These Vanilla Protein Balls are a tasty, healthy snack filled with protein goodness! Made with simple ingredients like oats, honey, and protein powder, they are easy to whip up.
I love having these around for a quick pick-me-up during the day. Plus, they’re bite-sized, so they help keep my snacking in check—most of the time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Protein Powder: This is the main source of protein in the recipe. If you don’t have vanilla protein powder, you can use any other flavor or make your own blend using plain protein powder and a bit of vanilla extract.
Shredded Unsweetened Coconut: Adds sweetness and texture. If you’re not a fan of coconut, try using oats instead for a heartier texture or crushed nuts for a crunchy bite.
Almond Flour: It gives a nice nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture. If you have nut allergies, using oat flour or all-purpose flour works well as substitutes.
Dried Raisins or Fruit: Raisins add natural sweetness. You can swap them for dried cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both act as a sweetener and binder. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could use stevia or agave syrup.
How Do You Achieve the Right Consistency for Protein Balls?
A common challenge with protein balls is getting the mixture to the right consistency. Here’s a good way to ensure it’s just right:
- Start with the dry ingredients and thoroughly mix them first.
- As you add wet ingredients like honey and oil, keep stirring until you can form a dough. It should not be too sticky; if it is, add more almond flour.
- On the contrary, if it’s too dry and crumbly, add a little more honey or coconut oil for moisture.
Rolling the balls in your hands helps compact them, so if they feel fragile, don’t hesitate to press them well while forming to maintain their shape.
How to Make Vanilla Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup dried raisins or other dried fruit pieces
- 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp coconut oil or nut butter (to bind)
- Optional: a pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll have delicious protein balls ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the vanilla protein powder, shredded coconut, almond flour, and a pinch of salt if you’re using it. Stir well so all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Add the Dried Fruit:
Next, add the dried raisins (or whichever dried fruits you choose) to your dry mixture. Gently fold them in to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mix.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to stir in the vanilla extract, honey (or maple syrup), and coconut oil (or nut butter). Mix these wet ingredients into the dry mixture until everything is combined and it starts to form a dough.
4. Adjust the Consistency:
If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, don’t worry! Just add a little extra honey or coconut oil until it sticks together nicely. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in some more almond flour or protein powder until you achieve the right consistency.
5. Form the Protein Balls:
With clean hands, scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls between your palms. This can be a fun and slightly messy part, so enjoy it!
6. Coat with Coconut:
If you like, roll each ball in a little extra shredded coconut to give them a lovely outer coating. This not only adds flavor but also makes them look appealing!
7. Chill and Set:
Place your protein balls on a tray or plate and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set up and makes them easier to eat.
8. Store for Enjoyment:
Once they are set, store your vanilla protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to one week, giving you plenty of healthy snacks on hand!
Enjoy your creamy, lightly sweet vanilla protein balls as a nourishing and flavorful snack anytime! 🥳
Can I Use Different Protein Powder Flavors?
Absolutely! While vanilla protein powder is delicious, you can experiment with chocolate, strawberry, or even unflavored protein powder. Just keep in mind that the flavor will impact the overall taste of the protein balls.
How Can I Store These Protein Balls?
Store your vanilla protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should stay fresh for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to add in other ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or even a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the binding ingredients if you add more dry mix-ins!
What If the Mixture Is Too Sticky?
If your mixture is sticking to your hands and not holding its shape, don’t fret! Just sprinkle in a bit more almond flour or protein powder until the mixture is easier to handle. Alternatively, chill it in the fridge for a bit to firm it up.