Easy No-Bake Vegan Cashew Coconut Protein Bites
These bite-sized, protein-packed, vegan treats taste like you are having your favorite dessert. They are guilt-free, high in protein, and made with wholesome ingredients. Now go stock your fridge with these Easy No-Bake Vegan Cashew Coconut Protein Bites.
You heard me, they are good for you! A good source of protein from cashews and protein powder and sweetened naturally by dates and maple syrup, these No-Bake Vegan Cashew Coconut Protein Bites make the perfect snack.
Are Protein Balls Healthy?
Yes they are and for many reasons.
No refined sugar: Dates and maple syrup offer a healthier option to white sugar. Both are natural and unprocessed, which makes for wholesome protein energy balls.
No processed ingredients: These are the perfect healthy snack with ingredients that are wholesome and healthy. You won’t find anything processed in this recipe, such as brown sugar or white flour.
Healthy fats: Heart-healthy fats should be a part of a whole food diet, for good reason. Coconut, cashews, and cashew butter provide a healthy amount of “good” fats, all while satisfying your sweet tooth. What a win-win if you ask me!
High protein: If you are looking to fill your diet with healthy, nutritious snacks, keep a container of these in your fridge, and you will be all set.
How to Enjoy These No-Bake Vegan Cashew Butter Bites
It’s simple…they are perfect to munch on any time of day.
Enjoy them for dessert. There’s nothing better than a healthy sweet treat, right?
Try them as a morning or afternoon snack. They are high in protein which makes them an ideal snack.
Take them on the go as a snack in the car. These bite-sized balls are the perfect grab-and-go snack for a busy mom who is running from soccer practice to gymnastics and everything in between.
Put them in your child’s school lunch. I promise you they will smile big when they see the sprinkles alone.
Eat them after a workout for a high-protein snack. I know you’ve heard that eating a protein-filled snack after a workout is great for repairing and rebuilding muscle.
Bring them to a party to impress your friends. Let them know these vegan protein bites are healthy and then watch them disappear.
The Ingredients
Ground flaxseed: This seed is loaded with protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids, which contribute to the health benefits found in eating these healthy desserts.
Raw cashews: Cashews are known for their creamy texture and flavor. That is the best part of these balls. Unlike peanuts and peanut butter, these nuts give more of a subtle, vanilla vibe.
Unsweetened, shredded coconut: Make sure not to use sweetened versions. I love the flavor of coconut and I really love the way it tastes in protein balls.
Old-fashioned oats: This whole-grain ingredient is the base of these vegan protein bites. Offering a nice combination of carbs and fiber, old-fashioned oats are definitely nutritious.
Vanilla protein powder: I really prefer using vanilla protein powder the best. However, if you are a chocolate lover, feel free to use a chocolate-flavored protein powder instead.
Medjool dates: There is nothing like the stickiness and all-natural flavor of dates. Make sure your dates are very soft. I recommend soaking them in water for at least 4 hours, if not overnight.
Cashew butter: This is the best creamy nut butter for these protein balls. It gives off a creamy, vanilla flavor like no other nut butter. However, if you do not have any, feel free to use the next best, almond butter.
Maple syrup: This unprocessed sweetener helps to bind everything together and adds the perfect hint of sweetness.
Filtered water: You will use just a little amount of water until you have created the perfect consistency.
Sprinkles: I love to use bright-colored, all-natural sprinkles for this recipe. I have found that the richer the color of the sprinkles, the more appetizing they look, especially to kids.
Optional-sea salt: This is not an ingredient in the recipe but feel free to add a dash of salt into the mixture.
The Instructions
Step one: Add the first 6 ingredients to a food processor. Process until crumble forms.
Step two: Add the cashew butter and maple syrup and process again.
Step three: While running, add a small amount of filtered water until your desired consistency is reached.
Step four: Using a small cookie scoop, place roughly one tablespoon-sized scoop of dough into your hand and roll it out into a smooth ball.
Step five: Press the top of the ball into a small bowl of sprinkles. *My favorite brands of sprinkles are the brands that do not contain color dyes and instead use natural coloring with fruits and vegetables.
Step six: Store these protein bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1.5 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
More Vegan Protein Snack Recipes
Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls
High-Protein Cake Batter Dates
The Best High-Protein Chocolate Dip
Fun Vegan Cashew Protein Bites
Equipment
- 1 food processor
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder equivalent to 2 tablespoons
- 5 soft Medjool dates, pitted *You may need to soak them in water overnight
- 3 tablespoons cashew butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- filtered water, as needed
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the first 6 ingredients, through the dates. Process until a crumble forms.
- Add the cashew butter and maple syrup and process again.
- While the motor is running, slowly add in the filtered water until the desired consistency is reached. Look for a dough-like texture. *Not watery but not crumbly.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place about 1-1.5 tbsp of dough into your hand. Roll the dough into a smooth ball.
- Add the sprinkles to a small bowl.
- Press the top of each ball of dough into the sprinkles.
- Place in a container lined with parchment paper.
- Secure the lid and store them in the fridge for up to a week!
