No-Bake Oats and Chocolate Protein Bites are the perfect little mid-morning pick-me-up or post-exercise snack!
I just love it when friends introduce me to new recipes that quickly become part of our own family recipe file. Take, for instance, these No-Bake Oats and Chocolate Protein Bites from our friend Annmarie.
We hosted our first Friendsgiving gathering this past year, inviting a few friends over on the Sunday afternoon right before Thanksgiving. Blake had spent the majority of the prior day smoking a turkey on the Big Green Egg, so we’d have smoked turkey for our (almost famous) creamy turkey and wild rice soup. And the rest of the meal was a collaboration of efforts, with each family bringing a dish to add to our casual meal.
After everyone had left, I opened up a little bag of homemade protein bites, part of a hostess gift given by Annmarie. I was immediately taken by a soft whiff of cinnamon, so lovely. One bite was all it took; I’ve been hooked ever since.
These are the ingredients I use to make our own no-bake oats and chocolate protein bites. All of the branded ingredients are the exact ingredients that Annmarie uses.
Note: The vanilla protein powder is from Life Time Fitness, where Annmarie is a member. But anyone can order from their website >>> here’s the link for the protein powder. The container is HUGE and not exactly a small price to pay due to the quantity. But I knew I’d be making these protein bites regularly, so I made the purchase. If you have a favorite vanilla flavored protein powder that comes in a smaller container, I’d love to hear from you!
I have found these flavorful protein bites to be the perfect little mid-morning pick-me-up with a cup of coffee. I adore the combination of warm flavors…almond butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, oats, and little pops of chocolate.
These little bites have also been perfect – absolutely perfect – this time of year, when our daughters are in basketball. I pack two or three in a little container for our oldest daughter each morning, for some quick and tasty protein when her school day is over and she’s on her way to basketball practice. And when our girls have weekend basketball tournaments, I’m sure to send a few of these bites with each of them. These quick little snacks have been so much better than relying on the concession stands all day!
Ingredients
- ** Refer to the second photo in this post to see branded products that I use.
- 2 c. quick oats use gluten-free if you like
- ½ c. vanilla protein powder I use VeganMax Vanilla from Life Time Fitness
- ½ c. mini chocolate chips
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- 1 c. salted almond butter I use Trader Joe’s
- ⅔ c. raw organic honey I use Trader Joe’s
- 2 T. melted organic coconut oil I use Trader Joe’s
Instructions
- In a medium/large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
- Add almond butter, honey, and coconut oil to dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon to evenly incorporate.
- Shape mixture into balls about 1-1/4" in diameter. I like to use a 1-1/4" cookie scoop, packing the mixture as tightly as I can, and then rolling the dough in my hands to finish.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I find that it helps to lightly press a piece of plastic wrap over the bites to retain moisture. These also freeze very well, for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
I would eat these all day long!LOVE all the flavors in these protein bites
They are delicious. Thanks, Naomi!
So are these a snack? Breakfast? They look super tasty. I feel like they could be good for the boys before their hockey practices.
This recipe can be whatever you want it to be. I’ve enjoyed these bites as a quick breakfast on the go, morning snack, afternoon snack, pre and post exercise pick-me-up. I pack them for our girls when they are off to basketball practice and games. It all works!
I LOVE me a good protein bite, and these look mighty tasty!
Thanks, Taylor!
I need all the energy I can get it!! Love these bites!
Thank you, Lauren!
I have chocolate protein powder only and old fashion oats. Do you think it would matter?
Looking forward to your answer.
Hi Joan – The chocolate protein powder would work fine, would just give the recipe a different flavor. I would definitely buy some quick oats for this, as the recipe is not baked.
Do you think there’s still a benefit to these if I omit the protein powder?
Hi Sara – yes, I do. This is a very simple ingredient list, would still be a good snack. But the texture will definitely be altered by eliminating the powder, and I haven’t experimented with that at all.
hey girl – these look so yummy! I need something healthy as a snack!
Awesome. Thanks, Shawnna!