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.
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.
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 Coffee Protein Balls
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.
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.
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.
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. This is tasty for a coconut milk matcha latte too!
Crunch: Roll the balls in or add into the mixture some chopped peanuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips.
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
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Dairy-Free Coffee Protein Balls
Video
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
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Melanie says
What a fabulous recipe! Perfect pick-me-up and easy to make!
fitasamamabear says
Thank you so much! Easy is key in this house lol.