Cinnamon Raisin Protein Energy Balls made with oats, protein powder, almond butter, and more! This simple recipe comes together in just a few minutes and makes the most drool-worthy healthy snack.
I was so enamored with my Cranberry Almond Protein Balls that I just had to revisit the recipe with a flavor change to keep things fresh.
As a true lover of cinnamon raisin flavor (call me old fashioned), I went with this color palate to bring an all-new snack recipe to keep the hangry monster at bay.
While I generally don’t do a lot of snacking throughout the day, I’ve found protein bites like this are a phenomenal way to tide me over while I’m hurriedly making dinner at night, which is when all of my hunger presents itself in full force.
I also love using them as a nice little after dinner treat. Firm believer that honoring the sweet tooth in little mindful ways daily prevents my huge dessert cravings.
For those who like having snacks on hand at all times, healthy protein ball recipes like this are a true treasure.
Firstly and most importantly, they bring that much craved for sweetness but in a mindful way.
Secondly, they add a dose of protein to help blunt the blood sugar response and add to your daily intake of sugar.
And thirdly, they are small enough to keep you out of trouble, large enough to calm your nervous system when your hunger flairs up.
But what are we waiting for? Let’s discuss the simple ingredients for these tasty energy balls. The best part is all of the basic ingredients can be found at any grocery store.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Protein Energy Bites:
Quick Oats: Some quick oats (or instant oats) add complex carbohydrates to the energy bites and also act as a sort of flour to help bind everything together.
Rolled oats work too, although they are a bit chunkier so they take more time to blend.
Use certified gluten-free oats to make gluten free energy balls. I use gluten-free sprouted oats.
Raisins: One of the main reasons we’re here is for some of that cinnamon raisin vibe, right? We need some raisins to bring that flavor and also some natural sweetness.
You can increase the amount of the raisins and lower the amount of pure maple syrup if you’d like.
Protein Powder: Pick your favorite protein powder to add a protein element to these delicious protein balls.
I like using unsweetened unflavored protein powder, like goat whey protein or egg white protein. Just note that you’ll be able to taste a flavored protein powder so be sure to use a flavor you enjoy.
Hemp Seeds (or Chia Seeds): Bringing healthy omega 3 fatty acids to the protein bites, we add some hemp seeds or chia seeds.
Ground flaxseed works too. If you don’t have either one on hand, feel free to skip this ingredient.
Creamy Unsweetened Almond Butter (or Peanut Butter): Almond butter brings healthy fats, flavor, and stickiness to the balls, which helps ensure everything holds together nicely.
I like using almond butter because its flavor allows the cinnamon and raisin flavors to shine through.
Pure Maple Syrup: A touch of pure maple syrup adds sweetness to the balls for a perfectly sweet treat. You can swap it out for 3 large pitted medjool dates if you prefer using unrefined natural sweeteners.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warm flavor to the balls.
Cinnamon and Sea Salt: Ground cinnamon complements raisins for that iconic cinnamon raisin flavor, similar to an oatmeal raisin cookie. Sea salt enhances all of the flavors and makes the energy balls taste sweeter without the need for additional sweetener.
Water: In order to blend all of the ingredients together so that it is easy to form balls out of the mixture, we need to add a little liquid. I just toss in 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, or until the mixture is easy to press together. You can also use any kind of milk or non-dairy milk like almond milk or cashew milk.
There are plenty of ways you can customize this easy energy bite recipe! Here are some ideas.
Optional Customizations:
- Swap out the raisins for your favorite dried fruit. Dried cherries are marvelous here!
- Use any kind of nut or seed butter such as peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Just note that you will be able to taste it. Natural peanut butter works great in these power balls, but the peanut flavor overpowers the cinnamon raisin flavor. As is the case with sunflower butter.
- Add ¼ tsp to ½ tsp of freshly ground nutmeg and/or some ground cloves for more warm spices.
- For chocolate flavor, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips. If you do so, you may also need to add some extra water to these no bake energy bites.
- Honey or agave nectar both work as a replacement for the pure maple syrup.
Now that we’ve discussed the healthy ingredients for oatmeal energy balls, let’s make them!
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Protein Energy Balls:
Add all of the ingredients for the protein energy balls to a food processor.
Turn the food processor on and process until a thick mixture forms and everything is well combined. You may need to scrape the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula to get the ingredients to blend evenly.
Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, or as needed, until the ball mixture presses together easily so that you can form balls out of it.
If the mixture crumbles easily, that means it needs more water. It should resemble a drier cookie dough.
A little water goes a long way so be sure to blend the mixture well in between additions.
Form 12 to 14 balls out of the protein ball mixture. You are now ready to enjoy them, or save them for later!
Store protein bites in an airtight container or a zip lock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze balls for up to 3 months.
While these healthy snacks can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, I recommend keeping them in the refrigerator or freezer for longer term storage.
And that’s it! A fun little treat with some sneaky nutrition to tame the inner snack monster.
Perfect for bringing to work, taking on road trips, or packing in school lunches, these vegan energy balls are a great option the next time you’re looking for that perfect make-ahead recipe using pantry ingredients.
These no bake protein balls are marvelous for healthy snacking, as they feature wholesome ingredients and health benefits like healthy fats and protein. Plus, you can mix up the main ingredients to create different flavors.
If you love energy balls and bites like this, try out some of my personal favorite healthy snack recipes.
More Energy Ball Recipes:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Balls
- Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
- Cranberry Orange Protein Balls
- Fig and Date Energy Balls
- Chocolate Date Energy Bites
These easy energy balls might just be one of your new favorite snack recipes!
Cinnamon Raisin Protein Energy Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ cup protein powder of choice*
- 2 Tbsp hemp seeds or chia seeds
- ¾ cup creamy unsweetened almond butter**
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon to taste
- ⅓ cup raisins
- 2-4 Tbsp water***
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients for the protein energy balls to a food processor.
- Turn the food processor on and process until a thick mixture forms and everything is well combined. You may need to scrape the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula to get the ingredients to blend evenly.
- Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, or as needed, until the ball mixture presses together easily so that you can form balls out of it. If the mixture crumbles easily, that means it needs more water. It should resemble a drier cookie dough. A little water goes a long way so be sure to blend the mixture well in between additions.
- Form 12 to 16 balls out of the protein ball mixture. You are now ready to enjoy them, or save them for later!
- Store protein bites in an airtight container or a zip lock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze balls for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
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