As the air gets crisp and the holidays approach, our cravings for comforting treats often increase. But who says you can’t indulge in something delicious *and* nourishing? These No-Bake Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls are the ultimate answer! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, packed with protein to keep you energized, and bursting with that delightful sweet and tart combination of cranberry and white chocolate. Perfect for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up, a post-workout refuel, or a healthy addition to your meal prep rotation, these little powerhouses are sure to become a go-to favorite. Say goodbye to sugary impulse buys and hello to your new favorite healthy snack!
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Protein Balls
- Effortless: No baking required! Just mix, roll, and enjoy.
- Energizing: Packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Festive Flavors: The sweet cranberries and creamy white chocolate are a match made in heaven.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and have healthy snacks ready to go all week.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter, cashew butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (mini ones work well)
- 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or water (as needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Your No-Bake Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, and pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Mix and Mash: Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add the almond milk or water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the balls will be too soft.
- Stir in the Goodies: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Roll into Balls: Take about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Chill and Set: Place the rolled protein balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Enjoy! Your delicious no-bake energy bites are ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success & Delicious Variations
- Consistency is Key: The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on your protein powder and nut butter. Start with less and add more only if necessary. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape when rolled.
- Nut-Free? Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds to the mixture.
- Chocolate Lover? Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warming spice to these protein balls.
- No Protein Powder? You can omit it, but you’ll likely need to adjust the wet ingredients to achieve a good rolling consistency. The protein content will also be lower.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1 ball)
Please note that nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: ~100-120 kcal
- Protein: ~5-7g
- Sugar: ~6-8g (depending on sweetener and chocolate used)
These are fantastic for healthy **snacks** when you need sustained energy.
Serving & Storage
These No-Bake Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls are best served chilled. They make a fantastic breakfast addition, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy dessert. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.