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Easy Almond Butter Protein Bites for Kids: No bake

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A plate of Almond butter protein bites for kids on a white plate with a fourth cup of chocolate chips resting beside the plate.

These Almond Butter Protein Bites for kids are made with simple ingredients and provide the perfect snack and healthy treat for the whole family. I am always on the hunt for healthy options for snack ideas and these almond butter protein balls are an easy way to provide a quick snack that is also a sweet treat while serving my kids wholesome real food and essential nutrients. My personal preference is to add a delicious twist to this energy ball recipe with toasted coconut and my favorite protein powder or hot cocoa powder with nutritious ingredients (Here is my favorite). The perfect way for mama to get protein, too! Also, oats are known to increase milk supply, so, nursing mamas this is a great snack for you too.

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Hand holding one almond butter protein bite for kids with chocolate chips.

Ingredient Breakdown for Almond Butter Protein Bites for Kids

  • Rolled oats (Old fashioned oats): the base ingredient in this recipe. Oats are loaded with vital vitamins and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and B vitamins.
  • Almond butter: Nut butter is a good source of protein. Try to choose an almond butter with roasted almonds as the only ingredient. Almond butter contains fiber, folate, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and zinc. Vitamin E is known to help with learning and memory.
  • Pure maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is very high in antioxidants and contains riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Maple syrup is the glue that holds the protein ball together.
  • Salt: Salt brightens and enhances the flavors and is a source of essential trace minerals (unrefined salt).
  • Vanilla extract: Vanilla because we love flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Because snacks are better with chocolate (my little girl calls them polka-dots šŸ™‚ ). We change up our chocolate chips by using semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or my favorite dark chocolate chips. If you need vegan-friendly and dairy free chocolate chips here are 5 brands to try.

A tip from a mama. I understand organic foods are expensive, and I know there is quite a debate around organic and non-GMO foods. Oats are heavily coated in glyphosate, a herbicide that has unfortunately been linked to cancer. Oats are a staple item in my pantry, and I budget for organic oats.

Almond Butter Protein batter blended in food processor with chocolate chips folded in.

What are ways to change up your protein bites?

Here are 6 ways to mix up your protein ball recipes:

  1. add protein powder (you will need to adjust the measurement of water to form the dough)
  2. substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter as a good alternative and nut-free option
  3. mix in ground flax seed
  4. sprinkle chia seeds in the dough
  5. add raisins or dried cranberries
  6. add shredded coconut (this is my favorite addition!)
A plate full of energy bites for kids with chocolate chips scattered on the white table.

Why Should I Add Protein to Snacks?

It is so tempting to just grab an apple or banana for your kids during snack time, but it is best to provide that fruit with protein. A protein helps stabilize blood sugar which prevents a great big spike in glucose. A spike is often followed by a big dip, the sugar crash. Sugar crash symptoms include mood swings and fatigue. These are symptoms we want to avoid.

Four Reasons to add protein to your kid’s snacks:

  1. helps control their appetite
  2. aids in growth development
  3. assists in healing the body
  4. regulates and stabilizes blood sugar
One Almond butter protein bite rests on a a white table with chocolate chips scattered around it and a plate full of energy bites behind it.

How to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen?

This protein ball recipe is a great recipe for little beginners in the kitchen. They can practice lots of skills without being around heat or a sharp knife.

Here is a list of tasks for kids in the kitchen to make this energy bite recipe:

  • gather ingredients
  • measure ingredients using both measuring cup and spoons
  • pour ingredients into the bowl of the food processor
  • learn to properly use the food processor*
  • form the dough into balls (using their hands is a great sensory activity for kids, but a cookie scoop does limit the mess)
  • clean the kitchen (all but the food processor blade)

* Please consider your child’s age for appropriateness for each marked task. Always supervise your child in the kitchen. You know your child best and understand their skills and awareness.

A plate of Almond butter protein bites for kids on a white plate with a fourth cup of chocolate chips resting beside the plate.

How to make Almond Protein Energy Bites for Kids?

Equipment

  • food processor
  • spatula

Ingredient List

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (or your favorite salt)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (or substitute with other favorite toppings)
Four step process shot of making almond butter and chocolate chip protein bites recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Almond Energy Bites for Kids

  1. First, pour one cup of rolled oats into the food processor and grind until fine.
  2. Then, combine almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and water in the bowl of the food processor. Process until the dough begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add a tsp of water, or if too wet, then add a tsp of oats until you can make a dough ball.
  3. Now, fold in chocolate chips with a spatula.
  4. Next, form the dough into balls, and ENJOY your tasty snack! Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
One Almond butter protein bite rests on a white table with chocolate chips scattered around it and a plate full of energy bites behind it.

Other Healthy Kid-Friendly Snack Options:

Homemade Applesauce

Three-ingredient instant pot applesauce recipe without any added sugar. This is a healthy snack for the whole family. Get the recipe HERE.

Three Ingredient Applesauce single serving in a white ceramic bowl sitting on a worn wooden table with a beige kitchen towel, silver spoon, three strawberries, a red apple, and a quart jar full of strawberry-applesauce.

Electrolyte Drink Recipe for Kids

Kids need to stay hydrated, and sometimes that can be quite the challenge whether they are fighting sickness or spending a day in the sun. This wholesome recipe for a healthy homemade electrolyte drink is just the thing. Get the recipe HERE.

Electrolyte drink for kids in a mason glass jar with stainless steel straw wedged with a lemon on the rim of the glass and slices of lemons and limes spread along a white tabletop

Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach recipe is so yummy! I use it as a dip for my kids and the love it. Get the recipe HERE.

asiago creamed spinach sprinkled with Parmesan cheese in a large black skillet sitting on an old barn wood table with shredded cheese, garlic cloves, and spinach leaves sitting beside the skillet.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Finally, I want to thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share with me your favorite healthy snack option. If you make these deliciously easy Almond Butter Energy Bites for kids, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating.

– With Great Joy, Katie

P.S. If you love these Almond Butter Protein Bites for Kids, look for more healthy snack options. COMING SOON!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Almond Butter Protein batter blended in food processor with chocolate chips folded in and a hold holding a protein bite.

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A plate of Almond butter protein bites for kids on a white plate with a fourth cup of chocolate chips resting beside the plate.

Almond Butter Protein Bites for Kids

These simply delicious almond energy bites for kids are so easy to make and require only a few basic ingredients. And they are quite irresistible.
5 from 2 votes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12 Protein Bites

Equipment

  • food processor
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (or your favorite salt)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (or substitute with favorite toppings)

Instructions
 

  • First, pour one cup of rolled oats into the food processor and grind until fine.
  • Then, combine almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and water in the bowl of the food processor. Process until the dough begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add a tsp of water, or if too wet, then add a tsp of oats until you can make a dough ball.
  • Now, fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
  • Next, form the dough into balls, and ENJOY! Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Keyword Almond Butter, Chocolate, Dessert, Healthy Snack, Oats, Snack

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    We love this recipe Katie! Next time, Iā€™m substituting the maple syrup for honey, but still super delicious. šŸ˜Š

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