Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Balls are a no-bake sweet and healthy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a little burst of energy! These vegan protein bites are made with fresh lemon, poppy seeds, cashew butter, maple syrup, shredded coconut, and more.
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I am very excited about these lemon protein balls for three reasons:
- This was a reader request
- I've been perfecting the recipe for the last year (!)
- Energy balls taste like dessert
Lemon fans, get excited because this one is for you. I've created an energy bite that is healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and so addictive thanks to that bright lemon flavor.
These bite sized treats are super easy to throw together and keep on hand all week, or toss them in the freezer to have ready to go any time!
Ingredients
- Almond Flour
- Shredded coconut
- Oat flour
- Cashew butter
- Maple Syrup
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Coconut butter
- Poppy seeds
How to make lemon poppy seed protein balls
- Place all ingredients in a food processor (affiliate link) and combine until a semi-smooth dough forms
- Roll 2 tablespoons of dough between your hands to form balls
- Roll balls in additional poppy seeds, coconut, or lemon zest if desired
Top tips
Do I need a food processor to make protein balls?
Yes, you'll want a food processor to make this energy ball dough, but a high powered blender would work as well.
Can I use any syrup to make protein balls?
Only use pure maple syrup. The fake sugary kind will not be the same!
How do I melt coconut butter?
Be sure to gently melt your coconut butter by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water. You could melt it in the microwave, but only do it in short increments to prevent burning. Be sure to stir before using.
How do I make gluten-free protein balls?
All of these ingredients are gluten-free except oat flour. Use gluten-free oat flour to make these gluten-free!
Tips for customizing
- If you don't have coconut butter you can substitute an equal amount of coconut oil
- Use unsweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet treat
- Swap the poppy seeds for chia seeds
- Swap the lemon for another citrus such as orange or grapefruit
More protein ball recipes
- Cardamom Rose Energy Balls
- Gingerbread Energy Balls
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ¼ cup creamy cashew butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut butter
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Process until fairly smooth and combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Grab about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls between your hands.
- If desired, roll or sprinkle protein balls in extra poppy seeds, coconut, or lemon zest.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to eat. If frozen, let thaw for 5 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Tips for customizing
- If you don't have coconut butter you can substitute an equal amount of coconut oil
- Use unsweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet treat
- Swap the poppy seeds for chia seeds
- Swap the lemon for another citrus such as orange or grapefruit
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