No Bake Honey Nut Protein Balls

I’m happy to say that things are finally starting to get back to normal as I adjust to being back in Louisiana and getting into a routine again.  I accomplished one of my June goals which was to find a gym and let’s just say it’s nice to get back into the swing of things.  I’m still working on my other goal of eating healthy (the food temptations here in Louisiana are real!) but I’m on the right track.  Eating healthy is always easy on days I’m in the gym and have healthy snacks on hand, so I try to keep that consistent.  One of my favorite pre and post workout snacks, and even mid-day snack for when I’m craving something sweet, are these no bake honey nut protein balls I’ve been making lately.  This protein balls recipe is so easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge for when you need a pick me up.
WHAT YOU NEED:

– 3/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios™
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
– 1 tbs cinnamon
– Vanilla extract

*This no bake protein balls recipe yields about 7 bite size balls.
WHAT YOU DO:

In a food processor, grind Honey Nut Cheerios™ until cereal is finely chopped and a smooth powdery texture.  In a large mixing bowl, combine Honey Nut Cheerios™, almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and peanut butter.  Mix well, then add honey, and continue to combine.  Add peanut butter as needed if mixture is too dry.  Roll mixture into 1 inch balls and place on parchment paper on top of a baking sheet.  Top with cinnamon.  Place rolled protein balls into the freezer for approximately 20 minutes to allow the no bake protein balls to harden.  Remove from freezer and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
You can also get creative and use your favorite flavor of Cheerios™ for this protein balls recipe!  I saw many different flavors that would pair just as well during my last trip at Walmart.  A few ideas could be to use apple cinnamon, chocolate, or multi-grain Cheerios™ in place of the honey nut!  All would work just as well and make for a great guilt free summer snack, so feel free to use whatever your preference is!

Thank you Cheerios™ for sponsoring today’s post.  All opinions are my own!