There’s something so fun about getting your hands in the mix and recipes you’re creating. Which is a part of the fun when you’re making ball snacks for on the go!

These little bites pack a big protein punch, and are one of our favorite travel snacks to make in advance and pack for the plane ride, or post-workout. Chewy, yet crunchy, you’ll get long-lasting fullness and energy from the nut butter, peanuts, oats and dates and a touch of sweetness from the cacao and coconut flakes.

What makes these high in protein? Mainly the nuts involved. You can add in a protein powder as well (my favorite is by Vega) for additional muscle-building power, as an option. Let’s get rollin’!

{POST UPDATE: Check out the video link below for a visual how-to explanation}

PREP TIME: 15 minutes prep, 1 hour refrigeration 
SERVES: 12 1″ balls (más o menos)
TAGS: raw, dairy-free, vegan, protein, post-workout, pre-workout, travel snack

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 C gluten free oats
• 1 C dates (un-pitted)
• 3 tbsp natural Peanut Butter*
• 1/2 C unsalted, raw or lightly roasted, peanuts*
• 2 tbsp cacao nibs
• 1/2 C unsweetened coconut flakes
• optional: add raisins, goji berries, cranberries, or other dried fruit you love!

*Feel free to substitute any of the nuts for your tastebuds, including cashew, almonds—get creative!

DIRECTIONS

1. Blend oats and dates in a high speed blender
2. Transfer to a medium bowl, adding in the remainder of the ingredients
3. Stir it all up!
4. Roll in to 1″ balls (recommended, using a mini muffin pan)
5. Refrigerate for 1 hour, then enjoy!

Keep balls refrigerated to maintain consistency—these are raw, remember! Option to freeze up to 3 months as well for later nourishment.

REFRIGERATE

Because these are raw, it helps to place in the refrigerator for at least an hour to keep them bound together. Baking is an option, but I prefer the raw, chewy taste to the crunch in these, tastes a bit more natural.

Kitchen Tip: Use a mini muffin pan for storing the balls when in the refrigerator for ease, preventing them from rolling off a flat plate.

GETTING CREATIVE WITH YOUR OWN RECIPES

Love goji berries? Toss ’em in! Prefer a little more crunch? Try adding some crushed walnuts to the mix. Allergic to peanuts? Use almond or cashew butter instead, opting for almonds, macadamia, or any other nut of choice instead.

The best part of having a killer basic recipe for balls like this is it’s easy to add in any thing you prefer and make it your own! If it’s something you love, I want to hear about it! Tag @livefreewarrior in your recipe post on instagram and share your kitchen creation.

STORAGE

Keep in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (if they last that long!) or freeze up to 3 months.