Banana Protein Balls Recipe

Introduction

Banana Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack that combines natural sweetness with a satisfying protein boost. Perfect for an on-the-go treat or a post-workout bite, these no-bake bites are easy to make and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe bananas (overripe preferred)
• 1½ cups rolled oats (use quick oats or certified gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup protein powder (whey, pea, soy, or collagen)
• ⅓ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower for nut-free)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (or substitute with flax seeds)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (or cacao nibs, dried fruit, chopped nuts)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth and mostly free of lumps.
2. Step 2: Add the nut butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), and mix well to combine into a creamy mixture.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Step 5: Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit chocolate chips if concerned about cross-contamination.
• Add a pinch of salt and ½ tsp vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for different textures.
• If the mixture is too wet, add extra oats or protein powder to reach the desired firmness.

Storage

Store banana protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to one month; thaw in the fridge before eating. To enjoy, allow refrigerated balls to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unripe bananas?

Ripe or overripe bananas work best because they mash easily and provide more natural sweetness, helping to bind the mixture properly. Unripe bananas may result in a less sweet and firmer texture.

What if I don’t have protein powder?

You can omit the protein powder and increase the amount of oats or nut butter for binding. The balls will still be tasty but with less protein content.

Banana Protein Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 69 reviews

These Banana Protein Balls are a nutritious and delicious no-bake snack, packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas, protein from your favorite protein powder, and healthy fats from nut butter. Perfectly chewy with a hint of cinnamon and optional mini chocolate chips for a fun twist, they’re easy to make and great for on-the-go energy boosts or post-workout refueling.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 20 banana protein balls 1x
• Category: Snacks
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe bananas (overripe with speckles preferred)
• 1½ cups rolled oats (quick oats or certified gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup protein powder (whey, pea, soy, collagen, or your favorite type)
• ⅓ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower for nut-free option)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness & chewiness)
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (flax seeds can be used as alternative)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional – can substitute cacao nibs, dried fruit, or chopped nuts)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth to create a natural sweet and moist base for the protein balls.
2. Combine dry ingredients: Add rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt (if using) to the mashed bananas. Mix them evenly to distribute all dry components.
3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the nut butter and honey or maple syrup (if using) along with vanilla extract (if desired). Mix well until the mixture is sticky and holds together well for forming balls.
4. Incorporate mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
5. Form the balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
6. Chill to set: Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance the chewy texture.
7. Store and serve: Transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy as a healthy snack anytime!

Notes

• You can substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.
• Oats can be replaced with gluten-free oats if needed for dietary restrictions.
• For a vegan option, use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
• If you prefer less sweetness, omit the honey or maple syrup and increase the nut butter slightly for binding.
• Adding a pinch of salt and vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, but these are optional additions.

Keywords: banana protein balls, no bake snack, healthy snack, protein balls, energy bites, gluten free, no cook recipe, quick snack