This post may contain affiliate links.
These Banana Protein Balls come together in just 15 minutes and have 5 grams of protein per ball. They make the perfect healthy, grain-free snack that both kids and adults will love!
Table of Contents
If you have one lonely ripe banana sitting on your countertop, these Banana Protein Balls are the best way to put it to good use! Unlike most energy ball recipes, like these Salted Caramel Bliss Balls and Chocolate Date Balls (which are also delicious by the way), you don’t need a food processor for this recipe, just a bowl and a spoon! The result is soft, chewy protein balls that taste like banana bread, but are grain-free, gluten-free and totally customizable.
I’ve shared a lot of healthy snack recipes over the years, and these Banana Protein Balls have been a total hit with my community (over 3 million views on the Choosing Chia Instagram!), so I know they’ll become a favourite in you’re kitchen too that are loved by adults, kids and toddlers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with no food processor needed! Also try these Birthday Cake Protein Balls for another one-bowl easy snack.
- Healthy snack: Each ball has 5 grams of protein and 2 grams of fibre!
- Customizable: Swap in your favourite nut butter, protein powder, or mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit or even matcha powder like I add to these Matcha Energy Balls.
- Perfect for meal prep: Keep them in the fridge all week or stash some in the freezer for a grab-and-go snack anytime.
Key Ingredients
- Banana: You don’t have to use an overripe banana for this recipe like you would use in these Almond Flour Banana Muffins. Since the energy balls aren’t baked, use a banana of your preferred ripeness. I personally like to use a yellow banana with just a few spots.
- Protein powder: I recommend using unflavoured or vanilla protein powder for this recipe. Use a brand of protein powder that you enjoy the taste of. I personally use Sprout Living Protein Powder in all my recipes. (You can also use my discount code “choosingchia” with them for 20% off!
**This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements is below in the recipe card.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut butter: Use any nut or seed butter like almond, cashew, peanut, sunflower seed or sesame seed butter.( Cashew butter will give them a “cookie-like” taste like my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls.)
- Protein powder: If you don’t have or like protein powder substitute with more almond flour.
- Sweetener: Swap maple syrup for honey or agave.
- Flour: Swap almond flour for oat flour like I use in these Oat Flour Banana Muffins.
How To Make Banana Protein Balls
Step 1: Peel and mash the banana in a bowl.
Step 2: Add the nut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix together.
Step 3: Add the almond flour, protein powder, spices and chocolate chips.
Step 4: Mix to combine.
Step 5: Roll into balls.
Step 6: Place in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours.
How To Store
Store these Banana Protein Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before enjoying.
Jess’s Tips
- Add your favourite mix-ins: Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit all work well like I add to these Trail Mix Energy Balls. Just keep the add-ins to about ¼ cup so the balls hold together.
- Adjust the dough if needed: If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more almond flour or protein powder. If it’s too dry, stir in an extra teaspoon of nut butter or a splash of maple syrup.
- Taste the dough before rolling: taste and adjust if needed if you prefer to add more sweetener or spices.
- Chill for easy rolling: If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Use a cookie scoop: Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to keep all the balls the same size.
- Make them nut-free: Swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini and the almond flour to oat flour. For another nut-free banana snack try my Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They’re made with wholesome ingredients like banana, nut or seed butter, almond flour, and protein powder for a grain-free, nutrient-dense snack that’s also high in protein and fibre!
I recommend eating 1-2 banana protein balls a day for a serving size.
Unfortunately no. They will be too soft and won’t keep since they have fresh banana in them. Store them in the fridge, or the freezer for longer storage.
Try These Energy Ball Recipes Next!
If you tried these Banana Protein Balls or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Banana Protein Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Banana Protein Balls only take 15 minutes to make and are perfect for a quick and healthy energizing snack!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 medium banana)
- 1/4 cup nut butter of choice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp chocolate chips (optional)
- tbsp raw cane sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon to roll (optional)
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the nut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Next add the almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and chocolate chips.
- Mix together until it forms a dough. If the dough feels too wet, add some more almond flour or protein powder.
- Optionally roll in cinnamon sugar, then place in the fridge to set for at least one hour.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer up to 2 months.
Notes
- Add 1/4 cup of any mix-ins you love.
- If the dough is too wet, add more almond flour or protein powder
- If too dry, add nut butter or maple syrup.
- Taste the dough before rolling and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
- Chill the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes if it feels sticky.
- Use a tablespoon scoop so the balls are even in size.
- Store in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
The perfect way to use up the bananas on my counter! Easy to make and love that these are grain-free unlike most other protein balls that are made with oats!