OK, I couldn’t wait to share these Cinnamon + Vanilla Protein Bites.

I had this recipe written down in my “ideas” notebook. Right next to my other energy bite recipes which I’ll link down below! The problem was, I never had a vanilla plant-based protein on hand. Personally, I am a vanilla girl over chocolate but I love to mix chocolate protein powder and powdered peanut butter after a workout.

A little backstory on why I love to use plant-based protein instead of Whey. When I first started working out, I fell in the “I need to buy a bunch of supplements to see results” trap, (which is not true) so I went to GNC and had some random dude tell me what I needed to lose fat and gain muscle. He directed me to a women’s whey protein.

And WOW was that shiz tasty. It blended well, smooth, tasted great with water, everything you want in a protein powder.

Well, a few years ago when I learned more about the effects of dairy and lactose I switched to plant-based protein powders. I found I no longer felt bloated BUT the chalky and grainy flavor of plant-based proteins had me very discouraged.

Although I don’t believe you need supplements to see results, I do enjoy having protein powder on hand for baking, smoothies, or post workout.

I was lucky (but skeptical) to have LivWell Nutrition send me some of these plant-based protein powders. This was back in April.

APRIL.

And I’m just now sold on it. I’ll tell you why.

When you switch from whey protein to plant-based, it’s hard to think, “wow this plant-based chalk is so much better than creamy whey.” Because let’s just be real, that’s not always the case. The consistency and textures are different.

I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but I don’t choose to promote much on my blog because If I don’t genuinely like it, I don’t think you would either. BUT I haven’t found LivWell’s flavor or texture in any other proteins. So, I’m making a recipe with their Vanilla Bean Protein Powder. I find it to be better than their chocolate flavor but that’s just me. They also have flavors like coconut, and plain. I find the vanilla and chocolate to be naturally sweeter than most protein powders and rich in flavor.

The smell alone of this stuff will have you excited to drink up. It’s great in just water alone which is a huge plus for me. They use multiple protein blends for a better taste and texture.

These little bites remind me of a mini donut, from the looks to the sweetness – I’M SOLD, BABY!! They are a great way to get more protein in your day. I like these pre or post workout, even after dinner for a sweet treat before bed.

I make my bites a little smaller so that I can eat 3-4 and feel like I’m eating a lot, or I can have 1 and get the perfect little taste. I also prefer to have these on the dryer side. They’re really good with a cup of coffee. 🙂 I prefer dry because I hate when batter sticks to my hands as I roll it.

NOTE: These measurements are based on my preference. If you prefer it to be more moist and stickier, add more almond butter or honey/maple syrup.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED

LivWell vanilla bean protein powder 

almond flour

gluten-free rolled oats 

cinnamon 

maple syrup or honey 

almond butter or other nut butter 

vanilla extract 

Let’s dive in!

Cinnamon + Vanilla Protein Energy Bites (No Bake) 

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ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond meal or flour (you could also grind raw almonds really fine)
• 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oat flour (use a grinder or small blender to take the whole oats and turn them into a fine flour consistency)
• 1/4 cup LivWell Vanilla Bean Protein Powder (you could use regular vanilla protein powder but I think the vanilla bean flavor is so yummy and sweet in this – 1/4 cup = 1 scoop of the LivWell protein)
• 1 heaping tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (I used 100% pure maple syrup. I would rather have that natural ingredient than some “no sugar” chemical filled garbage. :))
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 1/4 cup creamy almond butter (make sure the only ingredient in your almond butter is almonds & if there is oil make sure you are stirring well beforehand)

directions:

• Start by grinding your rolled oats into a smaller blender such as a magic bullet until a “flour” consistency.
• Transfer to a medium-sized bowl. Add almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, and mix together.
• Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond butter. Start to mix with a wooden spoon and towards the end, use your hands to finish combining.
• Taste it at this point and if you feel the batter is too dry, slowly add more maple syrup or almond butter.
• Roll into 1 inch balls and place on parchment paper. Put in the freezer for about 20 minutes to let set.
• Keep in the fridge or freezer for well over a month. They might get dried out more in the fridge.
• Optional: dust with additional cinnamon once you take them out to the freezer! I didn’t…but you could!

I love eating energy bites like these on my way home from the gym instead of having just protein and water.

I hope you love these as much as Jon and I do!! Don’t forget to comment below if you plan on making them & if you like them!

all my love,

 

tag me on social media if you make them!  @fitfreedomlifestyle

Visit LivWell Nutrition

 

MORE ENERGY BITES: 

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• Protein + Peanut Butter Energy Bites (no bake)
• No Bake Energy Bites