No-bake Maple Vanilla Latte Protein Bites are easy to make, grain-free and gluten-free. Packed with protein and energy, they’re perfect for a make ahead breakfast or on-the-go snack! Vegan and dairy-free!
Back in 2004, I was in college and working at Starbucks. One of my favorite combos I came up with there was a double shot latte with dab of maple syrup, vanilla cream, and a splash of hazelnut flavoring. Oh my it was divine, but not the healthiest in terms of sugar!
But I used that as inspiration for these Maple Latte Protein Bites. Totally a favorite of mine!
Ingredients You’ll need
Below is an overview of the ingredients and recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information.
- Finely chopped nuts – We used cashew for a creamier texture, but feel free to use whatever you like best. They’re all rich sources of healthy fats and fiber!
- Almond flour or coconut flour – Purchase pre-made almond flour, or make your own by grinding almonds into a fine powder. Just make sure to use blanched almonds without the skin!
- Natural nut or seed butter – Any no-stir nut or seed butter will work best. We like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Ground coffee – Or use expresso beans and grind them yourself.
- Vanilla protein powder – To keep these vegan, use a plant-based protein powder (Pea, Hemp, Rice, Pumpkin Seed, etc.) works best for this recipe. The taste and texture of your no-bake energy bites will vary depending on what you use.
- Maple syrup or honey – Both are rich sources of antioxidants and can help fight inflammation. Use maple syrup to keep recipe vegan.
- Extracts – Pure vanilla bean extract and maple extract
- Melted dark chocolate (optional) – To coat the bites!
How to Make Maple Latte Protein Bites
- Chop the nuts in a food processor or pulse in a blender to make a nut meal flour.
- Transfer nuts to a large bowl and add in all the remaining ingredients.
- Mix well and roll into bite-sized balls (using your hands to mix works best).
- Place bites in the freezer for 20 minutes then roll them in extra protein powder or coat with melted chocolate.
- Bites will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge, or frozen for up to 3 months.
More of Our Favorite
No-Bake Protein Bites
Maple Vanilla Nut Latte Protein Bites
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 1x
Description
No Bake Maple Vanilla Latte Protein Bites are grain free, gluten free protein bites that are easy to make. This easy snack recipe is also a great breakfast on the go!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup finely chopped nuts (cashews provide a creamy texture)
- ⅔ cup almond flour or coconut flour
- ⅓ to ½ cup natural nut or seed butter (no-stir works best)
- 1– 2 Tablespoons ground coffee
- ¼ to ⅓ cup vanilla bean protein powder + extra for coating
- ¼ to ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- Optional – ¼ teaspoon each pure vanilla bean extract and maple extract
- Optional – ¼ cup melted dark chocolate to coat bites
Instructions
- Chop the nuts in a food processor or pulse in a blender to make a nut meal flour.
- Transfer to a large bowl and add in all the remaining ingredients (see notes).
- Mix well (can use hands) and roll into bite-sized balls. Place bites in the freezer for 20 minutes then roll them in extra protein powder (see notes for additional coating).
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Prep Tip – Depending on the type of flour and nut butter you use, you might need to adjust the amount. Add all in bowl, then if batter is too thin, add in more almond flour. If batter is too thick, add more honey or nut butter. Roll the frozen bites in melted dark chocolate and then refreeze for a mocha latte bite flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 min
Under “Ingredients”, you wrote “Optional – ¼ melted dark chocolate” to coat bites”. How much melted dark chocolate? Is it 1/4 cup? Thanks for clarifying. : )
Hi Vee! The 1/4 chocolate is 1/4 cup chocolate or chocolate chips for melting. Then you can coat then bites in the chocolate and chill. Similar to how I make my no bake cookie truffles. Let me know if that helps!
What type of nuts do you recommend ?
Hi Jenna! I would suggest chopped cashews for a creamier taste, but any nuts that you have on hand or like best will work.
I haven’t made these yet, just wondering what the serving size is? Is the nutritional value based off of 1 bite or?
Hi Sotera! Yes, the estimated nutritional information is for about 1 bite if you are making 18-20 bites. The estimates can vary based on the flour and nuts used and if you drizzle with chocolate. Let us know if you have more questions!
Is this coffee ground or liquid brewed coffee
Hi Michelle! Great question. We use coffee grounds not liquid coffee. Excited for you to make them!
These latte protein bites are absolutely incredible! They will not last. I added ⅔ cup oatmeal and ⅔ cup protein powder mix as my batter was too dry. Exceptional!!!
Oh i love that you added oatmeal! Like an oatmeal latte. 🙂 YUM!
We all loved them! Including my husband and my very-into-exercises sister.
Thanks a lot for sharing the recipe.
woohoo that’s what I like to hear!
