Lemon coconut protein balls are no bake energy balls with dates, oats, almond butter, almond flour, coconut, lemon, and protein powder.
No-bake lemon coconut protein balls
No bake snacks are growing on me, especially when they taste like dessert. I've made versions like Almond Butter Protein Balls that also taste like a treat rather than a healthy snack, and I'm here for all of them.
You can make protein balls with or without a food processor, which makes them an easy access travel snack, college snack, work out snack, you name it. In fact, when I was in college I made energy bites with a single serve blender to blend up my oats and dates. It is so easy!
How to make Lemon Coconut Protein Balls
If you don't have a food processor:
- Use a blender to blend the oats until powdery, add the dates and blend well.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and add other ingredients and mix well.
- Use a Tablespoon to measure, and shape/roll into balls. Chill in airtight container in fridge for 1-2 hours to set up.
If you use a food processor:
- Add all ingredients and process until well combined, 1-2 minutes.
- Use a Tablespoon or cookie dough scoop to measure and shape/roll into balls.
- Roll in coconut flakes and lemon zest (optional).
- Chill in airtight container in fridge for 1-2 hours to set up.
Are Protein Balls good for you?
Yes! Protein balls are higher in protein because of the the almond flour, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder. It's awesome that they are also packed with fiber, iron, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates making them a snack that makes you feel full longer.
They are naturally sweetened with dried dates and honey (or agave nectar for a vegan friendly option) and are also gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats.
How do you store energy balls?
You can store protein balls in an airtight container:
- Room temperature 3-5 days
- Refrigerator up to 2 weeks
- Freezer up to 3 months
Customize your protein balls
- Adding dried fruits and nuts in place of the dates and almond flour.
- Using other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or cream of coconut syrup.
- Using other nut or seed butters such as cashew, peanut, sunflower seed, etc. for different flavors.
- Using limes or oranges and omitting the coconut.
The great thing about these are that you can change up the flavors easily! Almond butter and flour have mild flavors so you can use them for a lot of different flavor combinations without them overpowering anything. Have fun and don't eat them all in one sitting.
Lemon Coconut Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 1½ cups oats
- 6 dates
- ½ cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (1 lemon)
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice (approx. 1 lemon)
- 2 Tablespoons agave nectar or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
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 a 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
Nutrition
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