These easy Almond Butter Protein Balls are a no-bake healthy snack made in minutes! Packed with oats, almond flour, and almond butter.
Almond butter oat balls are one of my favorite make-ahead snacks! I love them because they're naturally sweetened with dates and honey, along with Lemon Coconut Protein Balls, their amazing zippy cousin.
I first became obsessed with protein balls with almond butter during pregnancy, and as a nurse working the night shift, I needed healthy energy-packed snacks. They are packed with protein and nutrients, and have only good things in them. Best of all, they only take 10 minutes to make and are no-bake! And don't worry if you don't have a food processor, they can easily be made in a blender too.
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🛒 Ingredients
- Oats - gluten free if needed, adds fiber, protein, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates to the bites.
- Almond butter - creamy, no stir kind
- Almond flour - adds protein and body to the bites without drying them out.
- Pitted Dates - fresh-ish is best! The older and drier they are, the more liquid you will need to add to the bites so they are not crumbly.
- Vanilla & Almond Extract - this adds much needed flavor and liquid to the protein balls with few calories.
- Honey - or agave nectar - the sweetener and liquid binder for the bites.
See the recipe card below for full list of ingredients with quantities and instructions.
✏️ Substitutions
- Honey can be switched to agave nectar, another natural sweetener.
- Dates- you can switch the dates for dried cherries, apricots, raisins, or blueberries but the flavor will be different and liquids may need to be added to account for the drier fruit.
- Substitute almond extract with 1 teaspoon maple extract for an almond maple protein bite!
🧑🍳 Instructions
I have a couple of different ways to make these. Not everyone owns a processor (me for a long time!) so I included how to make almond butter balls in a blender AND a food processor.
For a Food Processor:
Step 1. Add the oats, dates, almond flour, almond butter, almond and vanilla extract, and honey to the bowl of the food processor.
Step 2. Process/blend the ingredients for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides as necessary until the oats are broken down finely and the mixture begins to stick together.
Step 3. Using a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop, pack the "dough" firmly into the scoop to help to divide the balls into even portions.
Step 4. Roll the dough into more firm balls after scooping so they don't crumble apart. See Top Tips below for help if they are crumbly.
If you don't have a food processor:
- Use a blender to blend the oats first until they are powdery, then add the dates and blend well.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and add other ingredients to finish mixing, the thicker mixture doesn't work well in a blender.
- Use a Tablespoon or cookie scoop to measure, and shape/roll into balls. Chill in airtight container in fridge for 1-2 hours to set up.
📌 Top Tips
- Use fresh dates for best results, there's more moisture in them.
- Weigh out the ingredients with a kitchen scale for accuracy so they don't turn out dry and crumbly.
- If you're wondering why your protein balls won't stick together, see the Frequently Asked Questions section below for more options to make your mixture more wet and easier to work with.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes the dates are older and more dry, or oats and almond flour amounts differ due to the American cups measurement system.
To make them less dry, you can:
Add water ½ teaspoon at a time until mixture reaches desired consistency
Add more nut/seed butter
Add more liquid sweetener such as honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
Add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil
Add 1-2 pieces of fresh fruit to moisten the mixture
You can store protein balls in an airtight container:
• Room temperature 3-5 days
• Refrigerator up to 2 weeks
• Freezer up to 3 months
Yes, it is safe to eat the traditional raw oats you find in the grocery store, which have been heated and steamed during processing, destroying harmful bacteria. The processing ensures safety for raw consumption. That being said, eating large portions can cause some bloating or uncomfortable digestion, so don't go eating all of these at once, even though you may be tempted to!
Yes! These energy balls are high protein due to the almond flour, almond butter, and added vanilla protein powder. They are also high in fiber, iron, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates making them a high energy, nutrient dense snack.
They are naturally sweetened with dried dates and honey (or agave nectar for a vegan friendly option) and are also gluten-free.
Yes, everything in moderation. 2-3 balls as a snack is plenty for one day if meals are balanced. All foods consumed during the day should be considered.
☀️ More Oatmeal Breakfast Ideas
I love to have healthy meal prep breakfasts with oats ready for busy mornings, and these are delicious, kid-friendly, and SO easy to make ahead!
📝 Printable Recipe
Almond Butter Protein Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (100g) gluten free if needed
- 6 dates, chopped (40g)
- ½ cup almond flour (50g)
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder of choice 1 scoop (25g)
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 3 Tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
If using a food processor:
- Combine all ingredients in the large bowl with large blade and process for 1-2 minutes, until well combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Use a Tablespoon to measure out portions and roll/shape into balls.
If using blender:
- In the blender, blend oats until crumbly and fine, no big pieces left. Add chopped dates and blend until well combined and no large pieces left.
- Transfer mixture to mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Use a Tablespoon to measure out portions and roll/shape into balls.
Notes
- Room temperature 3-5 days
- Refrigerator up to 2 weeks
- Freezer up to 3 months
- Add water ½ teaspoon at a time until mixture reaches desired consistency
- Add more nut/seed butter
- Add more liquid sweetener such as honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil
- Add 1-2 pieces of fresh fruit to moisten the mixture
Nutrition
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