Hi! What nut butter do you think works best? I have both almond and cashew at home. Also, does it have to be vanilla bean protein? I have vanilla whey! Excited to try these this weekend.
Hi Lindsay,
I’m thinking about doing these.
I love a coffee treat ;o)
I want to use vegan protein powder. The one I have is called Vega (Holland & Barrett sell them).
Is there much difference how these treats turn out with which type of protein powder you use?
I have used whey protein and pea protein. I find the pea protein a little more absorbent. I like the texture too! SO you might have to adjust the about of maple or nut butter, but that’s it. Keep me posted!
These are absolutely amazing. I used medjool dates for sweetness so I could reduce the amount of maple syrup used. I also used oat flour instead of almond or coconut flour.
Thank you so much, Allison! YUM. Love hearing about your modifications!
love love love this combo!!
This looks so good, but we have a nut allergy in our house….what would you suggest substituting for the chopped nuts?
you could try chopped pumpkin seed or just hemp seed. Can you have seeds?
These were soooo good! I only managed to get 12 out of the batch though. Not sure if I measured the almond butter correctly or not. Used pecans and sun warrior vanilla protein powder. I feel like I’m cheating by eating these, but they are nothing but good for me! I’m planning on working my way through all your no-bake energy bite recipes. Keep em coming!
Oh yay! so glad you liked it. It’s a fav here too. It could totally be the almond butter. Or protein. Some absorb more wet ingredients than others. Either way, tasty is key! Haha
Hi – these look delicious. I often make protein balls and these look an interesting, new flavour. My problem is the protein powder! I have never bought it, and can’t really understand why anyone would use it, particularly with the information that I’ve read about it being potentially bad for health. Can you suggest a substitute, please?
Sure! what flours do you have handy? Protein powder (plant based) is a great way to get more iron and protein. You can use oat flour, coconut flour, or peanut flour. The consistency and taste will be different though.
My concern about the added protein powders are 1. I’m allergic to all beans and most seeds, and 2. I’m trying to keep this recipe vegan too. Vegan, no beans, to share with my grain free, gluten free, dairy free, vegan friends. (We have an allergy table at my Church for coffee hour after service. About 30 adults and kids have food allergies.).
are you allergic to chia seed? Did you see my new updated nut free and vegan and grain free bites I just posted?
These look like they taste amazing. I have tried several of your no bake bite recipes with great success, thank you so much. I have never used coffee grounds in a recipe, do I just use regular grounds or instant coffee?
Thanks again for all your great information and recipes!!! Happy Holidays
You can totally use instant coffee or ground coffee beans, extra fine. Both work. The ground coffee will be stronger, does that make sense?
What is Vanilla bean Protein?
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I’m glad I have all the ingredients already. This may be the pick me up I need today!
Hi. I just made these with a chocolate protein and they’re divine!!!
Plz can you tell me the nutritional value?
just added the nutrition info for ya! this is based on a whey protein though. It will be different depending on the protein you use.
these look amazing, but what is a substitute i can use for maple syrup that’s completely sweetener free? maybe coconut butter or oil?
Have you tried xylitol syrup? I’ve used that before. It works but you might need a little more batter to thicken it.
What kind of vanilla bean powder do you use?
Are you looking for whey or vegan protein?
I had to stop by to leave a comment to say I made these today and they were delicious! It’s hard not eat all of them! I rolled them in the ground coffee and can imagine these will be a great morning kickstarted or afternoon pick me up! I look forward to trying more of your bites!
Thanks Lauren! I so love them too!! Keep me posted on if you make any more.
Is there any chance anyone knows the nutritional facts for these? I am doing a low carb/keto diet right now and am trying to find snacks to curb cravings that have very little sugar/carbs…natural sugars are okay in moderation which is why I’m curious about this recipe. Looks delish!! Thanks!!
Here’s what i got when I used the pea protein and only 1/4 cup maple syrup.
Calories 70
Total Fat 5.3g
Total Carbohydrate 4.6g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 2.9g
Protein 2g
Thanks so much!!
no prob. IF you are wanting lower carb, try using xylitol syrup vs maple syrup. I’ve done that before but you might need extra flour or something somewhere. its a little runny
Hi, Lindsay!
I made these tonight and while they were fantastic, they were also a little sticky (maybe because of the almond butter I used?) I added some more almond meal and hazelnuts, but that didn’t totally fix my issue. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Meg
Just emailed you. Let me know if you got it
I’d also try thicker honey versus maple syrup.
I am new to your blog and I made these this weekend and they were delicious! I cannot wait to try some other ones. Any idea on nutrition info? These seem to good to be healthy;)
sure thing! each bite recipe i make is around 45-55 calories. 1-2 grams fat, 5-7 carbs, and 1-2 grams protein. just depends on teh flavor. So about 3-4 is like having a protein bar. ya know?
