No-bake, sweet, chewy, and packed with protein.
Hey There!
This recipe is one of my go-tos when I need a quick snack that actually fills me up.
These Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls taste like a treat, but they’re full of good stuff like oats, almond butter, and protein powder.
I make a batch on Sunday and keep ’em in the fridge all week for an easy grab-and-go bite.
You only need one bowl, no baking, and about 10 minutes. Let’s do this!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter (stirred and smooth)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🫶 Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s personal. I started making protein balls when I got tired of store-bought bars that tasted like cardboard. These feel like a sweet treat, but they’ve got protein and fiber, too. Here’s why they’re always in my fridge:
- Ready in 10 minutes, no baking
- Just one bowl = less cleanup
- Naturally sweet with a soft, chewy texture
- Easy to customize with what you have
- Perfect for that mid-morning or 3PM slump
📊 Macros (per ball, makes 12 balls)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Protein balls need the perfect ratio of sticky (almond butter + honey) and dry (oats + protein powder) to hold together. The almond butter and honey bind everything without needing to cook. Protein powder adds bulk and texture while the oats help absorb moisture. A pinch of salt and vanilla brings out the sweetness.
🍽 Meal Plan Ideas
- Mid-morning snack with coffee
- Post-workout bite with a banana
- Healthy dessert when that sweet tooth hits
- On-the-go breakfast with a smoothie
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using dry almond butter: If your almond butter is stiff, microwave it for 10 seconds so it mixes easier.
- Too much dry stuff: If the mix is crumbly, add a teaspoon of water or more honey.
- Skipping the chill time: They’ll be too soft. 10 minutes in the fridge helps them firm up.
- Overmixing the chocolate chips: They melt if you stir too much while the mix is warm.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Hot coffee or iced latte
- Fresh fruit (sliced apples, berries)
- A smoothie (banana + almond milk + spinach is great!)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
- Airtight container for storing
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Almond butter → Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
- Honey → Maple syrup or agave
- Cranberries → Raisins or chopped dates
- White chocolate chips → Dark chocolate or mini M&Ms
- Vanilla protein → Chocolate protein works too
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
You can make these up to 1 week in advance and store in the fridge. Or freeze for up to 2 months. They defrost in 10-15 minutes!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add 1/2 cup smooth almond butter, 1/3 cup honey, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Stir until fully blended.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir well until everything is coated.
Step 3: Fold in the Mix-ins
Add 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries and 1/4 cup white chocolate chips. Gently fold in.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Scoop the mixture using your hands or a cookie scoop and roll into 12 balls.
Step 5: Chill
Place the balls in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to set.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Or freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months
- Let frozen ones sit out for 10 minutes before eating
❓ FAQ
Can I skip the protein powder?
Yep! Just add 2 more tablespoons of oats to balance the texture.
Can I use quick oats?
You can, but the texture will be a bit softer. Rolled oats give a better bite.
Do I need to melt the almond butter?
Only if it’s thick. You want it smooth and stirrable.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a bigger bowl!
🏁 Let’s Wrap It Up
There you go! These Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls are everything: sweet, chewy, and filling. Perfect for busy days or when you need a little pick-me-up. Try ’em out, then drop a comment and let me know how it went—or any fun twists you tried!