These ginger balls are the perfect protein-packed snack with Medjool dates and fresh ginger. And the almonds, oats, and hemp hearts make each bite high in protein (without any protein powder!!).
I am all about protein balls, energy bites, raw balls, bliss bites, fat bombs - or whatever you want to call yours! I always try to have a batch or two in the freezer for on-the-go snacks. Next, try these almond butter oatmeal balls and these raspberry protein balls!
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Almonds are one of the main sources of protein in this recipe. I use raw unsalted almonds to make these protein balls, but salted and/or roasted will work too!
- You can use (old fashion) rolled oats, or quick oats for this recipe. Either way, the oats will be blended down into small granules.
- Hemp hearts increase the protein in these bites! The ½ cup of hemp hearts in this recipe has 27 grams of protein. Making these ginger protein balls perfect for high-energy lifestyles, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those looking to increase protein in their everyday diet (most of my community here fits into one or two of these categories!)
- Cinnamon increases the flavor and it stabilizes blood sugar levels.
- Salt complements the flavor, specifically with the dates. I like to use good quality sea salt as it is a good source of minerals. Here's a link to my favorite sea salt brand.
- Freshly grated ginger is the star ingredient of these protein balls, bringing out the amazing flavor. Ginger is well known as an anti-inflammatory meaning it will decrease inflammation in the body. If you only have powdered ginger you can use 1 tablespoon instead of fresh ginger.
- Maple syrup sweetens these balls and brings out a caramel-like flavor. Honey can be used if you don't have any syrup!
- Coconut oil helps these protein balls stick together well. Butter can be used if you don't have any coconut oil in your cupboard.
- Dates are key to holding these energy balls together. I like to use Medjool dates - they are big, dark, gooey, and rich in flavor. I find Medjool dates in the produce section in plastic containers at my grocery store. If you don't see them there you can usually find dates in a bag down the baking aisle at the grocery store.
See the recipe card for quantities of all the ingredients.
Tips when using dates
- Remember to remove the pit if your dates are not pitted!
- Look for black when you remove the pit as they are a fruit and can go bad (like moldy!).
- If your dates have white crystals on them, this is purely the date's sugar crystalizing and they are still fine to use!
How I make ginger protein balls
The photos below are from my kitchen; come, I will show you how easy these protein balls are to make!
1. In a food processor or a high-power blender, blend the almonds and the oats until there are almost no chunks.
2. Add the hemp hearts, cinnamon, and salt, then blend until everything looks like coarse sand.
3. Add the grated ginger, maple syrup, coconut oil, and dates to the blender or food processor and pulse until a dough starts to form. It will become quite thick and hard to blend: when this happens, dump this whole ginger date mixture into a medium mixing bowl.
4. Use your hands to knead the dough. There will be crumbs, keep kneading the dough until all the dry oats and nuts are mixed into the dates making one dough ball. Then use a tablespoon of dough at a time to roll into balls.
Tip
Use wet hands when rolling these healthy protein bites into balls. This keeps the dough from sticking to your fingers!
Notes on the blender or food processor
You will need a food processor or a high-power blender for this recipe. This is so the almonds and oats pulse into coarse sand and then the dates blend into small gooey pieces to keep the protein balls stuck together.
Alternatively, you could make this recipe for the best pistachio balls (with dates) which doesn't need a high-power machine.
More no-bake snacks
Looking for more energy balls? Try these seedy energy balls with chocolate or these matcha oatmeal balls!
Ginger Protein Balls with Dates
Equipment
- 1 food processor or high-power blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates or about 10-13 Medjool dates
- 1 cup almonds I use unroasted, unsalted
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger (or 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger)
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Start by placing the dates in a small bowl and pouring hot water over them to soak for at least 10 minutes. Then drain the water from the dates and set them aside.
- In a food processor or a high powder blender place the almonds and the oats and pulse until there are almost no chunks. Add the hemp hearts, cinnamon, and salt, then blend until everything looks like coarse sand.
- Add the grated ginger, maple syrup, coconut oil, and dates to the blender or food processor and pulse until a dough starts to form. It will become quite thick and hard to blend so not everything will be mixed together. When this happens dump this whole ginger date mixture into a medium bowl.
- Use your hands to knead the dough. There will be crumbs - keep kneading the dough until all the dry oats and nuts are mixed into the dates, forming one dough ball.
- Using a tablespoon of dough at a time, roll into balls. Store the ginger date protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge (for 2-3 weeks) or the freezer (for up to 3 months). I like eating these ginger bites frozen! Enjoy!
Notes
- Measuring dates: I use about 10-13 Medjool dates for this recipe, press the dates lightly into the measuring cup until you get 1 cup.
- If you do not have hemp hearts you can use ground flax seeds (it may have a stronger taste) or any protein powder.
- As seen in the photos, I made a glaze for these protein balls, this was solely to make the balls look pretty. To make the glaze, mix together 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of sifted powdered sugar. Drizzle this thin mixture over the balls.
Meagan says
These kind of energy bites never work for me, but I was desperate to find ones that did. I gave this recipe a shot and was pleasantly surprised! They came together easily, taste amazing and were a huge hit with the family! I love the ginger in them!
danikavanderpyl says
Once again trying my ginger recipes, love it! 😉 So glad the fam liked them, I appreciate your feedback!
danikavanderpyl says
These are a go to favorite snack for the whole family's hiking adventures!