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Overcome the afternoon slump with these delicious and easy no bake hemp protein bites! The bites are vegan, oil-free, grain-free (no oats!), nut-free, simple to prepare, and so tasty.
I am keen on hemp hearts, which have a buttery-grassy flavor akin to pine nuts, so I thought I would be smitten by hemp protein powder.
But it was a rough start. I blame myself. I should have googled first, I know that now. I could have tried specific recipe especially suited to hemp protein. But no, I dove straight in, dumping a giant scoop into one of my smoothie concoctions.
It was challenging. I drink some pretty swampy-looking smoothies, but hemp powder turned my berries and kale into a bracken bayou shade of gray-green. The taste was pretty great, but the visual had a powerful effect, significantly dampening my hemp powder enthusiasm.
But one can only avoid the jumbo container of hemp protein in the refrigerator for so long. Or, more precisely, one can only ignore a husband, nagging about the space taken up by said container of hemp protein, for so long.
My solution? No Bake Hemp Protein Bites, because (1 )I need energy on the go, all the time, and (2) I resent buying energy bars and balls that I know I can make myself (for less expense and better taste.
These hemp bites are so delicious. Allow me to show you how to make them, so that you can judge for yourself.
Recipe Benefits
- Vegan (egg-free, gluten-free)
- Gluten-free
- Grain-free (no rolled oats, oat flour, or other grains)
- 3 grams protein each
- Oil-free
- Nut-free
- No bake
- Easy to mix up in little time
- Portable
Ingredients
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.
- Hemp protein powder: I use one that has no added flavors or sweetener. Use the variety that you have and/or prefer. You can also substitute the vegan protein powder of your choice.
- Pitted soft dates: For example, mejool dates or deglet Noor dates.
- Smooth sunflower seed butter: You can use any other smooth nut butter or seed butter you prefer. See my notes for suggestions.
- Roasted, lightly salted sunflower seed kernels: The kernels are the shelled sunflower seeds. See the recipe notes for using almost any other other nuts or seeds you like.
- Ground cinnamon: The strong flavor of cinnamon enhances the party, nutty flavor of the hemp protein powder. I have suggestions for other spices in the recipe notes.
Step by Step Instructions
Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.
- Place the dates in a medium mixing bowl. Cover with boiling water to cover. Let stand for 10 minutes, Drain the dates, discarding all but 1/4 cup of the soaking water.
- In a food processor, process the sunflower seed kernels until (mostly) finely chopped, leaving some irregular pieces for texture.
- Add the drained dates, sunflower seed butter, hemp protein powder and cinnamon to the food processor. Blend, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times, until the mixture resemble a cohesive dough (add a few tablespoons of the reserved soaking water, as needed, if the mixture appears too dry).
- Use a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon to portion the dough and roll into balls.
- Enjoy right away, or store (see notes below).
FAQ
- How Should I Store the No Bake Hemp Protein Bites? Store the hemp protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months. The bites will keep at cool room temperature (e.g., in a lunch bag, backpack, or gym bag) for several hours but will become a little bit softer.
- Can I Use Other Types of Protein Powder? Yes! An equal amount of another plant based protein powder of your choice can be used in place of the hemp protein powder.
- Is There An Alternative for the Sunflower Seed Butter? You can substitute an equal amount of smooth natural peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter, tahini, or coconut butter (not coconut oil) for the sunflower seed butter.
- What Can I Use in Place of the Sunflower Seed Kernels?: You can substitute an equal weight of other nuts or seeds for the sunflower seeds, as you like, For example, cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, green pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or hazelnuts.
- Besides Cinnamon, What Spices Can I Use in the Hemp Protein Bites? Consider using an equal amount of ground ginger, a combination of ground ginger + ground cardamom, pumpkin pie spice blend, or apple pie spice blend in place of the ground cinnamon.
- Can I Shape The Hemp Protein Bites into No Bake Hemp Protein Bars? Yes! Line a 9×5 inch (22.5×12.5 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap. Press the date mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the bottom of a flat bottom measuring cup. Chill for an hour. Remove from the pan and cut crosswise into 8 bars.
Related Recipes
No Bake Hemp Protein Bites (V, GF)
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed pitted dates
- 1 cup roasted, lightly salted sunflower seed kernels, (or the nuts or seeds of your choice; see notes below)
- 1/2 cup smooth sunflower seed butter, (or the nut butter or seed butter of your choice; see options below)
- 1/2 cup hemp protein powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, (see notes of options)
Instructions
- Place the dates in a medium mixing bowl. Cover with boiling water to cover. Let stand for 10 minutes, Drain the dates, discarding all but 1/4 cup of the soaking water.
- In a food processor, process the sunflower seed kernels until (mostly) finely chopped, leaving some irregular pieces for texture.
- Add the drained dates, sunflower seed butter, hemp protein powder and cinnamon to the food processor. Blend, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times, until the mixture resemble a cohesive dough (add a few tablespoons of the reserved soaking water, as needed, if the mixture appears too dry).
- Use a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon to portion the dough and roll into balls.
- Enjoy right away, or store (see notes below).
These are awesome. I’ve been looking for new ways to use hemp protein powder-this is perfect, the flavor is delicious—thanks!
You and me both, Erin! I’ll come up with some more options in the weeks to come! 🙂