protein Balls Healthy?
I would say so! These oatmeal protein balls are low in processed sugars (provided you use sugar-free protein powder and dark chocolate). They’re also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, helping to keep you full longer.
Feel free to omit the maple syrup or use date syrup (which is a whole-food sweetener). If you want to make the recipe vegan-friendly, swap the whey with a plant-based protein powder and source a dairy-free variety of chocolate chips. Also, make sure you use a good brand of all-natural peanut butter that doesn’t have added sugar and hydrogenated oils.
Make Them Your Own
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. If you have a nut allergy, you can replace the peanut butter with sunflower butter or pumpkin seed butter. Instead of raisins, you could add unsweetened cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried pineapple. In the case of the latter, I would definitely recommend adding some coconut flakes and a dash of coconut extract for a tropical twist. Love chocolate? Add in a tablespoon of raw cocoa powder to the mix and roll the balls through some powder as well. They’ll taste like truffles from a fancy chocolate shop!
How To Make Ahead And Store
You can prepare these oatmeal protein balls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you’re making them in bulk, or just don’t think you’ll eat them all within a week, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before eating.
Serving Suggestions
Oatmeal protein balls are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with fresh fruit for a more well-rounded snack. They are also great alongside a healthy Blueberry-Banana Smoothie or just a glass of Homemade Oat Milk.
And if you’re serving this as part of a healthy dessert tray, pair it with our Healthy Gluten-Free Samoa Scones With Greek Yogurt and this surprisingly decadent Paleo German Chocolate Cake!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup oats
- 1/4 cup whey protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
Instructions
- Combine the oats, protein powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Now add the chocolate chips, and raisins and stir to combine.
- Add the almond milk and use your hands to combine the mixture until it comes together into a ball.
- Divide the mixture into 10 or 12 evenly-sized balls. Place the balls on a tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with some additional cinnamon powder, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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