No-Bake Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls
As the weather becomes colder and the holidays get closer, we often want more soothing foods. But who says you can’t eat something tasty and good for you at the same time? The best answer is these No-Bake Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls! They’re super easy to make, full of protein to keep you going, and they taste great with the sweet and sour mix of cranberry and white chocolate. These small powerhouses are great for when you need a quick boost, a post-workout snack, or a nutritious supplement to your meal prep routine. They will quickly become a favorite. Say goodbye to buying sugary snacks on a whim and welcome to your new favorite healthy snack!
Why You’ll Love These Protein Balls That Don’t Need to Be Baked
- Easy: No need to bake! Just mix, roll, and have fun.
- Energizing: Full of protein to keep you full and happy.
- Festive Flavors: The delicious cranberries and creamy white chocolate go along perfectly.
- Great for meal prep: make a lot of them and you’ll have nutritious snacks all week.
- Customizable: You may easily change it to fit your nutritional needs and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rolled oats (gluten-free if you need them to be)
- 1/2 cup of protein powder (vanilla or plain works best)
- 1/4 cup of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons of white chocolate chips (small ones work nicely)
- 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk or water, as needed to make it the right consistency
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A little bit of salt
Preparation Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium dish, mix the rolled oats, protein powder, and a little salt. Stir well to make sure that everything is mixed in well.
- Add the wet stuff: Put the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla essence in with the dry ingredients.
- mash and Mash: Use a strong spoon or your hands to mash the ingredients together until they create a thick, sticky dough. Add the almond milk or water one tablespoon at a time until the mixture reaches the right consistency if it looks too dry and crumbly. Don’t add too much liquid, otherwise the balls will be too soft.
- Add the Goodies: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until they are uniformly spread out throughout the mixture.
- Make Balls: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to make little balls that are about 1 inch in diameter.
- Chill and Set: Put the rolled protein balls on a plate or baking sheet that has parchment paper on it. Put them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let them harden.
- Have fun! Your tasty no-bake energy bites are ready to eat!
How to Succeed and Make Delicious Changes
- It’s important to be consistent because the amount of liquid you require may change based on your protein powder and nut butter. Start with a little and just add more if you need to. When you roll the mixture, it should be sticky enough to keep its shape.
- No nuts? Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Add Crunch: If you want more texture, you may add a tablespoon of hemp or chia seeds to the mix.
- Are you a chocolate lover? For a distinct taste, try using dark chocolate chips or chunks.
- Add some flavor: A little bit of nutmeg or cinnamon can make these protein balls taste toasty.
- No Protein Powder? You can leave it out, but you’ll probably have to change the wet ingredients to get a decent rolling consistency. The amount of protein will also be decreased.
Nutrition Information
(for one ball, about 1 serving)
Please keep in mind that the nutrition data are only estimates and can change depending on the ingredients utilized.
- Calories: around 100 to 120 kcal
- Protein: about 5 to 7 grams
- Sugar: about 6 to 8 grams, depending on the chocolate and sweetener used.
These are great for nutritious snacks when you need energy for a long time.
These No-Bake Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls taste best when they are cold. They are a great addition to breakfast, a snack in the afternoon, or a nutritious dessert. You may keep them in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before eating.