If you’re looking for a fun and nutritious snack, these Easy Homemade Granola Protein Balls are just the ticket! I remember making a batch with my son Jake after school, and we had a blast mixing everything together. They’re perfect for after-school snacks or meal prep for the week, and trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re super easy to make and require no baking.
- You can customize them with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
- They’re a healthy snack that kids and adults will love.
Pure Comfort
These protein balls are not just tasty; they bring a sense of comfort with every bite. They remind me of cozy afternoons in the kitchen, filled with laughter and the sweet smell of oats.
What You Need
- 2 cups 2 cups rolled oats – Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- 1 cup 1 cup nut butter (peanut or almond) – You can substitute with sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup – Maple syrup is a great vegan option.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Use dark chocolate for a healthier choice.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup chia seeds – These add a nice crunch and extra nutrition.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) – Feel free to mix and match your favorites.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 0 minutes | Total: 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, they can be made ahead and stored.
Steps to Make It
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. It’s important to have everything ready so you can mix quickly. This way, you won’t forget anything!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nut butter, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until everything is well combined and sticky. You should see a nice, gooey texture forming.
- Next, fold in the chocolate chips, chia seeds, and dried fruit. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The colors should be vibrant and inviting.
- Now, it’s time to form the mixture into balls. Use your hands to scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. They should be firm enough to hold their shape but still soft.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking. You can also use a plate if you don’t have a baking sheet handy.
- Once all the balls are formed, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel solid to the touch.
- After chilling, they’re ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for about a week.
Make It Perfect
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of water or more nut butter.
- You can also add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor.
- For a fun twist, roll the balls in shredded coconut or crushed nuts.
Mix It Up
- Try using different nut butters like cashew or hazelnut.
- Add protein powder for an extra boost.
- Swap out the dried fruit for fresh fruit like banana or apple.
Perfect Partners
- These protein balls pair well with yogurt for a quick breakfast.
- Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a smoothie.
- They make a great addition to a lunchbox alongside fresh fruit.
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FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well in the fridge for about a week.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze these protein balls?
Yes, they freeze well! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup works great as a vegan alternative.
What if I don’t have chia seeds?
You can leave them out or substitute with flaxseeds.
Conclusion
These Easy Homemade Granola Protein Balls are a fantastic snack for any time of day. Whether you’re prepping for the week or looking for a quick after-school treat, they’re sure to please. Give them a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness!
Easy Homemade Granola Protein Balls Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- 1 cup nut butter (peanut or almond) You can substitute with sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup Maple syrup is a great vegan option.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Use dark chocolate for a healthier choice.
- 1/4 cup chia seeds These add a nice crunch and extra nutrition.
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) Feel free to mix and match your favorites.
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nut butter, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until everything is well combined and sticky.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, chia seeds, and dried fruit. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into balls by scooping out about 1 tablespoon and rolling it into a ball.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- After chilling, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.