I’ve been on a ball-kick lately. It started around Valentine’s Day with chocolate truffles, then expanded into building some superfood-filled balls for snacks and breakfast.
I made some fantastic Maca Energy Balls for breakfast, but the kids aren’t fans of maca (it’s a bit distinct in flavor, plus I’ve read it’s not great for *small* children, so I prefer not to give it to them… yet).
I thought it would be fun to come up with a special truffle just for the kids. One filled with spice and vanilla, something similar to an oatmeal cookie, but with some added nutrients.
I started with my favorite nuts, walnuts, for omega 3’s, fiber and protein. I added in some dates and raisins which are rich in iron and fiber, a little bit of non alcohol vanilla for a punch of vanilla flavor and one of my favorite vegan protein powders, Vega One protein.
This particular powder is high in protein and made from fruits and vegetables. There’s no added sugar, just a natural sugar, Stevia, which comes from plants. It also has a hint of vanilla and really subtle flavor. I’m familiar with all the ingredients listed on the label and feel comfortable eating it AND giving it to my kids (in small amounts).
You could use any protein powder, however, you might want to watch out for “whey” protein. It’s dairy (which is hard to digest) and has some controversial side affects attached to it. The most important thing is to check the ingredients label and know exactly what you and your kids are consuming. There are so many different protein powders with a slew of ingredients. Do your research and do what’s best for you and your body, cuz we’re all different!
Back to ball-talk now… I’m finding, as I experiment with these truffles, the more powder I incorporate, the more I need to up the raisin/date measurements. I’ll get a softer, more pliable ball when I do and the texture is incredible. It’s soft and doughy, the perfect mix between a firm truffle and soft cookie dough.
I coated a few of these with some gluten free oats. The kids were immediately drawn to the oat balls because they love oatmeal cookies and it definitely has that look.
The sweetness from the raisins and dates really complements the richness of the vanilla and the little bit of vanilla protein powder that comes through. You get just a hint of cinnamon at the end, plus when you tack on the added texture of the oats… it really feels like a little oatmeal treat. Perfect for breakfast or for a snack, for kids and for adults. (It’s a great post-workout food too!)
Don’t take my word for it, just try it for yourself!
Here’s what you’ll need for these Oatmeal Cookie Protein Balls.
Ingredients:
- 3 c. walnuts
- 1 & 1/4 c. medjool dates (pitted) & 1 & 1/4 c. unsweetened raisins=(2 & 1/2 c. total)
- 1 & 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 3 tsp non alcohol vanilla
- 3 Tbsp vega protein powder (or your favorite protein powder)
- *optional-1/4 c. gluten free oats for coating.
*Makes approximately 20 protein balls.
Directions:
- Blend walnuts in a high powered blender or food processor until it becomes a crumbly texture.
- Add in dates, tuck them inside the walnut powder along with the raisins, vanilla, cinnamon and protein powder. Blend until mixture becomes doughy.
- Place mixture in fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. (This makes it easier to roll balls.)
- Use a 1/2″ to 1″ cookie scooper or small spoon to spoon out mixture, roll balls evenly, place onto a tray.
- Pour gluten free oats into a small bowl, take rolled protein balls and press down in oats until oats stick, then place back on tray.
- Place tray in fridge for 30 minutes to set up, serve.
- Store and serve these from the fridge. Will last up to one to two weeks.
**Notes**
*You can use all dates or all raisins for these protein balls. They will set up the same.
*For a stronger cinnamon flavor add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
*You can leave out the protein powder, just use 2 cups of dates or raisins total, not 2 & 1/2 cups.
*If batter does not hold together, you can add in 1 Tbsp of grade b maple syrup and blend. You can also pop batter in fridge before rolling into balls. Let them set up 20 minutes or so.
*The quality of the products you use matters. A good alcohol free vanilla provides such rich flavor along with a nice, organic ground cinnamon. Invest in good ingredients and your baked goods will reflect it in taste.
