Vanilla Protein Energy Balls

October 22, 2021 CX3 0 Comments Balls, Energy, Protein, Vanilla

By: Mariam E. | October 22, 2021This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details

Simple and healthy, these Vanilla Protein Energy Balls are perfect for on-the-go breakfast, snack or even dessert. They take next to no work to make while being packed with goodness and will satisfy your cravings. No cooking required!

If you’re looking for something healthy and satisfying, then these vanilla protein balls are perfect for you! These little energy bites are incredibly easy to make and are great for keeping on hand for quick and easy breakfast or snack recipes.

close up shot of half an energy bite in a bowl

If you’re looking for more easy healthy breakfast recipes like these chia balls, you should try my Almond Joy Chia Pudding and No-Bake Energy Balls. They’re so delicious, packed with nutrients, and don’t take long to put together.

Why You’ll Love This Energy Bite Recipe

They’re so satisfying. Thanks to the addition of protein powder, you’ll find these energy bites so satisfying and you’ll be full until your next meal.
You can make them ahead of time. They last for a week in the fridge so make a batch and grab them to snack on throughout the week.
No cooking is required. No need to turn on the oven and heat up the house to make these energy balls. No need to cook anything on the stovetop either! I love no-bake, no-cook recipes as it usually means fewer dishes are used!

What You’ll Need

Chia seeds: you can use white or black chia seeds.
Old fashioned rolled oats: make sure you don’t grab steel-cut oats accidentally.
Vanilla protein powder: I use the premiere whey protein but use what you prefer!
Creamy peanut butter: be sure to use creamy peanut butter so the balls are smooth and creamy!
Honey: or sweetener of your choice.
Vanilla extract: be sure to use pure vanilla extract and not artificial extract.
Water
Salt: this is optional.

How To Make Healthy Protein Energy Balls

Gather the ingredients: Place all the ingredients into a large bowl.

ingredients of the energy bite in a bowl

Mix and roll the balls: Using a spatula, or with your hands, mix everything until well combined. You need to have pliable but firm, dough-like consistency.

Take a tablespoon-sized piece of dough and with the help of your palms tightly roll even balls. You can also use an ice cream scoop to help you have even portions.

energy balls laid out on a sheet pan to cool

Chill the vanilla protein balls: Place rolled balls onto a sheet lined with parchment paper and chill for 10 minutes. Once chilled place the balls into an airtight container and store them in a fridge.

Tips and Notes to make the Best Energy Balls Recipe

If the mixture seems to be on the tough side and does not want to roll into a ball add more water or honey. Do it so 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir well and try rolling again.
If the mixture seems to be too soft that doesn’t want to hold a ball shape, add oats. Do so 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir well and try rolling again.
You can add some hemp seeds, collagen, or other add-ins for some extra added nutrition.
Don’t have peanut butter? Try some almond butter or cashew butter.
Since we are not cooking or baking this, I highly recommend using a high quality vanilla extract over artificial vanilla extract as the flavors will really shine.
Don’t want to roll them? You can press the mixture into a square pan and once they’ve chilled, cut them into squares to make them into no-bake vanilla energy bars.
Honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave.

shot of a hand picking up a piece of energy bite

FAQs

Is this energy bite vegan-friendly?

These vanilla energy balls can be made vegan. Just make sure the protein powder you use is a vegan-friendly version as whey protein is not naturally vegan. You can also swap honey for maple syrup.

Are chia seeds healthy?

Chia seeds are high in protein as well as being high in fiber and omega-3 per serving, making them an extremely healthy ingredient to add to your daily diet. They also improve the health of hair, skin, and nails!

How do I store these protein balls?

When you’ve finished making the protein balls, place them into an airtight container in the fridge and use them within 5 days.

How do I freeze the energy balls?

These vanilla protein bites are so easy to freeze! You can freeze them for up to a month. Freeze the balls in a single layer on a sheet pan before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag so they don’t stick together. Thaw the balls in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I keep them at room temperature?

I highly suggest you store these protein balls in the fridge. While they can be kept at room temperature for a while, they keep their shape best when stored in the fridge.

Are these protein bites gluten-free?

The ingredients to this chia vanilla protein balls recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that the protein powder is certified gluten-free as some protein powders may contain added gluten or be cross-contaminated.

Can you eat raw oats?

Rolled oats are perfectly fine to eat raw, especially when combined with other ingredients.

close up shot of one energy ball, with a bite taken care of it

More Healthy Recipes You’ll Love

I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Vanilla Protein Energy Balls recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

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