No-bake, nutrient-packed, and just the right mix of cozy and energizing.
Hey There!
If you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and just a little fancy-feeling, these Golden Turmeric Protein Balls are it. They’ve got warm spices, creamy nut butter, and a touch of natural sweetness. No baking. No fuss. Just mix, roll, chill, and snack!
I make a batch of these almost every week. They’re perfect when that afternoon energy crash hits or when you want something satisfying without reaching for junk. They’re also great on the go—work, workouts, hikes, or right from the fridge with a coffee in hand. 🙂
🍌 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1–2 tbsp almond milk (only if needed for texture)
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I started making these when I was trying to find a snack that actually kept me full and didn’t leave me feeling blah. These hit the mark.
- Warm turmeric and cinnamon feel cozy and anti-inflammatory.
- Sweet but not too sweet.
- Great texture—chewy, with a bit of crunch from oats and coconut.
- Easy to make and no baking!
- You can double the batch and keep them in the fridge for the whole week.
🍴 Servings + Time
- Makes: 12 protein balls
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 20–30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory curcumin compound. But curcumin absorbs better with fat and black pepper. That’s why we’re using almond butter (healthy fat), and if you want, you can toss in a pinch of black pepper too (not enough to taste, but just enough to help that turmeric do its thing!). The protein powder adds structure and nutrition, while oats bind and give chew.
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
To the bowl, add:
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step 3: Mix It All Up
Mix everything together with a spatula or clean hands until it’s well combined and holds its shape. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of almond milk at a time until it’s just sticky enough to roll.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of mixture and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands. Optionally, roll each ball in extra shredded coconut.
Step 5: Chill
Place the tray in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes to firm up.
🧠 Pro Tips
- Wet your hands slightly before rolling so the mixture doesn’t stick.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to help your body absorb turmeric better.
- Don’t skip chilling—they’ll be soft if you try to eat them right away.
- Want more crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Tablespoon or cookie scoop
- Baking tray or plate
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Fridge 🙂
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Sweeter? Add a few mini chocolate chips or a chopped date.
- Different flavor? Swap vanilla protein powder for chocolate or unflavored.
- Add-ins: Hemp seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for more fiber.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- These store super well! Make a batch and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- You can freeze them too—just let them thaw for a few minutes before eating.
🧊 Leftovers + Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Let sit at room temp for a few minutes before enjoying.
🔢 Macros (Per Ball)
(Approximate—will vary slightly based on ingredients used)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
🧪 Common Mistakes
- Too dry? Add almond milk 1 tsp at a time.
- Too wet? Add a bit more oats or protein powder.
- Didn’t chill long enough? They’ll be too soft to hold shape—patience is key.
- Overmixing: It can get too dense. Stop when just combined.
🍽 What to Serve With
- A smoothie or protein shake
- Afternoon coffee or matcha
- Yogurt bowl
- After workout snack
- Great on a charcuterie-style snack board too!
📅 Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Pair with Greek yogurt and fruit.
- Snack: Grab 2 with a tea or coffee.
- Post-workout: Eat 2–3 right after the gym.
- Lunchbox addition: Easy to pack and carry.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I skip protein powder?
A: Yes, but the texture will be softer. Add more oats or a spoon of ground flax to help bind.
Q: Is turmeric strong in this?
A: Not really! It’s warm and mild—just enough to add color and gentle flavor.
Q: Can I use quick oats?
A: You can! Texture will be a little softer and smoother, but still delicious.
Q: Are these spicy?
A: Nope! Just warmly spiced—no heat.
🥳 Let’s Wrap It Up
And that’s it! A quick and easy snack that’s full of flavor, protein, and that golden glow. I hope you love these as much as I do. If you give them a try, come back and leave a comment—I’d love to hear how it went or help if you have any questions!
Happy rolling! ✨