Easy No-Bake Vegan Cashew Coconut Protein Bites

These bite-sized, protein-packed, vegan treats taste like you are having your favorite dessert.  The only difference is they are guilt-free, high in protein, and made with wholesome ingredients.

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 Ingredient List

Are there any other busy moms out there?  Finding yourself with no time to even take a shower let alone time to make your dessert from scratch.

The good news is that these cashew energy balls are simple to make and fun for the kids to help with.  Put them to work, as I did, and have them press each ball into sprinkles.  Not only are they helping you make them but they will be dying to try one!

To make these protein bites, all you need is the following simple ingredients:

Ground flaxseed: This seed is loaded with protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids which contributes 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 most 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.

How to Make These Vegan Protein Sweet Treats

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 Ball Recipes

It doesn’t have to be the fall season to enjoy these delicious Pecan Protein Balls! Go ahead and give them a try! You will be glad that you did.

These Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls are wonderful and another kid-friendly and healthy dessert!

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle