Dried cranberries and chocolate chips enhance these almond butter protein balls, making them a high-fiber, high-protein decadent treat!
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These delightful and nutritious almond butter protein balls are both satisfying and energizing. Take a nibble of these bite-sized wonders that are a perfect fusion of flavor and function, designed to provide a convenient boost of protein and healthy fats for your active lifestyle. These protein-packed gems feature the rich creaminess of almond butter, expertly combined with a medley of wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, almond flour, slivered almonds, and decadent chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a hint of decadence. Whether you’re seeking a post-workout snack, an on-the-go indulgence, or a guilt-free way to curb your cravings, almond butter protein balls offer a delicious solution that caters to your taste buds and your wellness goals.
💗 Why You’ll Love These Protein Balls
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Almond butter protein balls are a powerhouse of nutrients, blending the natural goodness of almond butter with other wholesome ingredients. This combination provides a balanced mix of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, promoting satiety and sustained energy levels.
Convenient and Portable: These protein balls are the ultimate snack for those with a busy lifestyle. They’re conveniently sized and easily portable, making them a perfect on-the-go option to curb hunger and maintain your energy throughout the day.
Satisfying Sweetness: With a touch of sweetness from natural sources like dates or honey, almond butter protein balls offer a satisfying flavor profile without relying on refined sugars. They provide a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth while nourishing your body.
Plant-Based Protein: Almond butter is a fantastic plant-based source of protein, making these balls an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians. Protein is essential for muscle recovery, growth, and overall body maintenance.
Gluten-Free: These little balls of goodness are gluten-free and made with rolled oats and almond butter to hold them together.
Family-Friendly: Almond butter protein balls aren’t just for fitness enthusiasts; they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. Their delectable taste and bite-sized nature make them a snack for the whole family.
🥣 Ingredients and Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Be sure to use rolled oats, not quick oats. They will hold together better when these are rolled into balls.
Almond Flour: Use blanched almond flour. This ingredient adds protein and helps to hold the elements together without the need for flour.
Almond Butter: Opt for organic almond butter without added sugar if possible. My favorite is to use raw almond butter.
Slivered Almonds: The added almonds bring more protein and add that extra bit of crunch and almond flavor to these protein balls.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds a bit of decadence to this recipe, making them taste like a special treat or dessert. If you want a chocolate-free dessert, feel free to leave them out.
Dried Cranberries: The sweet tartness of the dried cranberries brings a chewy texture. Use any dried fruit you like, such as raisins, dried blueberries, or dried cherries.
Maple Syrup: Refined sugar-free maple syrup helps bind the ingredients together, adding natural sweetness.
Chia Seeds: Adds both protein and omega-3s.
Vanilla Extract: Balances the flavors of the other ingredients.
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Almond Butter Protein Balls
- Combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, almond flour, slivered almonds, dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chia seeds. Stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients: almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Fold the ingredients together.
- Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the batter, and roll it into a ball until all the batter has been used. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Serve after chilling, or keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
📝 Expert Tip
If the batter is too wet, add one more tablespoon of almond flour until a good consistency is reached.
📖 Recipe Variations
Almond Joy: Instead of adding cranberries, use shredded coconut with chocolate chunks for an almond joy flavor protein ball.
Blueberry Cherry Pie: Take out the cranberries and chocolate chips, and use dried blueberries and dried cherries for a berry pie flavor.
🍽 How to Serve
On-the-Go Snack: Almond butter protein balls are the ideal portable snack. Pack them in a small container or zip-top bag and carry them with you wherever you go. They’re perfect for quick energy boosts during busy days or while you’re on the move.
Post-Workout Fuel: After a workout, your body craves protein and nutrients for recovery. Enjoy a couple of almond butter protein balls as a post-exercise snack to replenish energy and aid muscle repair.
Healthy Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth with almond butter protein balls as a guilt-free dessert. Their natural sweetness and rich flavor make for a delightful after-meal treat.
Healthy Party Treats: If you’re hosting a gathering or party, consider serving almond butter protein balls as a nutritious alternative to sugary treats. Arrange them on a platter for guests to enjoy.
School or Work Lunchbox: Pack almond butter protein balls in your or your kids’ lunchboxes. They’re a great addition to a balanced lunch and can help curb hunger during the day.
❓ Recipe FAQS
Yes, protein balls are healthy in moderation when they are made with whole and natural ingredients. Look for a protein ball that is low in sugar and contains healthy mono-unsaturated fats. These protein balls are made with raw almond butter, slivered almonds, and almond flour, which includes healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. In addition, they have chia seeds which add omega-3 fatty acids, and rolled oats that are rich in fiber. However, it’s best to limit your consumption to 1-2 as they are high in calories.
Sure, you can eat protein balls every day, especially if they are homemade with natural ingredients. Just remember to limit them to 1-2 servings a day.
One almond butter protein ball contains 159 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber.
🫙 How to Store and Keep
Refrigeration: Almond butter protein balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft or losing shape. Choose a container that seals tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor. They will keep in the refrigerator for about four days.
Single Layer: If you’re storing a large batch of almond butter protein balls, consider arranging them in a single layer in the container. If you need to stack them, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your almond butter protein balls, you can also freeze them. Place the protein balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Frozen almond butter protein balls can last for several months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen almond butter protein balls, transfer them to the refrigerator for a few hours or leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until they soften.
😋 More Protein Balls You’ll Enjoy!
⚖️ Serving Size
Each ball is about 1-2 tablespoons and makes 12-14 balls in total. Each ball is one serving.
Recipe
Almond Butter Protein Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, almond flour, slivered almonds, dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chia seeds. Stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients: almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Fold the ingredients together.
- Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the batter, and roll into a ball until all the batter has been used. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Serve after chilling, or keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- If the batter is too wet, add one more tablespoon of almond flour until a good consistency is reached.
- Almond butter protein balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days.
- Frozen almond butter protein balls can last for several months.
Chelsea
As someone with a peanut allergy, I always appreciate protein ball recipes with other nut butters and these are PERFECT. The combo of dried cranberries with dark chocolate chips is unbelievably delicious. Will make again!
Biana
These protein balls look great. Perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Dina and Bruce
These were a huge hit! Rolled them in crushed roasted almonds! So good!
Carrie Robinson
I love anything with almond butter! 🙂 These would be perfect for enjoying post-workout.
Kechi
Made this for my after work out treat and it was so amazing. My husband loved it too! Hope to make again.
Sara Welch
This was such a hearty and crunchy snack that does not disappoint! The best healthy, tasty go-to snack, indeed!
Ieva
Made these a couple of times now, and I have to say, they are already our favourite to take as a snack to work. Super easy to make, and they keep well for a few days, so they pretty much see us through the working week. Definitely a great energy boost any time! Plus, they’re really tasty!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
I could snack on these all days. Great combination of fruit and nuts and the almond butter is one of my favourites too.
Anthony
Really delicious! I love the cranberries and almond slivers in them – it was hard to stop eating them!
Kristine
I made these protein balls as part of my meal prep for the week and not only are they easy, they are INCREDIBLE! Saving to make again, thanks!