The EASIEST way to take in some extra protein is with these 3 ingredient protein balls. Made without oats and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, these chocolate peanut butter balls are easy to snack on.
Keeping high-protein snack recipes on hand is crucial to me as a Certified Nutrition Coach. Not only because the benefits of a high protein diet are huge but because I love munching and have a major sweet tooth!
These 3 ingredient protein balls help curb cravings, give you some fuel, and are great for busy moms because they whip up in under 10 minutes (kinda like this single serve protein cookie).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Only 3 ingredients and zero kitchen skills required, these no-bake protein balls are ready in minimal time.
Healthy: Naturally dairy, gluten-free, and vegan, these balls are a healthy alternative to anything store-bought and come in with 7 grams of protein.
Versatile: There are quite a few ways you can make these protein balls unique in flavor to satisfy your craving of the day!
Ingredients and Substitutions
The kind of protein powder you choose will obviously make a huge difference to both the texture and flavor of the protein balls. Vegan protein powder was used as it absorbs liquid the most (learn more about choosing a protein powder) and in this recipe, it cannot be subbed for whey protein.
Expert Tips To Make It
You want to semi-enjoy the taste of your protein powder in general before making the no-bake protein balls.
The kind of protein you choose will absorb differently with each brand. So you may need a splash (teaspoon) of water. This is especially true if you’re using a heavy pea-based or fermented protein powder. You want a sticky, wet, but not runny texture to the balls before you portion them.
You need a fresh, runny peanut butter for the recipe to work. Older, hardened peanut butter won’t allow the balls to mix together.
How To Make The Protein Balls
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
Step 2: Mix well and pop the bowl into the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the protein balls.
Step 3: Store them in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy chilled.
How To Store Them
Fridge: Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can be enjoyed right from the fridge or at room temperature (though they soften quite a bit at room temperature!)
Freezer: Freeze the balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy one, just let it come to room temperature on the counter.
Flavor Variations
Below are a few ways to change the taste of the 3 ingredient protein balls based on your own flavor preferences.
Protein powder: though chocolate protein powder is used, vanilla or cookies and cream protein powder is an easy swap.
Nut butter: In place of peanut butter, opt for almond butter or even almond hazelnut for a Nutella-like taste.
Mix-ins: You can roll the chocolate protein balls in mini chocolate chips, coconut, or sprinkles to add some spunk to them.
FAQs
I like to use a vegan protein powder but not one that is really pea-based. Botanica and Vega actually work really well texture-wise. Transformation protein would taste blissful but not absorb quite as much. So there’s a bit of trial and error.
Other Easy Protein Snack Ideas
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder vegan
- ⅓ cup Natural peanut butter fresh and runny
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
- Water as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the protein powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup. You want everything to be combined and sticky but not thick. Add water if absolutely needed.
- Pop the bowl into the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
- Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the protein balls and place them right into a storage container in a single layer.
- Store them in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Shelby S says
I love that these are bite-sized for quick grab and go!