gluten free protein balls: Are you searching for that perfect snack? You know, the one that’s healthy, satisfying, and doesn’t require turning on your oven? You’ve found it.
Table of Contents
These gluten free protein balls are the ultimate grab-and-go treat. They give you a fantastic energy boost and crush those sweet cravings in the best way possible.
A Little Story About This Dish
My afternoons used to be a frantic search for something—anything!—to snack on. I needed a quick bite to get me through the pre-dinner slump, but I kept reaching for things that left me feeling sluggish.
That all changed when I perfected this recipe. These little bites became my secret weapon. Now, I have a container of them in the fridge, ready to save the day whenever hunger strikes. They are a true game-changer for busy days. If you’re looking for more gluten-free meal ideas, here are some for you to try: Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Get Ready to Cook!
What to Expect
Get excited, because this is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make. In about 25 minutes of active prep time, you can have these protein balls ready for the fridge. They need about 30 minutes to chill and firm up before they’re ready to enjoy.
Before You Begin
A couple of quick tips will make this process even smoother. First, line your baking sheet with parchment paper right away. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Most importantly, make sure you let the warm peanut butter mixture cool down for at least 10 minutes before you add the chocolate chips. This is the secret to keeping your mini chips whole and not a melty mess.
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Gluten Free Protein balls Recipe
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 36 1x
Description
These gluten free protein balls are the ultimate grab-and-go treat. They give you a fantastic energy boost and crush sweet cravings. Easy, no-bake, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey, they’re the perfect healthy snack for any time of day.
Ingredients
2 cups (200 g) old fashioned rolled oats, (gluten free if necessary)
1 cup (80 g) unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup (160 g) hulled raw hemp seeds
½ cup (60 g) oat flour, (gluten free if necessary)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ cups (384 g) smooth peanut butter
½ cup (168 g) honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or your favorite flavoring
4 ounces miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1. Prep Your Pans and Dry Ingredients: First, prepare your workstation. Grab a large baking sheet with raised edges and line it completely with parchment paper. In a separate large bowl, combine the rolled oats, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, oat flour, and salt. Give them a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
Step 2. Toast for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended!): For an incredible flavor boost, spread the oat, coconut, and seed mixture in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Toast them in your oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes, stirring once, until they are golden and fragrant. Then, carefully transfer the toasted mix back into your large bowl.
Step 3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Now, make a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the smooth peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract right into that well. Begin mixing everything together until it’s thoroughly combined into a thick, uniform dough.
Step 4. Let it Cool, Then Add Chocolate: This step is key! You must let the mixture cool for at least 10 minutes. If you add the chocolate while it’s warm, you’ll have a melty mess. Once it feels cool to the touch, fold in the miniature chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5. Scoop and Portion the Dough: Using a small cookie scoop (a #50 scoop is perfect for this) or a heaping tablespoon, portion out the mixture. Drop these scoops onto the parchment-lined baking sheet you prepared earlier. This recipe should give you about 36 portions.
Step 6. Roll and Chill: Take each portion and roll it tightly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. Place the finished gluten free protein balls back on the baking sheet. Once all the dough is rolled, slide the entire sheet into the refrigerator to chill until firm.
Notes
Crucial Tip: Make sure you let the warm peanut butter mixture cool down for at least 10 minutes before you add the chocolate chips. This is the secret to keeping your mini chips whole.
Serving Temperature: While they hold their shape at room temperature, these protein balls are best served chilled directly from the refrigerator for the firmest texture.
Storage: Store the chilled protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Ingredient Note: For a strictly gluten-free recipe, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free oat flour.
- Prep Time: 25
- Category: Snack, Healthy, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
| Amount | Ingredient |
| 2 cups (200 g) | old-fashioned rolled oats, (gluten-free if necessary) |
| 1 cup (80 g) | unsweetened coconut flakes |
| 1 cup (160 g) | hulled raw hemp seeds |
| ½ cup (60 g) | oat flour, (gluten free if necessary) |
| ½ teaspoon | kosher salt |
| 1 ½ cups (384 g) | smooth peanut butter |
| ½ cup (168 g) | honey |
| 1 teaspoon | pure vanilla extract or other flavoring |
| 4 ounces | miniature chocolate chips |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Dry Ingredients
First, prepare your workstation. Grab a large baking sheet with raised edges and line it completely with parchment paper. In a separate large bowl, combine the rolled oats, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, oat flour, and salt. Give them a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
Step 2: Toast for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended!)
For an incredible flavor boost, spread the oat, coconut, and seed mixture in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Toast them in your oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes, stirring once, until they are golden and fragrant. Then, carefully transfer the toasted mix back into your large bowl.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, make a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the smooth peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract right into that well. Begin mixing everything together until it’s thoroughly combined into a thick, uniform dough.
Step 4: Let it Cool, Then Add Chocolate
This step is key! You must let the mixture cool for at least 10 minutes. If you add the chocolate while it’s warm, you’ll have a melty mess. Once it feels cool to the touch, fold in the miniature chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Scoop and Portion the Dough
Using a small cookie scoop (a #50 scoop is perfect for this) or a heaping tablespoon, portion out the mixture. Drop these scoops onto the parchment-lined baking sheet you prepared earlier. This recipe should give you about 36 portions.
Step 6: Roll and Chill
Take each portion and roll it tightly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. Place the finished gluten free protein balls back on the baking sheet. Once all the dough is rolled, slide the entire sheet into the refrigerator to chill until firm.
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
To get the best texture, always serve these protein balls chilled. While they hold their shape just fine at room temperature, they are much firmer and more satisfying straight from the fridge.
For storage, place the finished and chilled protein balls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes them perfect for meal prepping a healthy snack for the days ahead. For more gluten-free meal inspiration, consider these suggestions: Homemade Gluten Free Gnocchi, Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Are protein balls gluten-free?
Yes, these protein balls are designed to be gluten-free. The key is to use certified gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats and gluten-free oat flour. Always check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
What can I use instead of rolled oats in protein balls?
While rolled oats provide the classic texture for this recipe, you could experiment with other options. Quinoa flakes or even a mix of finely chopped nuts and seeds could work, but it would change the final consistency and flavor.
Are protein balls actually good for you?
Absolutely! These gluten free protein balls are packed with wholesome ingredients. You get fiber from the oats, healthy fats and protein from the peanut butter and hemp seeds, and a touch of natural sweetness from honey. They are a fantastic source of energy and much better for you than processed snacks.
What is a good binder for protein balls?
In this recipe, the combination of smooth peanut butter and honey acts as the perfect binder. They hold all the dry ingredients together, creating that classic chewy, dense texture that makes these bites so irresistible.
Dig In & Enjoy!
gluten free protein balls: There you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy snack that’s ready in just a few minutes. You’ve just created the perfect solution for those hectic days and snack-time emergencies. Each one of these gluten free protein balls is a powerhouse of flavor and the clean fuel you need to power through your day, perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or just a quiet moment for yourself.
We would absolutely love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any creative twists you added. Your feedback helps our whole community of food lovers. Now, go ahead and dig in and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade treat you can feel great about eating.
Be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Pinterest for a steady stream of gluten-free recipe ideas.