Churro Energy Bites
Some snacks are just practical, and then some snacks feel fun. These Churro Energy Bites definitely fall into the fun category. They’ve got that warm cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them taste like a donut hole, but inside they’re packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
The best part? They’re completely no-bake and only take about 10 minutes to mix, roll, and coat. My kids especially love helping with this one: rolling each bite in the cinnamon sugar coating turns snack prep into an activity. They disappear so quickly in my house that I’ve learned to double the batch if I want them to last through the week.
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why you’ll love this recipe:
- Churro vibes without the fry oil – sweet, spiced, and just a little indulgent.
- Protein-packed snack – thanks to protein powder, oats, and almond butter.
- Kid-friendly and fun – little ones love rolling the bites.
- Perfect for meal prep – make a big batch, store, and enjoy all week.
- Freezer-friendly – great to stash away and pull out a few at a time.
Recipe Tips
Sticky dough too thick? ? Add a splash more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.
Too wet? ? Add extra oats or protein powder until you can roll the dough easily.
Want it sweeter? ? Use a touch more maple syrup or sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top.
Ingredient Swaps:
- No almond butter ? Use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- No coconut sugar ? Regular cane sugar or monkfruit sweetener works too.
- No protein powder ? Replace with ¼ cup extra oats + 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor.
- Gluten-free ? Use certified gluten-free oats.
Meal Prep Tip: These energy bites are made for meal prep! I recommend doubling the recipe so you have plenty on hand for snacks all week.
Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. They thaw quickly so just take out a few at a time and let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Kid-Friendly Option: Roll smaller “mini bites” for toddlers. Skip the coconut sugar coating and just use cinnamon for younger kids. Let kids roll their own bites—this turns snack prep into a fun activity. For picky eaters, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for extra appeal.
Troubleshooting:
- Bites won’t hold shape ? Your dough is too dry. Add extra nut butter or a drizzle of milk until pliable.
- Bites are too soft ? Chill longer in the fridge or freeze for 5 minutes before rolling in the coating.
- Coating isn’t sticking ? Make sure the dough balls are slightly sticky before rolling. If they’re too dry, lightly mist with water or roll them immediately after shaping.
- Protein powder tastes chalky ? Switch to a whey or plant-based protein you like the flavor of—since it’s not baked, the taste really comes through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! These bites work beautifully with sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of almond butter, which keeps them nut-free but still creamy and flavorful. Sunflower seed butter adds a slightly toasty flavor that pairs really well with cinnamon, while tahini makes them a little more earthy. If you’re packing these for school lunches, this is an easy way to make them allergy-friendly.
Do I need to use protein powder?
Not at all. Protein powder helps boost the protein content, but the recipe is flexible. If you skip it, just add ¼ cup extra oats and a splash of vanilla extract to balance out the sweetness and flavor. The texture will be slightly more hearty and chewy, but still just as satisfying. If you prefer a smoother bite, blend the oats into oat flour first.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes! As long as you choose a plant-based protein powder and non-dairy milk, these bites are naturally vegan. Maple syrup acts as the sweetener and binder, so there’s no need for honey or eggs. If you’re serving them to little ones, just check that your protein powder is clean and not overly gritty.
Can I skip the sugar coating?
Of course. The cinnamon sugar coating gives them that churro flavor, but the bites are still delicious without it. You can roll them in just cinnamon for younger kids, dust them lightly with cocoa powder for a twist, or leave them plain if you want to cut back on sugar. They’ll still be cozy, spiced, and naturally sweet from the maple syrup.
Can I blend the oats?
Yes, blending the oats into oat flour is a great way to change the texture. Rolled oats give the bites a heartier chew, while oat flour makes them smoother—closer to cookie dough. If you’re serving these to toddlers or just prefer a softer consistency, blending is the way to go. You can even do half and half for a balance of chewy and smooth.
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Churro Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup protein powder vanilla
- ½ cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk of choice
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix oats, protein powder, almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and milk until a sticky dough forms.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll into smooth balls with your hands.
- Mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the mixture until coated.
- Place bites on a tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
