Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways

Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites | An easy, healthy portable snack or dessert | #glutenfree #dairyfree #mealprep | Recipe via Angela Simpson, culinary nutrition expert + blogger at eat-spin-run-repeat.com

It’s time to talk healthy, sweet, satisfying snacks, and I’ve got 5 for you! Check out these Easy No-Bake Protein Bites in 5 different flavours, all of which are gluten-free and dairy-free. You’ll also find options to make them paleo and vegan.


I’m baaack!

After a week of lovely unplugged vacation time, lying poolside and exploring Oahu, I have officially returned to real life. Well… almost.

Admittedly I do still feel a bit like I’m on Hawaii time (2 hours behind Pacific) and getting up this morning for work was more challenging than usual! I’ve still got a bit of photo editing to do from the trip, so I’ll save those beachy scenes to share with you on Wednesday. In the meantime, I’d love to make this an ultra-delicious week for you with some easy no-bake protein bites in not 1, 2, 3 or even 4, but FIVE flavours. Crazy, right? I know. But I missed you last week, and I’m almost certain these will make your Monday (or any day) even better.

In the lineup…

  • Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites (gluten free + vegan)
  • Coconut Lemon Poppyseed Protein Bites (gluten free, vegan option)
  • Vanilla Maple Chocolate Chip Protein Bites (gluten free, paleo + vegan)
  • Almond Mocha Chip Protein Bites (gluten free, vegan, with paleo option)
  • Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Bites (gluten free + vegan)

Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

All five recipes taste divine and are perfect if you want to enjoy a sweet (yet also healthy) snack this week. The majority of these follow a very similar formula, which is one I’ve shared in the past that’s pretty much foolproof. I’m sure that once you get creating these little bites, you’ll come up with plenty more ideas of your own!

Before we get to the recipes, just a couple of notes for protein bite success:

  • For all these recipes, if the dough seems a little dry after processing, simply add a little liquid (water, almond milk, etc), 1 tbsp at a time. A little goes a long way.
  • Similarly, if the dough seems too sticky, just add one of your dry ingredients (oat flour, almond flour etc), 1 tbsp at a time. These recipes don’t require much precision, but in all cases, a cookie dough-like texture is what you’re looking for.
  • I prefer to chill my dough before rolling it into small balls because it makes it easier to work with, but this isn’t totally necessary. If you’re in a rush, you can roll out your bites right away.
  • I also prefer to serve my protein bites chilled, which is why I recommend keeping them in the fridge or freezer. If you want to have them as an afternoon snack, you can take them out of the freezer in the morning and they should be perfect by about 2pm!
  • For your protein powder, I’ve made these recipes with my long-time tried and true bestie Vega Sport Performance Protein, as well as others including paleo-friendly Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel. While the texture of the dough does change a little depending on the protein you use, you’ll still be able to achieve a good doughy consistency by making the water/liquid adjustment noted above.

Right, let’s start (no)baking!


Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites

Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites | An easy, healthy portable snack or dessert | #glutenfree #dairyfree #mealprep | Recipe via Angela Simpson, culinary nutrition expert + blogger at eat-spin-run-repeat.com

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Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites | An easy, healthy portable snack or dessert | #glutenfree #dairyfree #mealprep | Recipe via Angela Simpson, culinary nutrition expert + blogger at eat-spin-run-repeat.com

Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites


  • Author: Angela Simpson
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Nutty, chocolatey and super easy to tote along as a healthy snack, these no-bake Chocolate Chip Pistachio Protein Bites are gluten-free, rich in healthy fats, and a delight to sink your teeth into!


Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Process the oats in a food processor until they resemble flour. Add the pistachios and do the same again.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the protein powder and cacao powder.
  3. Put the soaked dates into the processor and whirl until broken down into very small pieces. Add all remaining ingredients except the chocolate chips and puree until as smooth as possible.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, processing on high until fully incorporated. Add a little bit of water if needed and pause occasionally to scrape down the edges.
  5. Transfer the dough into a bowl and roll it into a ball. Wrap it and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow it to firm up.*
  6. Roll the dough into 12 small balls. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in a sealed container.

