High-Protein, Oatmeal Energy Balls

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With just a few pantry staples and no baking required, you can make a snack that’s as satisfying as it is energizing. These high-protein oatmeal energy balls are chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with good stuff to keep you going. I like to keep a batch in the fridge for busy mornings, pre-workout snacks, or those moments when I just want something tasty without reaching for a candy bar. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and sneakily nutritious—even if they taste like dessert. Let’s get into it.

What You Need

To make these high-protein oatmeal energy balls, you only need a few simple ingredients that you might already have at home.

Start with 1 cup of oatmeal. I always go for the old-fashioned kind—they give the balls a bit more bite and hold up well when mixed. Quick oats can work too, but they’ll give you a softer texture.

Next, you’ll need 1/2 cup of nut butter. Peanut butter is my go-to, but almond or cashew butter works just as well. Go for something natural with no added sugar or oils if you can.

Add in 1/4 cup of plant-based protein powder. I usually use vanilla-flavored powder for this—it adds a nice touch of sweetness without being overpowering. If you’re using unflavored protein, you might want to bump up the sweetener a bit.

Speaking of sweetener, 2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar should do the trick. Taste as you go—you might prefer more or less depending on your protein powder and nut butter.

To bring everything together, add 1–2 tablespoons of plant-based milk. You only need enough to help the mixture hold its shape, so start small and add more if needed.

Finally, toss in a pinch of salt and a handful of extras if you’re feeling it—think dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.

Tool Requirements

You don’t need anything fancy to make these energy balls—just a couple of basic kitchen tools.

A medium mixing bowl will do most of the work. Make sure it’s large enough to handle all the ingredients and leave room for stirring.

You’ll also need a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together. Since the dough can get thick and sticky, a silicone spatula or wooden spoon works best.

To shape the balls, you can use your hands or a small cookie scoop if you want them more uniform in size.

And finally, a plate or small baking sheet for chilling the balls in the fridge helps them firm up nicely before storing.

Preparation Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together so everything is evenly distributed.

Add in the nut butter and maple syrup. Mix until a thick, sticky dough starts to form. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a splash of plant-based milk and stir again.

Once the mixture holds together easily when pressed, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to roll it into bite-sized balls. If it’s sticking to your hands, wetting them lightly can help.

Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Storage Tips

• For short-term storage, keep your energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and firm for up to 7 days.
• If you want to make a bigger batch or keep some for later, freeze them. Just place them in a sealed container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
• To eat from frozen, just let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, or pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
• They’re super meal-prep friendly and just as good after a week as they are on day one.

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, Oatmeal Energy Balls

These High-Protein Oatmeal Energy Balls are the perfect vegan snack or vegan dessert—no baking required! Made with oats, nut butter, 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 energy balls

Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats or quick oats for softer texture
• ½ cup nut butter peanut, almond, or cashew butter
• ¼ cup vanilla protein powder or unflavored + extra sweetener
• 2 ½ tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar adjust to taste
• 1 –2 tbsp plant-based milk as needed for binding
• Pinch of salt
• chocolate nibs, shredded coconut, chopped nuts optional

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Instructions

 

• In a bowl, mix oats, protein powder, and salt.
• Add nut butter and maple syrup. Stir until a thick dough forms.
• If too dry, add milk 1 tbsp at a time until mixture holds together.
• Fold in optional add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
• Roll into ~1-inch balls (wet hands if sticky).
• Chill for 30 mins in fridge to firm up.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 5gFat: 5g

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.