These healthy no bake gingerbread protein balls are the perfect nutritious snack! Gluten free and dairy free, these winter flavored protein balls are packed with protein. These no bake gingerbread protein balls take very little time to make!
No bake gingerbread protein balls are probably one of the best recipes I created!
These vegan protein balls are full of winter flavor, which makes you feel like you are eating a cookie, but they are secretly healthy, gluten free and packed with plant based protein.
While I do find protein in many things I eat during the day, I know some days I can be better at it (and it is not because I do not eat meat, I am sure others that consume meat will see they could be better at it too!). Especially on days when I work out really hard.
I love these protein bites because they are sweet like a cookie, and I can grab them and go. Sometimes protein shakes or making a bean based meal is not always in the cards. So, these protein balls do the trick.
They are so great for anytime of the day, and are portable! You can bring them with you on hikes, runs or a long car ride. I personally need all the car snacks I can find.
These vegan protein balls are easy to make, require little ingredients and are so tasty. I prep them on Sundays and have them for the entire week. That is, if Gabe does not eat them all first. In fact, he keeps telling me I should make a large batch of them.
What Makes These Gingerbread Protein Balls Healthy?
Gluten Free Oats- This recipe is made with gluten free oats. Oats are great for you, as they are full of fiber and nutrient! They will keep you full of energy and pretty regular.
Low Sugar- These gingerbread balls are sweetened with dates, maple syrup and a tiny bit of black strap molasses. And while black strap molasses is a refined sugar, it has nutritional value (packed full of vitamins!) unlike other sugars. Read this article on it!
Added Protein- The added protein in these no bake gingerbread balls allow them to keep you full for hours! This the protein I used, but any vegan protein will work! You may use non vegan protein too if you are not plant based or vegan.
High in Fiber - Dates, which are the heart of this recipe, are packed with fiber! Oats, the other star of this recipe, are also high in fiber. Meaning these delicious treats will not only curb your sweet tooth, but they will you regular (and full!).
Ingredients for Healthy Gingerbread Protien Balls
These balls are made with simple ingredients including: protein powder; dates; maple syrup; black strap molasses; oats; cinnamon; allspice; ginger; and salt.
Protein Powder- I used Livbody Cake Batter protein powder, but you may use any type you like! Just note if you choose a flavor that is not vanilla or a neutral such as vanilla, it will affect the flavor.
Dates- These help keep the balls together and make them sweet! It is seriously natures candy.
Maple Syrup- A natural sweetener, feel free to use honey instead if you are not vegan.
Blackstrap Molasses- In my opinion, you cannot have the gingerbread taste without it! I love the taste of blackstrap molasses.
Oats- These give the balls their texture and add a nice little crunch. I have not tried Quinoa flakes in this specific, but I have in other recipes I used oats in, so that may be a great alternative.
Cinnamon- If you do not have cinnamon, you may use allspice or omit entirely.
Allspice- If you do not have allspice, use cinnamon or omit entirely.
Ginger- Sorry, no sub for this! I used powdered ginger, as real ginger is a little too intense!
Salt- It helps balance out the sweetness, but you may omit! I used sea salt.
Tips For Making No Bake Gingerbread Protein Balls
Like I said earlier, these vegan balls filled with winter flavor could not be any easier or simpler to make!
First, you must soak your dates in hot water for 10 minutes (make sure to remove any pits!).
Then, place all ingredients in your food processor and process until a dough chunky dough forms. This may take a little bit. If you are dealing with a smaller food processor, make sure to push down the sides. You may also need to take do it in stages.
Next, roll the dough into small balls, approx the size of a golf ball. You can roll them into even smaller balls or large balls if you want! I just prefer ones the size of golf balls.
Place in the fridge for five to ten minutes to allow them to harden up!
That is it! You can have delicious and nutritious protein filled no bake balls in less than 10 minutes (with almost no effort!).
FAQ for No Bake Gingerbread Balls
Storage - Store these in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 6 days! (place them in the back of the fridge for the best keep).
Freezing- I have yet to freeze these no bake balls, but I do believe it would be ok. Just make sure to defrost them when you take them out or you may hurt your tooth!
Shape- You do not need to make these into balls! you can roll them out and make them into bars as well.
Craving More Healthy Recipes?
Pumpkin Protein Muffins with a Protein Frosting
Hearty Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad
Did you make this recipe?
I am so delighted you did! Please leave me a review and tag me on social media! This helps me improve in the future and encourages me! Thank you so much.
No Bake Gingerbread Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of vanilla or plain protein powder
- 1 cup of dates remove any pits
- ¾ cups of rolled oats
- 2 ½ tsbp of black strap molasses
- 2 tbsp maple syrups
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- ½ tsp of ginger
- ½ tsp of allspice
- ¼ tsp of salt
Instructions
- Place dates (remove seeds) in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until a chunky dough forms (see pics above for reference).
- Roll into golf ball size balls and place on parchment paper on a plate or baking sheet. Place in the fridge for five to ten minutes.
- Eat immediately or store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
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