Notes

*The chilling time isn’t absolutely mandatory, but I find that the dough is easier to work with when cold.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: food processor

Keywords: energy bites, no-bake protein bites, snack, dessert, chocolate, pistachios, gluten free, vegan, dairy free, chocolate

Coconut Lemon Poppyseed Protein Bites

Coconut Lemon Poppyseed Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

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Coconut Lemon Poppyseed Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

Coconut Lemon Poppyseed Protein Bites


  • Author: Angela Simpson
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Light, luscious and zesty, these Coconut Lemon Poppyseed Protein Bites remind me of the lemon poppyseed muffins I used to love making as a kid. For an extra coconutty touch, roll them in coconut milk powder or desiccated coconut before serving.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup chopped pitted Medjool dates, soaked in warm water for 5 mins
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats or oat flour
  • 1/2 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder of choice
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 2 tbsp raw honey (or other liquid sweetener of choice, if vegan)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp cashew butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Whirl oats, coconut and cashews in a food processor until they resemble a coarse flour.
  2. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and stir in the protein powder and sea salt. Set aside.
  3. Pour the soak water off the dates. Pulse in the processor until pieces are as tiny as possible, pausing to scrape down the edges as needed. Add the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, cashew butter and vanilla. Process into a smooth puree.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture and blend, again scraping down the edges every so often. (Add a little water or lemon juice if the dough looks a little dry.) Finally, stir in the poppy seeds.
  5. Once evenly combined, roll the dough into a ball. Chill for 20 mins.*
  6. Roll the dough into 12 balls. Store in the fridge/freezer.

Notes

*The chilling time isn’t absolutely mandatory, but I find that the dough is easier to work with when cold.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: snack
  • Method: no-bake

Keywords: no-bake, protein bites, energy bites, vegan, gluten free, coconut, spring

Vanilla Maple Chocolate Chip Protein Bites

Vanilla Maple Chocolate Chip Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

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Vanilla Maple Chocolate Chip Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

Vanilla Maple Chocolate Chip Protein Bites


  • Author: Angela Simpson
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

The cookie dough-like texture of these Vanilla Maple Chocolate Chip Protein Bites make them a healthy snack you’ll love to eat. They’re also paleo, vegan, gluten-free and grain-free!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 chopped pitted Medjool dates
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder of choice
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup natural almond butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp each vanilla extract and cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp maple extract (optional, for an even more noticeable maple flavour)
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate or cacao nibs

Instructions

  1. Chop the dates into small pieces and set them in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, stir together the almond flour, protein powder and sea salt in a large bowl.
  3. Discard all but about 2 tbsp water from the dates. Pour the dates and reserved soaking water and in the food processor. Whirl until they’re as broken down as you can get them.
  4. Add the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and maple extract (if using). Continue processing until smooth, scraping down the edges of the processor bowl as needed.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the processor, whirling to incorporate. If it looks too dry, add 1-2 tbsp water. (A little goes a long way!)
  6. Once even in consistency, pour the dough back into the big bowl. Knead in the chocolate chips.
  7. Wrap the dough in a ball and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.*
  8. Roll into 12 balls and store in the fridge, or sealed in the freezer.

Notes

*The chilling time isn’t absolutely mandatory, but I find that the dough is easier to work with when cold.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: snack
  • Method: no-bake

Keywords: energy bites, protein bites, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, grain free, snack, chocolate, vegan

Almond Mocha Chip Protein Bites

Almond Mocha Chip Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

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Almond Mocha Chip Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

