It’s fun and easy to throw different ingredients in the food processor and have them in the fridge to snack on during the week! No-bake protein balls are also a little tempting because every time I walk by the fridge I want to pop one in my mouth! (Who’s with me on that?) I’m also obsessed with these Mint Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites and while not a protein ball, my Homemade Protein Bars are also delish! These oatmeal energy balls can easily be customized (more on that in a bit!), but here’s what I put into these specific energy balls:
Almond flour: I used a blanched almond flour, but unblanched or almond meal works well too. Rolled oats: you can use quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats Vanilla protein powder: use your favorite protein powder or collagen of choice. I love Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder Dates: Pitted, Medjool dates. Soak them in lukewarm water if they feel firm before chopping if needed. Nut butter: you can use peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.
How to customize this recipe
Like I mentioned already, these date energy balls can be made with so many different mix-ins, toppings, and drizzles. A few of my favorite ways to change up these protein energy balls are:
Use coconut flour or chickpea flour instead of almond flour. Drizzle the energy bites with peanut butter or melted chocolate. Roll in coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips. Use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla, or even your favorite collagen. Use different nut butters, such as cashew butter, almond butter, soy nut butter, and sunflower butter.
Are protein energy balls gluten-free?
They will be if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Double check the label on your oats to confirm that they were processed in a gluten-free facility. If your dates feel dry, you might want to soak them in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes before blending them into the energy ball mixture (make sure to pat them dry first!). Dry dates could prevent the mixture from forming balls easily.
