Want a tasty, no bake snack the kids can help make? Try our no bake coconut protein balls! They are easy, fun to make, and only take 6 ingredients.
If you're looking for other healthy snacks, you'll love our vegan granola bars and or date coconut protein balls.
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Ingredients
Curious what 6 ingredients you need to whip up these no bake coconut protein balls? Let's talk about them.
- Base: We used old fashioned rolled oats.
- Dried Fruit: We used unsweetened coconut flakes to keep the sugar low.
- Binders: We used peanut butter and raw honey. To make them vegan, use agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
- Add Ins: We used mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. We don't recommend regular chocolate chips, as they are too big. Use vegan chocolate chips, if you need this vegan.
- Flavorings: We used vanilla extract to make the protein balls more flavorful.
Variations
- Want to reduce the sugar? Use Medjool pitted dates; they are naturally sweet.
- Allergic to peanuts? Use almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pecans.
- Need more protein? Add protein powder or unsweetened whey.
- Need this keto friendly? Use dark mini chocolate chips.
- Want this chocolate? Add ½ cup of cocoa powder.
How to Make
Gather all the ingredients to make the no bake coconut protein balls.
- Put the oats and shredded coconut in a food processor and pulse until the coconut and oats are smaller.
- Add the vanilla extract, raw honey, and peanut butter.
3. Pulse the mixture until it's combined. Make sure to use a plastic spatula to scrape the sides of the food processor.
4. Transfer the dough mixture to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for at least one hour. This will help firm up the dough and will make rolling them easier. Divide the dough into equal pieces, each one weighing about 22 grams.
6. Roll the pieces into balls.
7. Roll the balls in coconut.
8. Place on a wax paper or parchment paper lined tray and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can eat them right away, but they taste better when they're cold.
If you prefer to freeze them, place the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes to flash freeze them, then transfer to a ziptop freezer bag. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
These balls are full of healthy fats, high in fiber, good carbs, omega 3's from the flax, and protein from the peanut butter.
When healthy snacks are prepped and ready in your kitchen, you'll snack smarter. A serving size of one ball is 115 calories, 2g of protein, and 7g of fat. For more nutritional information, scroll to the end of the recipe card.
They're no bake. These snacks are easy to prep, easy to eat on the go, and easy to adapt to what you have in your pantry.
Enjoy them fresh from the fridge, or take from the freezer and let them sit out for 5 minutes to thaw a bit. If taking on the go to eat later, place the balls in a snack bag next to a small ice pack in an insulted lunch bag or small cooler.
Serve
These no bake coconut protein balls are great to serve as an after school snack for your children. It's also a great pre- or post-workout snack so you'll have the energy you'll need to complete your fitness goals for the day. You can also have them for a healthy evening snack.
Store
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep and tastes great the next day.
- Fridge: Store these no bake coconut protein balls in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge.
- Freezer: Flash freeze on a small baking tray for 15 minutes, then place in a freezer zip top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
- On the Go: Seal in a small container or snack bag and place next to a small ice pack in an insulted lunch bag to keep it cold and firm.
Expert Tips
- Want to toast the coconut? Toast in oven or saute in a pan. Allow to cool before using.
- Don't use natural peanut butter; it doesn't hold the shape as well.
- Don't over-process the nuts, or you'll have an oily nut butter.
- Don't want to use a food processor? Mix in a bowl instead for a chunkier version.
- Want bars? Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8x8-inch pan. Chill 2 hours. Cut into bars.
Other Healthy Snacks You'll Enjoy
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Recipe
Coconut Protein Balls (No Bake)
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
- ½ cup honey, or agave nectar
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, or vegan chocolate chips
- ½ cup coconut flakes, ground smaller for rolling
Instructions
- Pulse the ½ cup of shredded coconut until it's smaller, then set aside. This will be used for coating the balls.
- Put the oats and coconut flakes in a food processor and pulse until blended.
- Add the honey or agave nectar, peanut butter, and the vanilla, then pulse. Scrape the sides with a plastic spatula.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill for 1 hour.
- Line a small cookie tray with wax paper or parchment paper. Divide the chilled dough into balls weighing 22g each, about the size of a golf ball.
- Roll the dough into balls, then roll into the coconut. Place in rows on the prepared tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes, then transfer to airtight container.
- Serve the protein balls cold or at room temperature; just realize that the texture is best when served cold.
- To freeze the balls, place the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes, then put the balls into a freezer friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Want to toast the coconut? Toast in oven or saute in pan. Allow to cool before using.
- Don't use natural peanut butter, it doesn't hold the shape as well.
- Don't over process the nuts, or you'll have an oily nut butter.
- Don't want to use a food processor? Mix in a bowl instead for a chunkier version.
- Want bars? Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8x8 pan. Chill 2 hours. Cut into bars.
Nutrition
Serving sizes and nutritional information are only an estimate and may vary from your results.
Our no bake coconut protein balls were originally published on April 3, 2020 and was update on February 17, 2023 with updated pictures and content.
Alex
These have a nice peanut flavor and chewy texture. I like how the chocolate chips add some sweetness. The coconut is nice and light.
Emma
I'm happy you enjoyed these, Alex! Thank you for your review.
Beth
These energy bites taste as good as they look! There's a great peanut flavor and lots of coconut. The chocolate chips add a lovely touch.
Emma
Thank you, Beth! I'm glad you enjoyed eating these protein balls.