Banana Protein Balls

These banana protein balls are perfect for busy days. Featuring whole food ingredients and no refined sugar, they’re both healthy and tasty!

A hand holds a banana protein ball with a bite taken out. There are more in the background, along with chocolate chips and bananas.

We love energy bites here at this house. In fact, it’s our favorite after-lunch treat. We have a consistent batch of them in the cupboard. And I love changing up the flavors. That’s where these banana protein balls come in handy.

Key Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

  • Oats — You’ll need rolled oats for this recipe, otherwise known as old-fashioned oats. You can substitute instant or quick-cooking oats, but you’ll need to add more to make up for their finer texture.
  • Dates — You’ll need 1 cup (10 to 12) Medjool dates. You can substitute 1/4 to 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (depending on your preference for sweetness).
  • Peanut butter — You can substitute almond butter.
  • Chocolate protein powder — There are several vegan protein powders that work great with this recipe.
  • Flaxseed — You can use ground flaxseed or substitute ground chia seeds.
  • Banana — We’ll be mashing one ripe banana for this recipe.
  • Chocolate Chips — Everything’s better with a few dairy-free chocolate chips in the middle!
  • Banana extract — This is optional, but adding a drop or two of banana extract (sold near the spices in grocery stores) can add more banana flavor. Be careful, because too much can make it taste like banana Laffy Taffy. A couple of small drops is perfect.
Looking down on a plate of energy balls sitting next to a bowl of chocolate chips and a banana.

What Makes This Recipe Shine?

  • HEALTHY — Made with all-natural ingredients with no added sugars, these energy balls are a filling and healthy treat!
  • KID-FRIENDLY — Make the dough and get the kids involved in rolling the balls with you.
  • FREEZER-FRIENDLY — You can make a double batch and freeze half for later.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Are energy balls good for you?

Made with whole-food ingredients, energy balls are naturally sweetened thanks to dates. They’re also very filling, meaning they come with naturally-inspired portion control.

How do you store energy bites?

Store energy bites in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can even freeze them for up to 2 months!

Serving Suggestions

Serve energy bites with some favorite add-ins, such as:

You can also serve protein balls with these tasty vegan protein pancakes.

Storage Tips

Store energy balls in an airtight container. They will keep up to 7 days at room temperature, or up to 15 days in the fridge. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months in appropriate freezer-safe containers or bags.

Looking down on a plate with banana energy balls sitting in front of a bowl of chocolate chips and a banana.

More Energy Balls

If you love these banana energy balls, you’ll want even more energy bites in your repertoire. Here are some of our favorites:

A plate of banana energy bites sits in front of a bowl of chocolate chips and a banana.

Banana Energy Balls

These banana energy balls are infused with flavor and whole food ingredients such as flaxseed, oats, mashed banana, and dark chocolate chips.
5 from 4 votes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 20
Calories: 105kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup Medjool dates (about 10 dates with pits removed)
  • cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
  • cup ground flaxseed (see notes)
  • ½ cup mashed banana (from 1 ripe banana)
  • cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 2 drops banana extract (optional, see notes)

Instructions

  • Place the oats and pitted dates in a food processor and pulse a few times to combine.
    Oats and dates are in a food processor.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the chocolate chips and pulse for a few seconds.
    Ingredients are in a food processor, including peanut butter and mashed bananas.
  • Use a spatula to push down the ingredients and pulse again until the ingredients are combined. Test the batter. It should stick together between your fingers. If not, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup and pulse to combine.
    A hand holds a spatula, using it to push down ingredients in a food processor bowl.
  • Add the chocolate chips and pulse in short bursts until combined. You can reserve a few chocolate chips to add to the finished energy balls.
    Chocolate chips have been added to energy ball ingredients in a food processor.
  • Roll the dough into bite-size balls, and roll in reserved chocolate chips.
  • Store energy bites in an airtight container to maintain moisture. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Recommended Equipment

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Notes

Substitute ⅓ to ½ cup of maple syrup or agave nectar for the dates.
You can use ground flaxseed or substitute ground chia seeds.
Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

3 Responses to Banana Protein Balls

  1. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyCatherine Reply

    5 stars
    I made these to pack in my kids school lunches and they were perfect. Thanks for the recipe!

  2. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyEileen Reply

    5 stars
    These protein balls are perfect. And I love the banana flavor!

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      So glad you like them Eileen!

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