These healthy banana protein balls have a soft banana filling that's coated in a rich chocolate shell. They are only sweetened with banana (no sugar added), paleo, vegan, nut free and oat free. These banana protein balls are great for a protein packed snack or low carb dessert.
Fruit sweetened desserts are my favorite! And these no bake banana protein balls are only sweetened with bananas; making them a great option for dessert, or even a quick snack.
They have a creamy banana filling made with pea protein, sunflower seed butter and mashed banana. It is no bake and coated in a dark chocolate shell. The chocolate coating is optional, but highly recommended.
Why You'll Love these Banana Protein Balls
- paleo and vegan friendly - made with simple, real food ingredients
- nut free - no nuts or peanuts in this protein ball recipe
- grain free - made without oats
- high in protein
- low in sugar - only sweetened with bananas
- easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients
- healthy enough for breakfast, snack or a guilt-free dessert
I've made these paleo energy bites more times that I can count...and they always disappear by the second day. The whole family loves them!
Ingredients
Only a few ingredients are necessary for making these banana energy balls. Here's what you need:
- large ripe banana
- sunflower seed butter
- pea protein powder
- cinnamon (optional)
- vanilla extract (optional)
- water
- extra dark chocolate
- coconut oil (optional)
Banana
I used a semi-ripe banana to make these. Meaning, yellow with few brown spots. However, any level of ripeness will work for this recipe.
Sunflower Seed Butter
To make these banana bread balls nut free, I used sunflower seed butter. Peanut butter (not strict paleo) or almond butter would be great substitutes.
Pea Protein
I used my favorite pea protein powder in this recipe. Pea protein is super absorbent, so substituting with other types of protein powder may not work well. If you're using a different protein powder you may not need to add any water to the filling. In addition, you might have to add flour (coconut or almond are good options) to get the right consistency.
Dark Chocolate
I recommend a dark chocolate with a cocoa content between 70-100%. My two favorite Paleo chocolates include THESE 70% dark chocolate chips and THESE 100% dark chocolate chips.
How to Make Banana Protein Balls Without Oats
Like all of my recipes, these banana protein balls are super easy to put together. You can prep a batch (or two) for the week ahead as a simple meal prep option; as they store well in the fridge or freezer.
Here's what you need to do:
Make the Filling
First, combine all filling ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Start with just one tablespoon of water and add more as needed. The filling should be fairly easy to mix and have a sticky playdough like texture.
Next, roll the dough into balls about 1 tablespoon in size. You should get 12-13 protein balls. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
Place the balls in the freezer while you prepare the coating.
Chocolate Coating
Next, make the chocolate coating. Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a small saucepan. Melt over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
Once fully melted, retrieve the balls from the freezer. One at a time, dip them into the melted chocolate and then place them back on the lined baking pan (or plate).
After all of the balls have been dipped, you may drizzle any remaining chocolate over the balls and add a pinch of cinnamon. Place the protein balls in the fridge or freezer for the chocolate to fully set.
Storage
Keep these banana protein balls in an airtight bag or container in the fridge or freezer. They'll last up to two weeks in the fridge, or two months in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pea protein works best for this recipe. It is super absorbent, so requires a lot of moisture. Whereas an animal based protein powder (like whey) is not. If you aren't using pea protein, I suggest leaving the water out at first, then adding it in if needed. You might need to add in flour (coconut or almond) as well to get the right dough texture.
Yes, peanut butter would work well in place of the sunflower seed butter.
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are vegan friendly. Be sure to use a vegan protein powder (like pea protein) and dark chocolate that doesn't contain any dairy.
More Healthy Protein Ball Recipes Without Oats
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Paleo Banana Protein Balls (Vegan, Nut Free)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-13 protein balls
Description
Healthy, low sugar banana protein balls. Paleo, Vegan and nut free - perfect for a satisfying snack or healthy dessert.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup mashed banana (125g)
- ¼ cup sunflower seed butter
- ½ cup pea protein powder (52g)*
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 Tbsp water
Coating
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (about 3 oz)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- For the Filling: Combine all filling ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Start with just one tablespoon of water and add more as needed. The filling should be fairly easy to mix and have a sticky playdough-like texture.
- Roll the filling into balls about 1 tablespoon in size. You should get 12-13 protein balls. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- Put the balls in the freezer while you melt the chocolate for the coating.
- For the Coating: Place the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small saucepan. Melt on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Once fully melted, turn off the heat and retrieve the fillings from the freezer.
- Dip the fillings, one at a time, into the melted chocolate. Place them back on the lined baking sheet or plate.
- Drizzle any remaining chocolate over the balls. Optional: top with additional cinnamon.
- Place the protein balls in the fridge or freezer for chocolate to fully set.
- Store in fridge or freezer.
Notes
*Pea protein works best for this recipe. It is super absorbent, so requires a lot of moisture. Whereas an animal based protein powder (like whey) is not. If you aren't using pea protein, I suggest leaving the water out at first, then adding it in if needed. You might need to add in flour (coconut or almond) as well to get the right dough texture.
Hannah
This was sooo good ! After the first batch I made another the next day . My Mom who usually won’t eat anything that isn’t the real thing loved them - so that tells you something - i used a chocolate protein powder and PB cause that was what I had 🙂 Im definitely gonna recommend to my friends !
Katie
Oh wonderful! I'm so happy to hear you all enjoyed them 🙂 Thank you so much for leaving a review.
Angela
Would these balls stay together if I didn’t want the chocolate coating on them?
Katie
Yes, they hold together without the coating.
Eden
How long do these last in the fridge vs. freezer?
Katie
They are best eaten within 2 weeks if kept in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Shanda
Do you know about how many calories per serving size??
Belu
Hi! Could I replace de protein powder for a nut flour or oat flour?
Katie
Hi! I think oat flour would work well as a swap. Other flours like almond or coconut should work too, but you'll have to play around with how much to add. I think oat will be closest to pea protein.
Melina SAGARRICA
Hi can I use grass fed whey protein powder?
Katie
Whey protein should work for this recipe, but the filling will most likely have a different texture. You probably won't need to add any water.
Allie
Can i use peanut butter instead of sunflower?
Katie
Yes, that would be a great sub!
Peggy
WhT is the nutritional information?