No-Bake Tahini Chocolate Protein Energy Balls

A fun spin on a classic THM recipe, these tahini energy balls require zero cooking, are packed full of protein and will give you energy all day! They come together in 10 minutes and are easily portable for a snack on-the-go.

Did you know that the most popular recipe on THM are my no-bake oatmeal protein energy balls? For good reason too! They’re delicious, nutritious and SO easy to make. That’s kind of my jam. I love anything that packs a punch and can be made in minutes. No slaving away in the kitchen for hours!

However, in the last few months I’ve heard from some of you that you wanted to see a nut-free version of that recipe. Which of course made my mind immediately go to one of my favorite foods: tahini. If you’re an avid THM blog reader, you’ll know I’m obsessed with tahini. Any chance I get to share a recipe with tahini, I’m down. I’ve shared a Tahini Date and Cinnamon Smoothie, Tahini Butter Cups with Honey Candied Cereal, and Chocolate Chip Tahini Bars… among many others!

Tahini is such a nutritious and versatile ingredients when it comes to recipes. I can’t help myself! It is the perfect addition to these protein balls. It adds a hint of savory to the otherwise sweet ingredients.

What the Deal with Tahini?

Tahini is a paste or “butter” made from ground sesame seeds. Seriously, that’s it! I’ve never tried to make my own because you can find it in most major grocery stores by the other nut and seed butters. It is a great nut butter substitute for anyone with a nut allergy or for kiddos in a nut free school. Not to mention, it’s also super high in protein so make a great addition to these energy balls.

Plus tahini + honey reminds me of sesame snaps which were one of my favorite sweet treats growing up!

Ingredients in Tahini Energy Balls

• rolled oats
• tahini
• honey
• milk of choice
• chia seeds
• vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• salt
• chocolate
• protein powder or coconut flour

Both protein powder and coconut flour work great in these balls! Protein powder will add a little bit more protein but both are great options. My favorite brands of protein powder are: Brandless Unflavored Protein (for no flavor), Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein (in Vanilla), and Vega Sport Protein Powder (in Vanilla).

Customize this recipe!

I’m all about that customization and helping you guys to make my recipes your own. Not a fan of tahini? You can sub any seed or nut butter! Chocolate ain’t your thing? Mix in some chopped raisins or other dried fruit. Want a double-dose of chocolate? Sub in chocolate protein powder! This recipe works with both whey and plant-based protein powder though you may need to adjust the amount of non-dairy milk depending on which brand you use.

There’s only two things you cannot sub in this recipe: oats and honey. Oats are the base of the recipe so I wouldn’t recommend subbing with any other grain. Honey is the primary binder and we haven’t found other sweeteners to work as well. We’ve tried them with maple syrup and they just didn’t stick as well so proceed with caution.

Now let’s make these No-Bake Tahini Chocolate Protein Energy Balls

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Tahini Chocolate Protein Energy Balls

A fun spin on a classic THM recipe, these tahini energy balls require zero cooking, are packed full of protein and will give you energy all day!

• Author: Jess Franks @ The Healthy Maven
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 20 balls (approx) 1x

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1–2 tbsp milk of choice
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup or 1/2 chocolate bar, chopped
• 1/2 cup neutral or vanilla flavored protein powder 

*OR 2 tbsp coconut flour if you don’t have protein powder

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the tahini, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and either the protein powder or coconut flour and stir to combine.
2. Add in the chia seeds, oats and chocolate and mix.
3. Pour in your milk of choice 1 tablespoon at a time until everything comes together into a sticky ball. If you are using coconut flour you may only need 2 tablespoons or closer to 4 if using protein powder.
4. Roll the mixture into balls and store in the fridge.

Note: if you use protein powder you may need more or less honey depending on how sweet it is.

Like this recipe? Here are other energy ball recipes: