Churro Protein Balls

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✨ No-bake. Packed with protein. Taste like dessert.

Hey There!

Let’s talk about something amazing—churros… but without the deep fryer or sugar crash. These Churro Protein Balls are quick, easy, and seriously addicting in the best way.

They taste just like a cinnamon sugar churro, but they’re made with good-for-you ingredients and come together in 10 minutes, no baking.

I whip these up at least once a week—they’re perfect for a snack, post-workout bite, or a little something sweet after dinner.

Let’s roll into it. 😄

Churro Protein Balls

🧾 What You’ll Need

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 cup natural almond butter (runny kind)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (plus more for rolling)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar (for rolling)
Churro Protein Balls

🌟 Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes I never get tired of. I started making these when I was trying to cut back on sugary snacks but still wanted something that tasted like a treat. These check all the boxes.

  • Tastes like a churro (yes, really)
  • Done in 10 minutes, no baking
  • Easy to pack for work or the gym
  • Great way to sneak in extra protein
  • Customizable and freezer-friendly

🍽 Servings + Time

  • Servings: Makes 12 protein balls
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 10 minutes (optional)
  • Total Time: 10–20 minutes

🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science!)

  • Protein powder + almond butter = the glue. They hold the mixture together and give it structure.
  • Oats add texture while also helping soak up moisture.
  • Rolling in cinnamon + coconut sugar gives that authentic churro crunch and flavor.
  • No baking means the protein stays intact, and you get full flavor fast.

🧠 Meal Plan Ideas

  • Post-Workout Snack: Pair with a banana or smoothie
  • Midday Pick-Me-Up: Add alongside coffee or tea
  • Healthy Dessert: Perfect after dinner with Greek yogurt
  • Breakfast Boost: Crumble into a bowl with almond milk or yogurt

🚫 Common Mistakes

  • Using dry almond butter: You want the runny kind, or it won’t mix well.
  • Skipping the salt: A little salt balances the sweet and brings out the churro flavor.
  • Too much protein powder: This can dry out the mixture. Stick to the ratio.
  • Not chilling (if mixture is sticky): A quick chill firms them up.

🍴 What to Serve With

  • Hot or iced coffee
  • Fresh fruit
  • Yogurt parfait
  • Protein shake
  • Herbal tea

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
A: Totally! It’ll have more of a peanuty flavor, but it still works.

Q: Can I skip the protein powder?
A: You can—just add a bit more oats or almond butter to get the texture right.

Q: How long do these last?
A: About 1 week in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

🔁 Substitutions + Variations

  • Swap almond butter with peanut or cashew butter
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version (if using plant protein)
  • Add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist
  • Roll in crushed nuts instead of cinnamon sugar

🧊 Make-Ahead Tips

  • Roll and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
  • Thaw at room temp for 10–15 minutes when ready to eat.

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Silicone spatula or spoon
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Small bowl for rolling

👩‍🍳 How to Make Churro Protein Balls

1. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until combined.

Churro Protein Balls

2. Add wet ingredients

Add 1/2 cup runny almond butter, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir until a dough forms.

Churro Protein Balls

3. Scoop and roll

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough, then roll into smooth balls with your hands.

Churro Protein Balls

4. Coat with cinnamon sugar

Mix 1 tbsp coconut sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each ball in the mixture to coat.

Churro Protein Balls

5. Chill (optional)

Place the balls in the fridge for 10 minutes if they feel sticky. This step helps them firm up.

Churro Protein Balls

🥡 Leftovers + Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
  • Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months
  • Great to grab on the go straight from the fridge

💬 Wrap-Up

And there you go—churro-flavored snacks with a protein punch. These little guys are cozy, sweet, and totally satisfying. Make a batch today, then drop a comment to let me know how they turned out or if you tried a fun twist. I’m all ears! 👂😄

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