The best kind of bite-size snack, these protein balls without peanut butter are sweetened with a hint of maple syrup and topped with some added crunch. Whipped up in just five minutes you'll want to keep these no-bake protein balls on hand for busy days!
With the initial idea coming from store-bought Bounce Balls, these gluten-free protein balls make a tasty snack!
Made with vegan protein powder, crunchy nuts, and shredded coconut, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love that they're protein-packed with healthy fuel!
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
- 12 grams of protein per two balls
- Made in just five minutes
- Easy to store
- Bite-sized, on-the-go snack
Ingredients In The Protein Balls Without Peanut Butter
Now, just because these gluten-free protein balls don't contain peanut butter doesn't mean they don't contain nuts.
If you want a nut-free option, grab this nut-free protein bars recipe instead.
Likewise, they don't contain almond or sunflower seed butter! However, both of those can be added in by 1-2 tablespoons to make the energy balls richer.
Vegan Protein Powder: the kind of protein powder you choose can and will affect the texture of the no-bake energy balls. Learn more about how to choose a protein powder for your goals.
Brown rice syrup: this is what helps the balls stick together. It's not sweet like honey would be but it also only contains small amounts of fructose.
Cashews & Almonds: you need nuts for both the base and to roll the balls in (optional) for some chunky texture. However, you can switch up the nuts to use whatever you have on hand.
Shredded coconut: I opt to use unsweetened to keep the sugar in the gluten-free protein balls in check. However, if you have a sweet tooth, opt for sweetened.
Maple syrup: this adds a bit of sweetness to the no-bake energy balls which is needed if you're using a protein powder that isn't overly sweet.
Dairy-free milk: whichever milk you choose should work, it just helps the mixture come together. We use homemade hemp milk the most.
How To Make Protein Balls Without Peanut Butter
- In a small food processor, grind the cashews into a chunky flour.
- In a large bowl, combine the cashews, protein powder, one tablespoon of coconut, and salt.
- Add in the brown rice syrup, vanilla, and almond milk. Mix until somewhat coated and then add in the maple syrup.
- Chop the almond into small pieces.
- In a small dish, combine the remaining coconut and almonds.
- Finally, using your hands, portion the mixture into balls. If coating, roll each ball in the coconut mixture until coated and set on a piece of parchment paper when done.
- Finally, place the no-bake energy balls in the freezer or the fridge to set for thirty minutes.
Step By Step Photos
Crucial Ingredients
The protein balls without peanut butter taste best with protein powder like Orgain or Botanica - similar to these no bake birthday cake protein balls.
Though these protein powders are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, they're not fermented nor do they absorbs as much as a protein like Genuine Health.
With 20+ grams of protein, these powders give the best texture to the ball while adding a bit more sweetness.
Know that using a fermented protein powder will cause the balls to be much more dry and crumbly.
Important Teaching Tips
You'll want to grease your hands before rolling the balls to prevent sticking.
Whey protein can work in this recipe, however, you may need to add less almond milk as it doesn't absorb as much.
The protein balls sweetness greatly depends on the sweetness of your protein powder. If your powder is not sweet, you may want to use a vanilla stevia extract instead.
You can easily sub out the flavor of the protein powders to change the flavor of the no-bake energy balls! Chocolate and salted caramel are great options.
If rolling in coconut (or mini chocolate chips!), you'll need to press the energy balls into the coconut and almonds for the coating to stick properly.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Balls Without Peanut Butter
Yes! Once you roll the no-bake energy balls, you can place them in the fridge or freezer to set. Similarly, you can store them in either as well. If you're storing them in the freezer, give them 5-10 minutes to thaw at room temperature before you pop one in your mouth.
Protein balls can be a healthy way to boost protein intake in kids. However, it is very much a personal choice. Make sure to use a quality protein powder with no carageen or processed oils in it. When in doubt, opt for collagen powder instead.
If your protein balls are crumbling, you need a bit more liquid or the chunks of cashews are too big. Add in a bit more almond milk (one teaspoon at a time) and remix until they're a stickier texture.
Other High Protein Recipes You'll Love
- Flourless protein brownies
- Protein granola
- Chunky monkey homemade protein ice cream
- Flourless peanut butter protein muffins
- Fudgy Protein Brownies
- Peanut butter protein bars
- Crispy Protein Cookies
- Cookie Dough Protein Overnight Oats
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- High protein cookies
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Energizing protein bar
- Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
- High protein snack recipes
No-Bake Coconut Almond "Bounce" Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cups cashews
- ½ cup Vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbs coconut unsweetened, + more for rolling
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons almond milk
- 13 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoon water optional
Instructions
- In a small food processor, chop the cashews into a chunky flour- make sure not to grind them all into a flour, you want some texture left.
