Gluten-Free Protein Balls | Cashew Butter Flavor |

These gluten-free protein balls are the perfect healthy snack. Loaded with cashew butter, granola, and naturally sweetened with date syrup then covered in refined sugar-free chocolate. A healthy protein-packed snack! 

They are bite-size, super flavorful, and hit the spot every time. There’s no need to feel guilty when indulging in these as they are packed with protein, free of refined sugars, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Oh! And for all of these that can’t have peanuts, these are made with cashew butter making them a win for you as well! These energy bites come together with minimal work and about 5 minutes of prep. Everything gets combined in one bowl, and best yet you never have to turn on the oven. 

You may also know these as power bites, protein bites, or energy bites. Either way, they are a healthy addition to your snack lineup to give you energy throughout the day. 

The best thing about this recipe is it is super versatile. If you do not have regular chocolate chips, you can try dark chocolate chips instead. Also, try mixing in shredded coconut, or even raisins.

These cashew butter energy bites could easily pass as a dessert. They are the perfect mix between a granola bar and cookie dough. They are an excellent snack to curb your afternoon or evening munchies.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Storage
• Equipment
• Top Tips
• FAQ
• Substitutes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Ingredients

• Gluten-free granola: I like to use granola here for added texture and flavor. 
• Cashew butter: Helps to bind the granola together. You can also use your favorite nut butter or nut alternative butter here. 
• Date syrup: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these energy balls without all of the refined sugars of regular sweeteners. You can easily use agave, maple stripe, or honey in its place. 
• Vanilla extract: My favorite vanilla is from Singing Dog Vanilla. The flavor profile offered by Singing Dog Vanilla is unmatched.
• Chocolate chips: I use refined sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Coconut oil: This helps to thin out the chocolate for easier coating of the energy balls.

Instructions

• First, make sure your granola is crushed down. I like to use a mortar and pestle for this step. However, you can always place it in a ziploc bag and crush it with a rolling pin. 
• Next, in a medium bowl, combine the cashew butter and vanilla extract with the date syrup. Mix well. 
• Then, add granola to the bowl and mix together very well. Be certain to stir the mixture well. I like to put on a pair of gloves and use my hands. Although You can certainly use a rubber spatula. 
• Next, either by using your hands or a meatball maker, roll the mixture into small balls. (Mixture will make 12 balls, for a smaller recipe you can easily half the ingredients.) 

• Once you have all 12 balls, place them to the side. In a clean bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Place into microwave and melt on the chocolate set in 30-second increments. Stir well after each one until fully melted. 
• Line a baking tray or large plate with parchment paper. Using a spoon, place cashew balls one by one into the chocolate mixture. Make sure all sides are covered, remove and place onto the tray. Once all 12 have been coated with chocolate you can sprinkle with flake salt if you wish. 
• Lastly, place the tray of gluten-free protein balls into the fridge until the chocolate hardens. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Keep energy balls stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. 

Storage

To prevent the energy balls from sticking together and keep them fresh, keep the energy balls stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. 

Equipment

Baking pan: Use a steel Wilton pan or any other pan you prefer.

Granite Mortar and Pestle Set: A perfect set to crush down granola. Clean the mortar and pestle set before use. Rinse it with warm water and let it dry completely.

Stainless Steel Meat Baller: To make the energy balls.

Top Tips

• If you don’t have a meatball maker, try wearing gloves, coated lightly with coconut oil. This will make rolling your energy bites easier.
• Instead of rolling the mixture into balls, you can also place it into a small square baking dish, lined with parchment paper, and make energy bars. 

FAQ

Can you freeze these gluten-free energy balls??

Certainly, these no-bake energy bites can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to two months. Be certain to remember to add a date to your container prior to freezing.

Would maple syrup work for these gluten free protein balls?

Absolutely, simply replace the date syrup with maple syrup.

Substitutes

Any cashew butter substitute?

1. Almond butter: Almond butter has a similar consistency and flavor to cashew butter and can be used as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes.
2. Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a popular alternative to cashew butter and has a strong flavor that can complement other ingredients in the energy balls.
3. Sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter, also known as sun butter, is a good option for those with nut allergies. It has a slightly different flavor than nut butter but can work well in energy ball recipes.

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📖 Recipe