6 No-Bake Caramel Oatmeal Protein Balls with a Salted Twist

We’re often in a hurry, eating something on the go, and we’d like that food to be not only healthy, but also delicious. So these no-bake caramel oatmeal protein balls with a salted twist are just what you need!  This snack is not only healthy, but a real find for those who want to energize and treat themselves to something tasty. Each of the recipes is unique in taste and texture, so each of you will choose your favorite!

1. Classic Salted Caramel Protein Balls

Our starter will start with a classic that combines the mild flavor of caramel with a slight salty accent. These balls are super easy to make and are enjoyed by just about everyone. Even those who are trying them for the first time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup caramel syrup (sugar-free or regular)
• 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or flavorless)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons of water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Mix the oats, almond butter, caramel syrup, protein powder, chia seeds, and salt in a bowl.
2. If the mixture seems dry, add water one spoonful at a time.
3. Form the mixture into balls about 2.5 cm in size and place them on parchment.
4. Sprinkle sea salt over the top and pop in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Tip. Use a mini spoon to mold the balls, it saves you a lot of time!

2. Сhocolate and caramel delight with a salty accent

Chocolate and caramel are already an explosion of flavor, and with a slight salty note they become a new gastronomic discovery. The rich flavor with chunks of dark chocolate makes them especially appetizing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix oatmeal, peanut butter, caramel sauce, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Stir until all ingredients are completely blended.
3. Add the chocolate chunks and stir to combine.
4. Form balls of dough and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. They are even more delicious cold!

A silicone bowl comes in handy for mixing the ingredients quickly.

3. Coconut-Caramel Balls

The tender coconut and sweet caramel in these wonderfully flavored balls create a refreshing and harmonious taste. Try making some!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup coconut shavings
• 1/3 cup caramel syrup
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the rolled oats, almond butter, coconut shavings, caramel syrup, protein powder, and honey in a bowl.
2. Knead the mixture until you have a smooth dough.
3. Roll the dough into small balls and then roll each ball in coconut shavings.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt and place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

 I recommend using a fresh coconut grater for convenience.  

4. Nutty Energy Balls with Caramel

Nut lovers, this recipe is for you. Crunchy almonds and pecans add such texture and flavor that you just can’t forget it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup caramel syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter (such as cashew butter)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans)
• 2 tablespoons flax meal
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, caramel syrup, cashew butter, chopped almonds or pecans, flax meal, and protein powder.
2. Stir until all ingredients stick together to form a dough.
3. Form into balls and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

 Use a mini chopper to chop the nuts.

5. Crunchy Balls with Caramel and Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are very healthy due to their high fiber content and add a slight crunch to protein balls.  And the brackish caramel flavor ties everything together perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup caramel syrup
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb some of the moisture.
3. Roll the dough into balls and sprinkle with sea salt for the perfect salty flavor.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before using.

 I suggest buying a storage container to keep the balls fresh at all times.

6. Caramel and Apple Balls

In this recipe, sweet pieces of dried apples and a warm note of cinnamon perfectly complement the caramel. These balls are perfect for a snack during the cold season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup caramel syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apples
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine oatmeal, caramel syrup, almond butter, dried apples, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
2. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Roll into small balls and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. You can (if desired) drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

 Use a handy fruit knife to cut the apples evenly.

Tips for making perfect no-bake caramel oatmeal protein balls

Texture of the dough. If it seems dry, add a couple spoonfuls of water or milk.

Storage. Balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to a month.

Butter. Use natural nut butters for better consistency and fewer additives.

Try all the no-bake caramel oatmeal protein balls with a salted twist, and post in the comments which one you liked best.

Or maybe you can add your own ingredient?