Talk about having your cake and eating it too! This carrot cake-inspired protein ball recipe is still majorly healthy, even though it includes some tasty frosting.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup nut butter
1 cup quick oats
1/3 cup raisins
3/4 cup whey protein, vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
2 Tbsp sugar-free honey or additional sweetener
*optional 2 Tbsp of milk

Frosting (Optional):
1/4 cup yogurt chips
1 tsp coconut oil


Directions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (oats, whey protein, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) Then mix in the raisins and carrots.
2. Add in the peanut butter, honey and mix until it starts to come together. Add in the milk to make the dough a good consistency to roll into balls.
3. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill in the fridge and store in fridge or freezer in a sealed container.
5. For the frosting, in a small bowl add in the yogurt chips and coconut oil, microwave in 30 second increments stirring after each 30 seconds until melted.

Recipe via busybuthealthy.com

You love your protein balls for the boost... so why not add even more boost by introducing some caffeine to the equation? Honestly, you can't beat that rich mocha flavor.

Ingredients:
1/2 c raw cashews or almonds
1/2 c gluten-free oats
2 T ground flax
1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
8 Medjool pitted dates
1 tsp vanilla extract, optional
1/3c espresso almond butter, or nut butter of choice
1-2 T water, as needed*
2 T sweet cacao nibs or chopped dark chocolate
2 T chopped espresso beans

Directions:
1. In a food processor grind nuts and oats into a coarse to fine powder depending on how much texture you want.
2. Add flax and protein powder and pulse to combine.
3. Add dates, vanilla, and almond butter and process until mixture comes together add water as needed. Dough should stick together when pinched between two fingers.
4. Pulse in cacao nibs/chocolate and espresso beans. Remove mixture from food processor and roll into balls.
5. Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy!

Recipe via awhiskandtwowands.com

Here's another great protein ball recipe that will add a little dose of caffeine into your snacking experience. Plus, antioxidant-packed matcha green tea fits all the trends, and with good reason -- it's got a distinct yet delicate flavor.

Ingredients:
1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
4 Tbsp almond flour
2 Tbsp maple syrup, more or less to taste*
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp matcha green tea

Directions:
1. Blend everything together in a food processor.
2. Shape into 1" balls and enjoy!
3. Store in the refrigerator.

Recipe via livingwellmom.com

Here's a classic: With oatmeal, almonds, coconut, cranberries, and more, this energy balls recipe is simple yet delicious.

Ingredients:
1 c. oatmeal
1/3 c. almonds, chopped
1/3 c. sweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed (optional)
1/2 c. nut butter (peanut or almond are both good)
1/4 c. honey
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1/3 c. dried cranberries, roughly chopped

Directions:
1. Bake oatmeal, almonds and coconut for 8-10 minutes at 350°, stirring after 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool.
2. In a medium bowl microwave the nut butter for 20-30 seconds until runny, add the baked mix along with flaxseed, honey, chia seeds and cranberries to the bowl. Form into 1.5" balls and refrigerate. Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week or freezer for 3 months.

Recipe via thecreativebite.com

If you're a fan of monster cookies and monster trail mix (and let's be real: Who isn't?), you'll have to try this fun energy bites recipe. They're such a nice little treat, and the mini M&Ms add in some whimsical color.

Ingredients:
11/2 cups large oat flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup mini M&M's
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 tsp vanilla


Directions:
1. Add all of the ingredients to a medium sized bowl and stir well until everything is combined.
2. Roll into 1-1/2" balls and set them on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Wash your hands after every 4 balls to help keep the ingredients from sticking to your hands.
3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to help them harden. (Optional).
4. Store the leftovers in a zip lock bag in the fridge.


Recipe via onelittleproject.com