Sweet potato protein bites are the perfect snack. They are crunchy, sweet and so nourishing! Packed with protein and fiber, these sweet potato protein bites are a great snack for kiddos and adults to enjoy any time!
Why you will love this recipe
Perfectly sweet high protein snack – these sweet potato protein bites have perfect amount of crunch and sweetness, thanks to the cinnamon, vanilla, chopped walnuts, and raisins added to mashed roasted sweet potatoes. It’s such a fun snack!
Easy to make – all you need is a few minutes and some leftover roasted sweet potatoes! The sweet potato protein energy balls come together in one bowl and would even be great for your kiddos to help you with!
Great for meal prep – make a big batch of these early in the week to enjoy anytime! These are also great to use up any leftover roasted sweet potatoes you have on hand!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Sweet potatoes – roasted sweet potatoes are naturally so sweet and delicious and the perfect base for these protein bites. You can also use sweet potatoes cooked in the instant pot or on the stove but I find they are not quite as sweet as roasting a whole sweet potato in the oven.
- Vegan protein powder – use your favorite vegan protein powder. The protein powder acts like flour in this recipe and helps to hold the protein bites together. If you don’t want to use a vegan protein powder, use about 1/3 cup of oat flour or gluten free flour in it’s place. Note: if you are not using a sweetened protein powder, you will need to add some coconut sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Hemp hearts – these help to add texture and healthy fats and protein to these sweet potato energy bites. If you don’t have hemp hearts on hand, you can simple add more walnuts (or your nut of choice).
- Rolled oats – these give the sweet potato protein bites great texture and help to absorb any additional liquid from the sweet potatoes.
- Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, sunbutter) – this helps to give a creamy consistency and also helps make these more filling.
- Walnuts – use whatever nuts you have on hand but I love walnuts with the sweet potatoes and cinnamon. The walnuts add texture and healthy fats.
- Raisins – these add a pop of sweetness and are such a fun addition. You could also use dried cranberries.
- Cinnamon – cinnamon adds so much flavor and also helps these sweet potato protein bites taste even sweeter without any added sugar.
How to make sweet potato protein bites
Start by roasting a sweet potato in the oven. The best way to do this is to poke a few holes with a fork and stick it in a 450F oven for 40-60 minutes until it’s bubbling and super soft. This can be done in advance.
Once the sweet potato is roasted and cooled slightly, peel the skin away add the flesh to a large bowl.
Add the protein powder, hemp hearts and rolled oats to the sweet potato and mash together well.
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir together well. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, roll out about 16 equal sized balls. Store them in the fridge to enjoy anytime.
Top tips
- Roast the sweet potatoes in advance to make this a quick and easy recipe you can make in just a few minutes (plus some resting time in the fridge).
- Use a sweetened vanilla protein powder for the best flavor. If you decide you don’t want to use a sweetened vegan protein powder, add about 1/3 cup of oat flour and 2 tablespoons of your favorite sweetener (coconut sugar, brown sugar, maple sugar or maple syrup).
- Change the flavor based on what you have in mind. For example, you can use chocolate protein powder and add mini chocolate chips in place of the raisins or dried cranberries and dried ginger and cinnamon for a fall inspired treat!
Storing leftovers
Fridge: Store leftover sweet potato protein bites in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Store leftover sweet potato energy bites in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer safe bag. Allow to defrost on the counter or in the fridge before enjoying.
If you love this recipe, you should try
Vegan Protein Chocolate Banana Bread
Sweet Potato Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato - roasted
- 1 scoop Sunwarrior Vanilla Warrior Blend
- 2 tbs. hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup rolled oats - old fashion oats
- 2 tbs. cinnamon raisin peanut butter
- 1 tbs. chopped walnuts
- 1-2 tbs. chopped raisins
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel skin from roasted sweet potato (roast at 400 F for about 30 minutes).
- Add flesh to a large bowl. Add protein powder, hemp hearts and oats. Stir to combine.
- Add cinnamon raisin peanut butter and cinnamon. stir to combine.
- Mix in chopped walnuts and chopped raisins and allow to sit in fridge 20 minutes or longer.
- Roll into 16 equally sized balls using slightly wet hands. The moisture on your hands will keep the batter from sticking to your fingers.
- Store in an airtight container for a few days in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
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What about you?
- Do you roast sweet potatoes early in the week to enjoy later?
- What is your favorite sweet potato dish?
- Have you tried Sunwarrior Protein? What is your favorite flavor?
I was provided samples from Sunwarrior to review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Aimee
Sunday 22nd of March 2015
do they become a little firmer after you shape them? I followed all the steps however my bites are very soft?
Emily @ Sweets and Beets
Monday 23rd of February 2015
Sam, I freaking love all your recipes - and I don't say that to just anybody! ;) I swear we have the same tastes in food. I've been on the lookout for a high protein snack and I'm obviously obsessed w/ sweet potatoes & oats (always). I also love the addition of hemp seeds for an extra protein/amino boost! Thanks for the recipe :)
Pragati // Simple Medicine
Thursday 19th of February 2015
When I make sweet potatoes, I definitely like to make a bunch all at once. Mostly because I hate chopping them. Seriously. Maybe I'm the only one who has that problem lol
Jess @hellotofit
Thursday 19th of February 2015
Mm, I love me a roasted sweet potato! I've never had it in something like this, though. Great recipe, Sam!!
Sam
Thursday 19th of February 2015
Oh I love mixing things up like this!!! Thanks so much for stopping by Jess!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
Thursday 19th of February 2015
OMG yessssss. Love sunwarrior, sweet potato, and just about anything that you create. BTW, your posts aren't showing up in bloglovin! Just wanted you to know!