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Protein Energy Balls (No-Bake, Naturally Sweetened)
Protein Energy Balls – easy no-bake bites made with Medjool dates, dried fruit, walnuts, and chocolate protein powder. Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these mini snacks come together in about 15 minutes.
Use dried cherries, cranberries, sour cherries, or any tart dried fruit you have on hand. This is a flexible base recipe you can adapt to your pantry.
They’re perfect as a quick snack, post-workout bite, or something sweet without turning on the oven.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These
- Protein-packed and satisfying
- No baking required
- Naturally sweetened with dates
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Easy to customize
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients For Protein Energy Balls
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for rolling, optional)
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, cranberries, or sour cherries (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
- 2/3 cup walnuts (or almonds)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp agave nectar (optional, adjust depending on sweetness of fruit)
How to Make Protein Energy Balls
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Soak the dates and dried fruit in hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain well.
- In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until roughly chopped. Do not over process into nut butter. Transfer to a bowl.
- Process the soaked dates and dried fruit until smooth and sticky.
- Combine the fruit mixture with chopped nuts. Add protein powder, agave (if using), vanilla extract, and coconut oil. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into balls. If desired, roll in shredded coconut.
- Chill for 10–20 minutes to firm up.
- Roll into coconut flakes/shredded coconut (optional)
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nut Options
- Pecans work well for a richer flavor.
- Walnuts create a softer texture.
- Almonds make them slightly firmer.
Fruit Options
You can customize the flavor depending on what you have:
- Dried cherries → rich and slightly tart
- Sour cherries → more pronounced tang
- Dried cranberries → slightly sweeter
- A mix of dried fruits → balanced flavor
If using sweetened dried fruit, reduce or omit the agave.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating if frozen.
FAQs
Yes. Simply omit it and add 1-2 tablespoons of oat flour or finely ground nuts if the mixture feels too soft.
A food processor works best. If making by hand, finely chop and mash the soaked fruit thoroughly before mixing.
Yes, as long as your protein powder is gluten free.
Absolutely. It’s optional and purely for texture and presentation.
If you make these Protein Energy Balls, save the recipe for later and tag @cookinglsl on Instagram – I love seeing your creations.
Protein Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, cranberries, or sour cherries (soaked 10 minutes, drained)
- 2/3 cup walnuts, or almonds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar, optional, adjust depending on sweetness of fruit
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, optional, for rolling
Video
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Soak the dates and dried fruit in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain well.
- In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until finely chopped but not turned into nut butter. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add soaked dates and dried fruit to the food processor and blend until smooth and sticky.
- Combine the fruit mixture with the chopped nuts. Add protein powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and agave (if using). Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into balls.
- Roll in shredded coconut if desired.
- Chill for 10–20 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
- If using sweetened dried fruit, reduce or omit the agave nectar.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon water or milk.
- If too sticky, add 1 tablespoon ground nuts or oat flour.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Energy Bites Recipes
Raw Date And Orange Holiday Truffles
Date Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles
Your photos and recipes are just amazing!!! It’s perfect for a pre-workout snack! Thank you for sharing <3
xoxo
Lara
https://pepperandstyle.com
Yum! I always love new energy ball recipes, and you have such great flavors in this recipe! Pinned 🙂