High-Protein Cranberry Energy Balls

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If you’re into snack prep or just love a little something sweet between meals, these protein cranberry energy balls are a must-try. They’re chewy, lightly sweet, and perfectly tart thanks to the cranberries—plus they’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein to keep you feeling full and fueled.

I love having a batch of these ready in the fridge. They’re the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is secretly full of good-for-you stuff. And the best part? No baking. Just mix, roll, and chill.

Let’s break it down.

What You Need

This recipe is made from simple pantry ingredients that come together in a matter of minutes—and the flavor is chef’s kiss.

Start with 1 cup of oats as your base. Rolled oats give a nice chewy texture and hold up well. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll make the balls a bit softer.

Then grab 2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter. Go with a no-stir variety to keep things easy. It helps bind everything while adding richness and a boost of plant-based protein.

Next, stir in 1/3 cup of dried cranberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and white chocolate, adding a pop of flavor and a nice chewy bite.

For sweetness and that little extra indulgence, add 1/3 cup of white chocolate chips. They melt just slightly into the mixture, giving you creamy little surprises in each bite.

Toss in 1/4 cup of cashews for a bit of crunch and healthy fats. I like to roughly chop them so you get a mix of textures—some crunch, some chew.

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the flavor and make the whole thing taste like dessert.

Then stir in 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed. This adds fiber, omega-3s, and acts as a natural binder to help hold the balls together.

Finish it off with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. It adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping the mixture stick together. You can always adjust to taste depending on how sweet your peanut butter is.

Tool Requirements

You don’t need much:

• A medium mixing bowl for combining everything.
• A sturdy spatula or spoon for mixing (the dough can get thick).
• Your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the balls.
• A plate or tray for chilling.

Cleanup is easy, and you don’t need to turn on the oven.

Preparation Instructions

Start by mixing the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Add the oats, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt (if using unsalted peanut butter) and mix until well combined. The dough should be thick and a little sticky.

Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and chopped cashews. Mix everything together until evenly distributed—don’t worry if it takes a little elbow grease.

If the dough feels too dry to roll, add a splash more maple syrup or a tiny bit of plant-based milk. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a few extra oats or flaxseed.

Once the texture feels right, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place them on a plate or tray and pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Storage Tips

Once chilled, store your energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and firm—perfect for grab-and-go snacking.

Want to make a double batch? These freeze beautifully. Just store them in a sealed container or freezer bag and they’ll last for up to 2 months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

These cranberry protein balls hit that perfect middle ground between sweet and nourishing. They’re great for meal prep, post-workout snacking, or just something to munch on with your afternoon coffee. If you want to level them up even more, try swapping the peanut butter for almond butter, or adding a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist.

High-Protein, Cranberry Energy Balls

These high-protein cranberry energy balls are a tangy-sweet no bake vegan snack that’s both refreshing and satisfying. An easy and healthy vegan dessert you can enjoy anytime—perfect for a quick boost or guilt-free treat.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 energy balls

Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup rolled oats quick oats work too, for a softer texture
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter no-stir variety recommended
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped cashews
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup ground flaxseed
• 3 tbsp maple syrup adjust to taste/sweetness of your peanut butter
• Pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Mix peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
• Add oats, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt (if needed). Mix until well combined.
• Fold in cranberries, white chocolate chips, and chopped cashews. Mix thoroughly.
• Roll into bite-sized balls using hands or a small scoop.
• Place on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 4gFat: 7g

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.