Oat-Free Protein Balls with Dates
Easy and delicious, these oat-free protein balls with dates make the perfect quick snack! They’re packed with protein and have a delicious texture you’ll love.
Like pretty much everyone, my family LOVES snacks! Whether it’s an afternoon snack for my toddler or a quick before-dinner snack for my husband after a day of work, we go through snacks as fast as I can make them.
For years, my date energy balls have been a consistent favorite around here. However, recently I decided to change things up a bit and make protein balls instead.
The extra protein makes them much more satisfying than regular date balls, and the vanilla protein powder adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Quick & easy – These are so incredibly easy to make! They’re perfect for the kids to help with or you can quickly throw them together if you have a few extra minutes in your day.
Great texture – Protein powder tends to make snacks a little sandy or gritty, but the dates help to balance that out and give these balls a delicious texture.
Delicious flavor – With their rich, sweet flavor, dates are the ultimate ingredient in protein balls! They combine perfectly with the earthy flavor of walnuts and the subtly-sweet vanilla protein powder.
Satisfying snack – These protein balls with dates are high in fat and protein to make them the perfect pick-me-up any time of day!
Grain-free treat – If you’re trying to avoid grains (or just aren’t a fan of raw oats in snacks), these protein balls are exactly the snack you need!
How to Store
Place the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure the container is sealed well since they can easily pick up other flavors from the fridge!
How to Freeze
Protein balls are the perfect snack to make in advance and freeze! Simply place them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to thaw them, you can move them to the fridge. Also, some people (like my husband) prefer eating them straight out of the freezer.
Tips for Success
Don’t over grind the mixture – You want to make sure everything is well-combined and there are no chunks of dates or nuts. However, if you grind it too long, the oil in the walnuts will begin to separate from the rest of the mixture.
Use mild, pleasant-tasting protein powder – The flavor of the protein powder needs to blend nicely with the dates and walnuts, not clash or overpower it. I used Garden of Life vanilla protein powder and it was delicious.
FAQs
No, fresh dates will give these protein balls the best flavor and texture.
If you let the food processor run too long, the walnuts will release too much oil and make the balls oily. If this happens, simply place the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before rolling them.
No, you can skip it if you prefer. For the best dates balls without protein powder, you can make energy balls.
Yes! These protein balls are made with real, healthy ingredients, especially if you use a healthy protein powder.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Oat-free protein balls with dates are my favorite snack for car rides! If you store them in the freezer, they’ll stay cool longer in the car which is perfect for warm days.
Tools You May Need
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Ingredients
How to Make Oat-Free Protein Balls with Dates
Step 1: First, place the dates, walnuts, protein powder, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla in your food processor.
Step 2: Blend the mixture until it comes together as a soft dough. If you let it run too long, it may get too soft and oily to easily form into balls.
If that does happen, just place it in the fridge for 10 or 15 minutes to firm up again before moving on.
Step 3: Form the dough into small approximately 1 1/2 inch balls.
Step 4: Then roll the balls in shredded coconut.
Step 5: Place the protein balls side-by-side on a baking sheet, cover, and place them in the fridge to chill for an hour.
Step 6: Enjoy your delicious energy balls or freeze for later!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
More Healthy Snack Recipes
Oat Flour Banana Muffins (Gluten-Free)
Savory Mexican Roasted Cashews
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies without Eggs
Oat-Free Protein Balls with Dates
Easy and delicious, these oat-free protein balls with dates make the perfect snack! They're packed with protein and have a delicious texture.
Ingredients
- 30 fresh dates
- 1 cup walnut halves and pieces
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the dates, walnuts, protein powder, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla in your food processor.
- Blend the mixture until it comes together as a soft dough.
- Form the dough into small approximately 1 1/2 inch balls and roll in shredded coconut.
- Place the protein balls side-by-side on a baking sheet, cover, and place them in the fridge to chill for an hour before eating.
Notes
- I used Deglet Noor dates in these protein balls, but Medjool dates would also be delicious! Medjool dates are bigger, so if you use them, you can reduce the number of dates by 50%.
- Make sure to use protein powder with a mild flavor. I used Garden of Life vanilla protein powder, and it was delicious.
- If you prefer, you can substitute flax seeds for the chia seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 25 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 68Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you love these protein balls, please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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