High-Protein, Almond Butter Energy Balls

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There’s something really satisfying about almond butter. It’s creamy, rich, and just a little bit indulgent—without actually being unhealthy. When you mix it with a few key ingredients and a good scoop of protein, you get something that walks the line between treat and fuel. These almond butter energy balls are smooth, lightly sweet, and packed with the kind of energy that doesn’t burn out after 30 minutes. Plus, they take less time to make than your morning coffee.

What You Need

At the center of this recipe is almond butter. Look for the natural kind—no added sugar, no palm oil, just roasted almonds and maybe a pinch of salt. You’ll need about 1/2 cup.

To bulk it up and add staying power, toss in 1/2 cup of rolled oats. They add texture and fiber, and they balance out the richness of the almond butter.

Add a scoop (about 30g) of protein powder. Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored protein works beautifully here. It blends right in with the nutty flavor and gives these bites some serious muscle.

For sweetness, I usually go for 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Adjust based on your taste and how sweet your protein powder is.

A splash of vanilla extract adds a little depth, and a pinch of salt brings everything together.

You’ll also want to add 1–2 tablespoons of plant-based milk if the mix feels dry. Almond or oat milk both work well here.

Optional: mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut if you want to make them a bit more fun.

Tool Requirements

This is a low-effort kind of recipe, so you won’t need much:

• A mixing bowl
• A spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Your hands (or a cookie scoop) to roll the mixture into balls
• A container to store them in the fridge

Everything comes together in one bowl—no blender, no baking, no mess.

Preparation Instructions

Start by stirring together the almond butter, protein powder, and oats in your mixing bowl. Add in your sweetener, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

If the mix seems dry or crumbly, slowly add a splash of milk until it reaches a dough-like consistency. You want it to hold together easily when rolled.

Once it’s the right texture, you can stir in any extras—chocolate chips, coconut, whatever you’re in the mood for.

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it between your palms to form balls. The mixture should make around 10–12 energy balls, depending on how big you roll them.

Set them on a plate or in a container and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm them up. After that, they’re good to go.

Serving Ideas

These almond butter energy balls are super versatile:

• Grab one with your morning coffee for a quick bite before breakfast.
• Pack a few as a mid-day snack or post-lunch treat.
• Crumble one over oatmeal or yogurt for a protein boost.
• Wrap a few in parchment and toss them in your bag for a quick, mess-free snack on the go.

They’re great straight from the fridge or even slightly chilled from the freezer if you like a firmer texture.

Storage Tips

Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days.

Want to make a bigger batch? These freeze well too. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for a couple of months frozen and only take a few minutes to thaw.

Note: Using Raw Oats in Energy Balls

Raw oats are commonly used in no-bake energy ball recipes, but it’s important to choose the right type and understand how they work in this recipe.

Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture, offering a pleasantly chewy consistency. Quick oats can be used as well, though they will yield a softer result as they absorb moisture more readily. Avoid steel-cut oats entirely, as they remain too firm and gritty when uncooked.

The moisture from ingredients like mashed banana, nut butter, or syrup helps soften the oats during preparation. The chilling process further improves the texture, allowing the oats to firm up similarly to overnight oats.

While raw oats are safe to consume, some people may find them difficult to digest. For easier digestion, quick oats are preferable since they are partially pre-cooked. Alternatively, you can toast rolled oats at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before using them in the recipe.

For a smoother texture, briefly pulsing the oats in a blender before mixing can help reduce any grittiness. This small extra step makes a noticeable difference in the final consistency.

Table of contents

High-Protein, Almond Butter Energy Balls

These High-Protein Almond Butter Energy Balls are the perfect vegan snack or vegan dessert—no baking required! Made with almond flour, plant-based protein, and natural sweeteners, they’re soft, nutty, and packed with protein to keep you energized. Ready in just 10 minutes + chilling!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 balls

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup natural almond butter no added sugar/oil
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 30 g 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or cinnamon recommended)
• 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup or honey adjust to taste
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ tbsp plant-based milk almond or oat milk
• mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut optional

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Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, combine almond butter, protein powder, and oats.
• Add maple syrup/honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
• If the mixture is too dry, gradually add plant milk until a dough forms (should hold together when rolled).
• Fold in any optional add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
• Scoop about 1 tbsp of dough and roll into balls (makes 10–12).
• Place on a plate/container and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcalProtein: 6g

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.