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    Home » Recipes » High Protein Dairy Free Snack Recipes

    Coffee Protein Balls [Gluten-Free]

    Modified: Aug 26, 2025 · by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Coffee protein balls covered in cocoa powder with a spoon of coffee grinds beside them and text on the image.

    Easy to make and rich in bold espresso flavor, these coffee protein balls are great for midday snacks. With 24 grams of protein per ball, this no-bake recipe is great for weekly meal prep.

    Coffee protein balls covered in cocoa powder with a spoon of coffee grinds beside them.

    If you’re a coffee lover like myself, you won’t be able to say no to these coffee protein balls. They’re chewy, filling, and have so much coffee flavor it’s unreal.

    Made with everyday gluten-free pantry staples, these little energy balls are perfect to keep on hand for the days you’re sluggish and munchy- along with these 3-ingredient protein balls.

    I’ve been working them into my diet for the last few months because they’re the perfect blend of a high-protein snack with a little bit of indulgence. Plus, I am a coffee lover to the extreme. So, it works (kinda like this coffee protein fudge).

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Easy to make: Only 8 ingredients make up the coffee protein balls and they take shape in just 10 minutes.

    Healthy: These protein balls are dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and paleo.

    High in protein: Thanks to pure collagen powder, this energizing snack has a whipping 24 grams of protein in each ball. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Most of the ingredients in the image are straightforward just like these birthday cake protein balls. The flavor of the chilled coffee you choose will affect the flavor of the balls slightly, just like this high protein coffee smoothie bowl.

    Make sure to use almond flour and not ground almonds for a smoother texture.

    You’ll want a runny almond butter so that it mixes well. The hard stuff at the bottom of the jar doesn’t work for no-bake recipes.

    The instant coffee in the balls is optional. I add it because it brings out way more coffee flavor but you don’t need to put it in.

    Multiple ingredients to make coffee protein balls with text labels over top.

    Expert Tips To Make It

    Make sure the coffee you use is room temperature or chilled in the fridge. How coffee will melt ingredients together and result in a bit of a mess.

    The mixture is super sticky while you’re making it but it shouldn’t be watery. If you find it is, add in a bit more almond flour or collagen. Sticky is good and the balls firm up and hold together once chilled.

    Yes, you do need that extra couple of tablespoons of collagen powder as it helps bind the balls. Otherwise, they turn into blobs.

    You can double the batch and it works great.

    How To Make..

    Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the chilled coffee, almond butter, honey, and vanilla until mostly smooth.

    Step 2: Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.

    Steel bowl with maple syrup being poured into nut butter and vailla.
    Steel bowl with raw batter for coffee protein balls.

    Step 3: Use a 2-inch trigger ice cream scoop to portion the batter into six balls.

    Step 4: Chill the balls in the fridge for 30 minutes so that they can firm up.

    No bake coffee protein balls on parchment paper.
    Coffee protein balls dusted in cocoa powder on a white plate.

    How To Store Them

    Store the no-bake balls in the fridge for 7-10 days in an airtight container.

    You can also freeze the balls in a freezer-safe bag separated by pieces of parchment paper for up to 3 months. To enjoy them let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

    The balls go soft when they sit at room temperature for more than 15 minutes so they’re best served chilled.

    Three coffee protein balls on a white plate the top with a bite out of it.

    Flavor Variations

    There are a few ways you can adjust the flavor of the coffee protein balls.

    Mocha: Dust the balls with or add in a teaspoon of cacao powder for a chocolate mocha-like flavor.

    Peanut butter: In place of almond butter opt for a classic peanut butter or even almond-hazelnut butter.

    Drizzle: Use the coffee protein balls as a full-on dessert by drizzling them with dairy-free chocolate ganache or dairy-free caramel sauce.

    Crunch: Roll the balls in or add into the mixture some chopped peanuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips.

    Two fingers holding a coffee protein ball with a bite out of it.

    More Coffee-Flavored Protein Recipes You'll Love

    • Coffee chia pudding
    • Iced coffee protein shake
    • Coffee brownies with Transformation protein
    • Espresso overnight oats

    Other Protein Ball Recipes

    • Cookie dough protein balls
    • Chocolate brownie protein balls
    • Peanut butter and jelly balls

    Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).

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    Coffee protein balls covered in cocoa powder with a spoon of coffee grinds beside them.
    Coffee protein balls covered in cocoa powder with a spoon of coffee grinds beside them.

    Dairy-Free Coffee Protein Balls

    Shelby Stover
    Rich and chewy with a classic bold flavor, these coffee protein balls are the perfect boost of energy on long days.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Chilling Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 194 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • 1 1.5 or 2 Inch Trigger ice cream scoop
    • Measuring cup and spoons

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup Collagen powder
    • 4 tablespoons Collagen powder
    • ½ cup Almond flour
    • 2 tablespoons Coffee chilled
    • 2 tablespoons Almond butter runny
    • 2 tablespoons Honey
    • 1 teaspoons Instant coffee optional
    • 1 pinch Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine the chilled coffee, almond butter, honey, and vanilla until mostly smooth.
    • Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
    • Let sit for a minute and mix again.
    • Use a 2 inch trigger ice cream scoop to portion the batter into six balls.
    • Chill the balls in the fridge for 30 minutes so that they can firm up.

    Notes

    You do need BOTH the half cup and four tablespoons of collagen powder. It helps bind the balls. Otherwise, they turn into blobs.
    Make sure the coffee you use is room temperature or chilled in the fridge. How coffee will melt ingredients together and result in a bit of a mess.
    The mixture is super sticky while you’re making it but it shouldn’t be watery. If you find it is, add in a bit more almond flour or collagen. Sticky is good and the balls firm up and hold together once chilled.
    Makes 6 large balls.
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 25gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 78mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

    More High Protein Dairy Free Snack Recipes

    • Peanut butter chocolate buckeyes on top of a parchment paper.
      Protein Buckeyes [Dairy-Free]
    • A stack of frozen yogurt bars.
      Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars [5 ingredients]
    • A bowl of baked banana bread with chocolate chips and sliced bananas on top.
      Single Serve Banana Bread (High Protein)
    • Sliced protein bars beside a bowl of peanut butter with chocolate chips scattered around.
      4 Ingredient Protein Bars [Dairy-Free]

    Comments

    1. Melanie says

      December 17, 2024 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      What a fabulous recipe! Perfect pick-me-up and easy to make!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 19, 2024 at 6:13 pm

        Thank you so much! Easy is key in this house lol.

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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    Recipe Rating




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    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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