- In a large bowl, combine the cashews, protein powder, one tablespoon of coconut, and sea salt.
- Mix well and add in the brown rice syrup, vanilla, and almond milk.
- Mix with a fork until everything is somewhat coated. Then, add in the maple syrup. If the mexture seems too dry or crumbly, add in a bit of water (one teaspoon at a time).
- Using your hands, portion the mixture into balls and set on a piece of parchment paper when done. If rolling in extra coconut or chopped almonds, press the balls in firmly.
- Place the balls in the freezer of the fridge for thirty minutes to set.
Notes
- To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands too much, rub some coconut oil on them as needed or splash some water.
- Grab all the ingredients you need from my Pantry Staples.
- The recipe makes 10 small balls, each serving is two balls.
- You only need the water if you notice that the mixture is not sticking together while rolling it into balls.
- Fermented protein powders absorb much more and thus will need more liquid. However, if using a protein powder like Botanica (grab it here) you will not need the water
- The larger you leave the cashew pieces the harder it is to get the balls to stick together
- You really need to squeeze the balls together when portioning to make sure they stick.
- Rolling in extra coconut, mini chocolate chips, or chopped almonds is optional and not included in the nutritional breakdown.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Ginger Smith says
Yum! I'm glad these would be easy to make vegan (just use a non-whey protein powder) because they look so tasty!
fitasamamabear says
Glad they look tasty- we love them! I've used a few vegan powders with these- just find one you like the taste of because it does come through strong (don't use a greens boosted one lol)
Daneisha says
These look so tasty! And they’re healthy too! You can’t beat that! Gotta try these!
http://www.officiallychic.com
fitasamamabear says
Give them a try and let mw know if you enjoy them!
Ana says
OMG! These look so good. I'm always looking for healthier options to have on hand to get me away from the "bad choice food". I love that these can be made Gluten free and are low in sugar. I've pinned this recipe to remind me to fix these. Love that you included a handy print out version for the recipe. Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
Anytime! I hope you enjoy them- I loved them! I'm all about snack that are free of processed sugar because I won't let me daughter have any : Browse around you'll find lots. And thanks for pinning them!
Larissa says
I think my mom would love these! I'm not a fan of nuts, but my mom absolutely loves them, especially almonds! And she also loves coconut. While reading the recipe, it's the first time I've come across brown rice syrup, so I may have trouble locating that in the store!
fitasamamabear says
Oh my lord you don't like nuts?! I think I live off them haha brown rice syrup works well to bind. In Canada we can get it at grocery stores but perhaps check/call your local health food store first! I hope your mom enjoys them 🙂
mary says
Yum! Your photos look delicious. I love a new dessert to try!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks so much- I aim to make them look as tasty as possible!
Carol Little R.H. says
Love making this sort of 'on the go' yummy snack! Thanks for sharing.
I am thinking that any available 'nut' would work.
fitasamamabear says
They're tasty! And yup any nut works, I've done both almonds and cashews 🙂
Nita says
My little boy loves coconut, so I'm definitely going to try this out. Probably will substitute the almonds with peanuts, but I'm sure they would be just as tasty!
fitasamamabear says
They're definitely still be yummy! I think any nut would be - hope your little one enjoys them!
Eliza says
This will make an amazing weekend snack 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Definitely a good grab and go!
Kelsey says
Whaaat? These sound incredible! The perfect afternoon sweet treat/pick me up! Cashews are my fave!
fitasamamabear says
They're super yummy! Cashews and almonds both work. I love popping them in my mouth.. I ate them all in a few days lol
Jennifer says
Coconut is not my thing, it never has been. But I know a bunch of people that eat these in a second. Passing it on to them!
fitasamamabear says
Whaaattt!? I'm obsessed with coconut haha but I suppose that's fair 😛 thanks for passing it along!
The Food Hunter says
They would make a great snack post workout for me
fitasamamabear says
Especially when you're in a rush!
Melissa Schollaert says
I always needs new snack ideas! Thank you 🙂
fitasamamabear says
ANytime, quick pop in your mouth snacks are my favorite!
Kendra says
Those look great! The coconut and almonds look like they would go well together and this looks like something I can easily make with my 5 year old.
fitasamamabear says
It's a great one with kids because it's no bake- which means easy 😉
Cristina says
You had me at "coconut"! I'm crazy about coconut flavour so I pinned this to have it on hand.
fitasamamabear says
Haha me too! Coconut works in everything 😀
linda spiker says
These look amazing! I want to stuf some in my face right now:)
fitasamamabear says
Haha they're tasty! I ate an obscene amount while making them 😉