Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially when you want to keep things nutritious yet flavorful. I always look for quality protein powder—something with a mild vanilla or unflavored taste works best to let the cinnamon shine through. Whole ingredients like oats and almond butter give these bites a lovely texture and keep them wholesome. When I first experimented with this recipe, I swapped peanut butter for almond butter and found it added a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/3 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal for extra fiber
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, and flaxseed meal if using. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the dough comes together; it should be sticky but manageable. If too dry, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about one inch in diameter. This is always a fun step with my kids—they love helping and sneaking a taste!
- Place the bites on a lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step really helps the bites hold their shape and gives the flavors time to meld.
- Enjoy immediately after chilling, or pack them in your lunchbox for a quick protein boost during the day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
