Go Back
- 1 cup almond butter - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor) - 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped almonds - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt The ingredients for almond butter protein balls come together easily. Almond butter is the base. It gives a creamy texture and nutty taste. Rolled oats add fiber and help bind the mixture. Honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. You can pick either based on your taste. Protein powder boosts the nutrition. You can choose vanilla or chocolate to match your mood. Mini dark chocolate chips bring a fun twist. They add sweetness without being too much. Chopped almonds give a nice crunch. They also enhance the nutty flavor. Vanilla extract adds depth, while a pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. Gather these ingredients before starting. This makes the process smooth and quick. You will love how these simple ingredients create such a tasty snack. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing the wet ingredients Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of almond butter, 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This step sets a sweet base for your energy bites. 2. Incorporating dry ingredients Next, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of protein powder (choose vanilla or chocolate), and 1/4 cup of chopped almonds. Don’t forget a pinch of sea salt! Mix everything together until all the dry ingredients spread evenly. This adds texture and boosts nutrition. 3. Adding chocolate chips Lastly, gently fold in 1/4 cup of mini dark chocolate chips. Make sure they are well-distributed. The chocolate adds a nice touch of sweetness and flavor, making these bites enjoyable. 1. Refrigerating the mixture Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. 2. Forming energy balls After chilling, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it into a ball, roughly the size of a golf ball. Repeat this step until you use up all the mixture. You’ll have about 12 to 15 energy balls ready to enjoy. 1. Serving suggestions For a nice touch, place the energy bites in a decorative bowl. Sprinkle some chopped almonds on top for an appealing look. You can also wrap individual bites in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute grab-and-go snack. 2. Storage tips Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. This way, you always have a quick, healthy snack on hand! You can change the sweetness in your protein balls. Use agave syrup or coconut sugar instead of honey or maple syrup. These alternatives add unique flavors. For protein powder, try different types like pea or hemp. Each type adds its own taste and nutrition. To keep it vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This sweetener works great and keeps the taste sweet. You can also substitute chocolate chips for vegan ones. Many brands offer dairy-free options that taste amazing. Want to make your protein balls even better? Add seeds like chia or flax for crunch and nutrition. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots bring sweetness and chewiness. For flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract. These small changes can make a big difference! Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Allow the mixture to chill for a full hour instead of 30 minutes to achieve a firmer texture that holds together better. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nut butters like peanut or cashew for unique flavors, or try adding spices like cinnamon for an extra kick. Protein Boost: For an extra protein boost, consider adding seeds like chia or flaxseed to the mixture, enhancing both nutrition and texture. Serving Suggestions: Pair these energy bites with a piece of fruit or a yogurt dip for a balanced snack that keeps you energized throughout the day. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of almond butter protein balls easily. Here are two fun ideas: - Peanut butter protein balls: Swap almond butter for peanut butter. This will give the bites a rich, nutty flavor. You can use the same amount of peanut butter as almond butter. The texture will stay smooth and creamy. - Coconut almond protein balls: Add shredded coconut to the mix. Use about 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. The coconut adds a tropical twist and pairs well with almond butter. You can even top the balls with a sprinkle of coconut for extra crunch. These protein balls can fit into many diets. Here are some smart changes: - Gluten-free options: Use certified gluten-free oats in your recipe. This way, those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these bites too. Check the label to ensure they are gluten-free. - Low-carb adjustments: Substitute honey or maple syrup with a low-carb sweetener. Erythritol or stevia work well. This change keeps the bites sweet while reducing carbs. You can also cut down on oats if you want fewer carbs in each ball. To keep your almond butter protein balls fresh, use airtight containers. Store them in the fridge to help them last longer. They will stay tasty for up to a week. Make sure the container is sealed tight. This will prevent air and moisture from spoiling the flavor and texture. For the best taste, place them in a cool, dry spot. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. These conditions help maintain their flavor and quality. You can freeze almond butter protein balls for longer storage. To do this, first, roll them into balls. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw the balls. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They will taste just as good after freezing! Almond butter protein balls last for up to one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. The cool temperature keeps them firm and fresh. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If frozen, they can last for about three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before eating. Yes, you can use peanut butter instead of almond butter. The taste will change, but it will still be tasty. Peanut butter will give a richer flavor. Just make sure to use the same amount. This swap is great for those who prefer the taste of peanuts or have allergies to almonds. Yes, almond butter protein balls are healthy. They mix protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Almond butter provides good fats, while oats add fiber. Honey or maple syrup gives a natural sweetness. The dark chocolate chips add a treat without too much sugar. This snack is perfect for energy and satiety. In this post, we explored the essentials of making almond butter protein balls. You learned the key ingredients and simple steps for preparation, chilling, and rolling. We also discussed tips for customization, variations, and storage techniques. These energy balls are not only tasty but also easy to make. With a few tweaks, you can match them to your diet or preferences. Enjoy making these healthy treats that fuel your day!

Almond Butter Energy Bites

Delicious and nutritious energy bites made with almond butter, oats, and chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
  • 0.25 cup mini dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup chopped almonds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
  • Add the rolled oats, protein powder, chopped almonds, and sea salt to the almond butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips until they are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
  • Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
  • After chilling, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  • Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Place the energy bites in a decorative bowl and sprinkle some chopped almonds on top for an appealing look. You can also wrap individual bites in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute grab-and-go snack.
Keyword energy bites, healthy, snack