Almond Mocha Chip Protein Bites


  • Author: Angela Simpson
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Coffee lovers, these Almond Mocha Chip Protein Bites are for you! Packed with antioxidants from raw cacao and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, they’re a snack that taste decadent but are actually healthy! See recipe notes for a grain-free paleo option.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup EACH raw almonds, almond flour and gluten-free oats*
  • 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
  • 1 tbsp ground coffee
  • 1 tbsp maca root powder (optional, for adaptogenic benefits and a little extra nutty taste)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Pulse the almonds in a food processor until they form a coarse flour.
  2. Add the almond flour, oats, cacao powder, ground coffee, protein powder and maca. Whirl again until the oats are broken down into tiny pieces and the mixture is well-combined.
  3. Add all remaining ingredients except dark chocolate chips to the processor and continue processing until the mixture resembles a dough. Add a little water as needed to moisten, or a little extra almond flour if it’s too sticky.
  4. Pour the dough into a bowl and add the chocolate chips. Knead the dough one last time with your hands, then roll it into 10-12 small balls.
  5. Store leftovers sealed in a container in the fridge or freezer.

Notes

*If you prefer your bites to have a smoother texture, you can swap the raw almonds for another 1/3 cup of almond flour. I like mine to be a little crunchy, hence the almond + almond flour combo. If you prefer the recipe to be 100% grain free, you could also do the same for the oat flour and just adjust with a little extra water if the mixture seems to be too dry.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: snack
  • Method: no-bake

Keywords: paleo, grain free, gluten free, dairy free, snack, chocolate, coffee, dessert, antioxidants, no-bake energy bites, protein bites

Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Bites

Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

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Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Bites | Easy No-Bake Protein Bites, 5 Ways with vegan and paleo variations! | My Fresh Perspective | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #paleo

Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Bites


  • Author: Angela Simpson
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

With a mixture of healthy fats from walnuts and hemp seeds, these Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Bites will keep you satiated for hours, plus satisfy any sweet tooth or chocolate craving. You might want to make a double batch!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats or oat flour
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup hemp seeds
  • ½ cup walnut pieces, divided
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • ½ cup chopped pitted Medjool dates, soaked in ½ cup warm water for about 5 minutes
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, if you’re not vegan)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 3 tbsp walnut butter, or other nut/seed butter of choice (just avoid peanut butter as the taste is very distinct)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate pieces

Instructions

  1. In the food processor, whirl the oats, chia and hemp seeds, and half of the walnuts (1/4 cup) into a flour. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in the protein powder.
  2. Pour the chopped dates and their warm soaking water to the processor and pulse/process until broken down as much as possible. Add all remaining ingredients except the remaining walnuts and chopped dark chocolate pieces to the processor. Continue blending until smooth and evenly incorporated.
  3. Depending on the size of your food processor, either add the flour mixture gradually to the bowl and blend it into the wet ingredients, or add the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir them into the flour. Either way, you’re looking for a dough-like consistency. Stir the remaining walnut pieces and chocolate chunks in last.
  4. Roll the dough into a ball and store it, wrapped in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.*
  5. Dividing the chilled dough into 10-12 even pieces, form small balls with your hands.
  6. Store in the fridge or freezer.

Notes

*The chilling time isn’t absolutely mandatory, but I find that the dough is easier to work with when cold.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: snack
  • Method: no-bake

Keywords: walnuts, snack, gluten free, dairy free, high protein, chocolate, dessert, no-bake energy bites, protein bites

Feeling hungry for more?

You might also want to give these a peek…

Vanilla Coconut Almond Protein Bites

No-Bake Vanilla Coconut Almond Protein Bites | These #glutenfree #vegan protein bites are a perfect healthy snack for busy days, before or after workouts. They're also a healthy way to satisfy any sweet tooth! | via Angela Simpson, My Fresh Perspective

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Brownie Bites

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Brownie Bites || a healthy, protein-packed dessert that tastes like a brownie! || Eat Spin Run Repeat || #glutenfree #healthy #cleaneating

No-Bake Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Protein Bites

No-Bake Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Protein Bites - My Fresh Perspective

Chocolate Chip Cashew Cookie Dough Protein Bites

Easy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cashew Cookie Dough Protein Bites - My Fresh Perspective

Coconut Carrot Cake Protein Bites

No-bake vegan Coconut Carrot Cake Protein Bites - gluten free + dairy free || Recipe via My Fresh Perspective

Right, now over to you! Tell me… what were some of your weekend highlights? Or, what are you most excited about this week?

 

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