Protein Balls
Protein balls, AKA Energy Bites are pop able balls of goodness. They are all the rage and come in a rainbow of colors and flavors. Some are packed with added protein or superfoods, they can be vegan and dairy free but mine are always gluten free. These energy bites are great as a mid morning snack to hold you over until lunch, a post workout snack, or a healthier option to dessert in the evening.
I have been making protein balls for the last two years. I enjoy testing various recipes and playing with different flavors according to the season. Currently, I am loving blueberry and cherry variations, filled with chia seeds, sprinkled with coconut and rolled in almond flour. Here are two of my latest favorites that I wanted to share with you…
Blueberry Almond~
Ingredients:
1 cup gluten free oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
1/3 cup flax seed
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup dried organic blueberries
1 cup finely chopped raw almonds
1/4 cup chocolate chips (Ghirardelli or Guittard are gluten free)
1/3 cup organic almond butter (heated until liquidy) (can also sub for other nut or seed butters)
3 Tbsp. water
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla
Reserve for rolling: 1/4 cup superfine almond flour
1/4 cup raw, unsweetened coconut
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients, including the oats, flax, protein powder, dried blueberries, almonds and chocolate chips.
In a microwave safe dish, warm the almond butter in the microwave until liquidy. Add the honey and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour it over the dry ingredients and stir to mix. Add the 3 Tbsp. water. (Add 1 more if needed and mixture is too dry.)
Use an ice cream scooper to scoop your dough into uniform balls. Roll the dough tightly between your hands, if the dough is sticking to your hands then wet your hands slightly with water. If dough isn’t sticking together then place mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Lay your balls out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl combine the superfine almond flour and coconut together. Then roll each ball in the “topping”. These balls will keep fresh in the refrigerator for one week or in the freezer for up to three months.
This one is a great protein ball to excite the kids with! Although, adults love it just the same.
This next recipe is adapted from http://onelittleproject.com. I changed it just a bit and added protein powder. Whenever there is peanut butter, protein powder and chocolate involved… I AM IN! And, I don’t know about your kids, but mine are not always fond of my usual protein balls that are packed with “healthy stuff”. This is definitely a healthier option when it comes to treats, (SHHH! Don’t tell them) and is a great way to give them a boost of protein.
Oats and M&M’s~
Ingredients:
2 cups gluten free oats (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
3 Tbsp. vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup honey
1 cup organic creamy peanut butter (heated until liquidy)
1/4 cup Mini M&M’s
Directions:
In a medium mixing bowl combine the oats and protein powder and stir.
In a glass, microwave safe bowl, heat up the peanut butter until liquidy. Then add the honey and stir together.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and stir until combined. Add mini m&m’s and fold, careful not to crush the candy.
Place mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 20 min.
Use an ice cream scooper to scoop your dough into uniform balls then roll the dough tightly between your hands. Line them up in a container with a lid and keep in your refrigerator for a week. Can also freeze for up to three months.
