These no-bake lemon protein balls are a quick snack that you can take with you on the go, made with simple and flavorful ingredients!
You guyysss. Can we just talk about how over winter I am? And please tell me I'm not alone.
Cold weather? Grey skies? Icy sidewalks? Winter boots? Yep, I've had enough. I'm ready for Spring.
But since I'm not a weather god and have literally zero impact on temperatures, the best I can do is pretend it's warm and make all the springtime dishes. You know, the ones that are light, flavorful and taste like sunshine.
First up? These No-Bake Lemon Protein Balls!
Lemon flavored anything to me just screams spring. Probably in part because it reminds me of Easter, but also because lemon is just cheery and happy. It's yellow which = happiness. It's bright and fresh which = happiness.
For our protein balls, we're using a really delicious base of ingredients and adding in a lemon zest for flavor.
Of course, we've got dates (Medjool to be exact), which give the balls some sweetness but also help them stick together. I also added in brazil nuts this time, which I've never used before, partially because I had some in my pantry, and they turned out great!
In addition to those two rock star ingredients, we've also got plant-based protein powder, and maca powder.
Maca has a lovely taste. It has a slight caramel undertone and pairs perfectly with the lemon and cinnamon.
By now I'm sure you know how to make energy balls, but in case you don't, it's super easy.
All you need is a food processor and 10 minutes and your snack is done. You just toss everything into your food processor, let it whiz away until a dough starts to form, then form balls and done. So simple!
Best of all, protein balls like this are a great on-the-go snack option! So if you're busy with work, school or kids, just pop a few of these babies in your bag and you'll be set for the day.
More Energy Balls to Try:
- Coconut Chai Protein Quinoa Energy Bites
- Raw & Vegan Carrot Cake Bites
- Vegan Matcha Protein Balls
- Apple Pie Energy Bites
- Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites
- Banana Peanut Butter Energy Bites
- Mango Coconut Energy Balls
- Golden Milk Energy Balls
- The Ultimate Guide to Making Energy Balls
- 25 More!
No-Bake Lemon Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates about 12
- 1 cup brazil nuts
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder or unflavored
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1 tablespoon nut/seed butter of choice I used cashew
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 whole lemon
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Add dates and brazil nuts to the bowl of a food processor. Process on high until finely ground. Add remaining ingredients (minus water) and blend until combined.
- If a dough forms, then don't add water. If it still seems a little dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time, processing completely between each addition, until a dough begins to form.
- Shape the dough into balls, about the size of golf balls, and place in the fridge/freezer to firm up.
- I like to store mine in the fridge/freezer to maximize shelf life!
Video
Nutrition
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No store anywhere around here sells maca powder. I WILL NOT buy anything online (besides, your link said they didn’t think they would be getting any back—-was actually looking to see if they offered other options). What is a good substitute for maca powder?
You can omit the maca powder if you do not have any 🙂
These were delicious! My protein powder is plain so I added some pure vanilla extract. Both my best friend and I loved these
YUM! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Do you have the nutritional info for these?
Looking forward to trying these as thy sound very tasty! It was the word ‘protein’ in the title that attracted me to the article. However, at 1g of protein per ball, you can’t really call them ‘protein balls’ it’s a bit misleading I think.
Depends on what you’re looking for and what protein powder you use! If you use one that’s higher, then there would be more protein per ball 🙂
I’ve just made half batch, omitted the protein powder and added lemon juice io water (I like it very sour 😉
It’s delicious and satisfying! :d
So glad that you enjoyed them and loving your swaps!
Sorry so many typos! Corrected:
Hey Alyssa,
Any replacement ideas for Brazil nuts? Only asking because I have so many half used containers of nuts and would rather use those than buy new ones ???? Cashews maybe? Thanks!
Really any of them would work, Bonnie! I think cashews and almonds would both be great 🙂
This looks great. Trying to find healthy alternatives for my daughter after her mountain bike practices and during the school day. Do you have the information on grams of fat/protein/carbs?
I think it’s updated with all the nutrition info now!
There are steel no information on grams of fat/protein/carbs 🙁
Working on it for you!
WOW! I just made these. They have a fresh, creamy DELICIOUS flavor! And so easy to make. My new favorite healthy treat!
I’m so glad! Isn’t the lemon flavor just so good!? I love it!