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.

Gluten Free Protein balls: The Easiest No-Bake Recipe

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

Scale

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

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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