Packed with 9g of protein per ball, 3-ingredient almond butter protein balls are the perfect high-protein snack. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy protein ball recipe comes together quickly and can be made ahead.
If you are looking for a convenient way to get your protein, you must try almond butter protein balls. A well-rounded snack made from oats, nut butter, and protein powder, each protein ball is packed with healthy fats and protein. Protein balls, or energy balls, have the texture of cookie dough and taste like a delicious protein bar in ball form.
Like my almond butter cookies, this simple recipe uses only three basic ingredients and comes together quickly. Easily customize the recipe based on the nut butter and protein powder you have on hand.
Almond butter protein balls are the perfect grab-n-go snack; enjoy one any time of the day. Thanks to 9g of protein per ball, they are especially great as a pre or post-workout snack.
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Almond Butter Protein Balls
No-bake almond butter protein balls require only three feel-good ingredients and take twenty minutes to prepare. These almond butter balls are the perfect protein-packed bite. Here are just a few of the reasons you will love this simple recipe:
- Simple ingredients - You will find no refined sugars in this simple recipe, only 3 satiating, healthy ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep - Protein balls are a fantastic, healthy snack that can be made ahead.
- Customizable - Adapt the recipe based on your nut butter or protein powder.
- Easy, Healthy Protein Snack - Made with three healthy ingredients, including heart-healthy oats and almond butter, each ball clocks in at 9g of protein.
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats - Oats are a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This gluten-free whole grain is also a great source of protein.
- Almond Butter - Almond butter is full of heart-healthy fats and protein. It is made from almonds ground up into a paste or spread.
- Protein Powder - Use whey or plant-based protein (nutrition information may vary slightly). Try chocolate, peanut butter, or vanilla flavor protein powder in this recipe.
See the recipe card for ingredient quantities.
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP 1 - Add the oats to a food processor or powerful blender - blend into oat flour.
STEP 2 - Add the almond butter and a cup of protein powder. Blend the mixture until completely incorporated.
Pro Tip - Add water a teaspoon at a time if the mixture is too crumbly to form.
STEP 3 - Portion the mixture into 20 servings using a cookie scoop. Roll into even-sized balls.
Pro Tip - Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl for easy scooping.
Substitutions
- Almond Butter - Natural Peanut Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Cashew Butter, Hazelnut Butter
Variations
- Add Sweetener - Add a tablespoon of honey or pure maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips - Stir in ⅓ cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for chocolate chip protein balls.
- Add Seeds - Stir or blend in flax seeds or chia seeds for added nutrition and protein.
- Add Vanilla Extract - Blend in one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Suggested Equipment
- Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor
- USA Pan Bakeware Quarter Sheet Pan
- OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper Sheets
Storage
Transfer protein balls to an airtight container, ideally in one layer or separate layers with a sheet of wax paper, and store them in the refrigerator. How long do protein balls last? Stored in a sealed container, protein balls last up to 2 weeks.
Can you freeze protein balls? Place protein balls on a parchment paper-lined tray and freeze until frozen. Transfer frozen balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months - thaw them completely in the refrigerator before eating.
Other Protein Snacks
- Protein Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Crust
- Carrot Cake Protein Muffins
- Double Chocolate Protein Muffins
- Banana Protein Muffins
- Protein Baked Oatmeal with Chocolate Chunks
Expert Tips
- Use natural almond or peanut butter. This natural nut butter's “runny” texture is essential for protein ball incorporation.
- Be sure to stir almond butter before using. Avoid using the almond butter at the end of the jar — the texture is too dry and crumbly.
- Add a small amount of milk or water, a teaspoon at a time, if the mixture is crumbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almond butter protein balls contain heart-healthy fats, nutritional ingredients, and protein. They are not a low-calorie treat.
Not all protein powders are the same. Add a small amount of water or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to form into balls.
Yes, refrigerate protein balls — they are made from natural nut butter which requires refrigeration.
If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook.
📖 Recipe
3 Ingredient Almond Butter Protein Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1½ cups almond butter *see notes
- 1 cup whey protein powder chocolate, peanut butter, or vanilla flavor
Instructions
- Add the oats to a food processor or powerful blender — blend into oat flour.
- Add the almond butter and a cup of protein powder. Blend the mixture until completely incorporated. *Note - Add water a teaspoon at a time if the mixture is too crumbly to form.
- Portion the mixture into 20 servings using a cookie scoop. Roll into even-sized balls. Enjoy protein balls immediately, or allow them to set for a couple of hours in the fridge for the best results.
- Store protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
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