Cinnamon Roll Protein Bites are little balls of joy packed with protein! They have a sweet cinnamon flavor and a soft, chewy texture—perfect for any snack time treat.
I love keeping these bites on hand for a quick pick-me-up. They’re guilt-free and give me energy without the sugar crash! Plus, who can resist the smell of cinnamon? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide the base for your bites and add fiber. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats or even ground oats can work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the texture!
Medjool Dates: They sweeten the bites naturally and help bind everything together. If you can’t find Medjool dates, you could use dried figs or prunes, but make sure they are soft and pitted.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is great for flavor, but any nut or seed butter works well. Try peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter based on your preference or dietary needs.
Vanilla Protein Powder: This adds protein and vanilla flavor. If you don’t have protein powder, you can omit it, but consider adding a bit more nut butter or oats to maintain consistency.
Cream Cheese Drizzle: The drizzle is optional but adds a nice finishing touch. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a vegan twist.
How Do I Create a Good Texture for My Protein Bites?
The texture is key to making these bites enjoyable! Here are a few tips:
- Blend Well: Pulse the oats until they’re a fine flour. This helps the bites stick together nicely.
- Check Moisture: If your mix feels dry, add the almond milk slowly and check for a sticky consistency. It should hold together without crumbling.
- Chill: After shaping the bites, chilling them helps firm up the texture, making them easier to eat and more satisfying.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfect Cinnamon Roll Protein Bites every time! Enjoy snacking! 😊
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 8-10)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice; adjust as needed)
For the Drizzle (optional):
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sweetener
- 1 tsp milk (or more, to thin)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. That means you can whip these up pretty quickly and enjoy them in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oats:
In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they reach a coarse flour texture. You want them to be finely ground, so the bites have a smooth consistency. This will serve as a great base for your protein bites.
2. Combine The Ingredients:
Next, add the pitted dates, almond butter, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Process this mixture until it forms a sticky, combined dough. If it’s too dry and crumbly, slowly add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough sticks together nicely.
3. Shape The Bites:
Once your dough is ready, use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Lay them out on a plate or tray as you go. They don’t need to be perfect, just round and tasty!
4. Make The Drizzle:
In a small bowl, prepare your optional cream cheese drizzle by whisking together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed, so it’s easy to drizzle over your bites.
5. Drizzle and Chill:
Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the protein bites. Once you’ve added the drizzle, place the bites in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling will help them firm up and become even more delicious!
6. Storage:
Store any leftover protein bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They make a great snack any time of the day!
Enjoy these sweet, chewy, cinnamon-spiced protein bites as a healthy snack or post-workout treat! They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you energized. 😊
Can I Substitute the Medjool Dates?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use other dried fruits like dried figs or prunes. Just be sure they are pitted and soft enough to blend well into the mixture.
How Can I Make These Protein Bites Vegan?
To make the protein bites vegan, use a plant-based protein powder and substitute almond butter with a seed butter if desired. For the drizzle, use a vegan cream cheese alternative or simply omit it!
Can I Freeze These Protein Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the protein bites! Just place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer your bites sweeter, feel free to add a bit of maple syrup or honey (if you’re not vegan) into the dough. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to your taste before rolling them into balls.
