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Banana Bread Protein Balls

Banana Bread Protein Balls

Banana Bread Protein Balls are a delicious, energizing snack that captures the warm flavors of banana bread in a convenient, no-bake bite. Made with natural ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, nut butter, and protein powder, these protein balls are perfect for a pre-workout boost, an afternoon snack, or a wholesome dessert alternative. Easy to prepare and portable, they offer sustained energy and a kid-friendly taste that can be customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

  • Mini dark chocolate chips or 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate twist)
  • Hemp seeds or oat bran (for extra fiber)
  • Pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger (for spiced flavor)
  • Sunflower seed butter (for nut-free option)
  • Almond milk or water (to adjust dough consistency, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Stir in the nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until evenly combined. This mixture forms the moist base that binds your protein balls.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and optional chia or flax seeds. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution before combining with the wet ingredients.
  3. Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana blend, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of almond milk or water; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats.
  4. Roll into Balls: Scoop portions of the dough with a spoon or cookie scoop and roll between your palms to create bite-sized balls. Aim for roughly one-inch diameter so they’re easy to eat and snack on all day.
  5. Chill and Set: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps everything hold together and enhances the flavor melding.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest and most flavorful protein balls.
  • Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey according to the natural sweetness of your bananas.
  • Gently combine ingredients to avoid a gummy texture.
  • Roll protein balls in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
  • Store the balls in an airtight container to preserve freshness and texture for several days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Banana bread, protein balls, no bake snack, healthy snack, gluten free, energy bites, kid-friendly, portable snack