I’m not sick of seeing your bites at all so remake away my friend. Bring on the balls.
absolutely in love with these bites. i will make these this weekend and let you know!
oh yay! let me know if you do!
If there’s ground coffee in it, count me IN! These look fantastic. I applied to work at Starbucks once in college, but then decided to work for the county instead. I almost wish I had, just for the experience!
Geez 11 years ago… Gosh doesn’t university life seem so long ago now? Then again 11 years is a long time!
And now I really want coffee… With one of these bites. Well it is Monday morning so I guess it’s about time for a cup!
Haha yes! I’m old! And cheers to coffee
I made these today and they are delicious!
Wonderful! Did the texture work out well? I know sometimes they can be dry depending on what nut butter you use
The texture was great! I used sun butter and didn’t quite have enough, so I just added about a teaspoon of water and it worked perfectly! I can’t wait to try them with other combinations of nuts and nut butters!
love it! love sunbutter
I love these photos (and the recipe). They look amazing!
Haven’t had this flavor in so long.. oh how I miss them! & yes I know about the secret menu 🙂 Hubby used to work for Starbucks ( I actually use to make the excuse to get coffee so I could go say “Hi” when I first met him haha) Favorite drink… Americano with cream + cinnamon. Not really into the sugary drinks anymore! PS. I love your corny cotterness <—- new word?
Haha i love that you know all my flavors and Starbucks drinks. You’re my twin
These look so delicious and I’m not even a coffee fan. But maybe after this that’ll change! Can’t wait to try them!
You can always use chocolate instead of coffee hehe
These look delicious and gorgeous, Lindsay! (<– and that's not an easy thing to do, when it comes to healthy "bites"). Love the flavors you used in these balls of NUM! I am totally going to eat these while i sip my Skinny Iced Vanilla Latte in the morning (fav SB drink). More protein and pick me up deliciousness in always welcomed in my life! Pinned! Cheers! 😉
The Canadian in me loves that you used maple syrup in these. And the caffeine addict in me loves that you snuck in some coffee. These are basically perfection <3
Only for you!! My Canadian coffee friend
Yum! I am loving the sound of espresso in my energy bites. So excited to make these!
You’ll get quite the buzz! Haha
I’m so glad you had that fun job and made up this awesome flavor combination…because now, we get to have THESE yummies! Really, Lindsay, they sound amazing. I’m a huge coffee fan…can’t wait to make them!
its a coffee lovers dream! let me know if you try them friend!
I’m ALL about maple these days too…so I LOVE this flavor combo! So delicious!
I am a boring Starbucks girl, just a dark roast for me 🙂
I love how you used to be a “Starbucks Chemist,” I am sure I would have done the same…coming up with fun flavour combos is so fun and usually delicious.
no problem with that! simple can be perfect!
You worked at Starbucks? Love learning new things about you…HA! I’ve heard they are a great company to work for and treat their employees well. Happy weekend friend!
thats awesome that you used to work at starbucks, my fav drink would have to be the peppermint mocha but i don’t get that too often because of the sugar content! This flavor combo sounds unreal in bite form and in a latte form, maybe ill just have to make them toghether!
So I was a barista in college as well, best job ever!! I worked at Caribou doing the morning shift – talk about coffee overload!! I would do the same thing, but was pretty grossed out by the amount of sugar in the drinks – they tasted unnatural to me lol! But I know exactly how I want my latte, mocha, etc! The real vanilla, maple and nut butter sound like a much better flavor combination to me that anything you can get at the BUX. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, these sound divine!
I didn’t know you worked at the BUX in college?! I did too! I actually loved that job and sometimes find myself missing it. I really enjoy making coffee for people, even if the hours kind of stink and some people can be crabby before that cup gets in their hands. 😉
Anyway…these may have to happen this weekend…mmmm!
I’m right there with you making all my old recipes! Not writing new posts though, but I think I’ll have to start since it’s nearly impossible to do both all the time!
I would have just updated the post but mine are sooo old! cause i’ve been doing this for 6 years! GASP! and i end up changing the recipe. haha. I’m an old blogger. haha. grandma
Oh my, these look so so good and I would love these so much more than any store bought latte!
I think I should get a job at starbucks….even though I only drink black bitter dark roast, I think it would be a good deal 😉 I always just like the “ambiance” that is Starbucks, hahahaha!
gorgeous photos Lindsay! I am sipping my coffee while reading this post and thinking how great these bites would be on the side!
Happy weekend friend
no gonna lie, i’m drinking coffee right now with 2 bites left. I’ll save you one, come over!
Made these last night and they turned out amazing! so delicious, and I rolled them in a coconut flakes to carry on the flavor from the coconut flour I used. They were a little bit on the dry side so next time I would add some more almond butter but overall great recipe!
oh I’m so glad! great call on the coconut! Yes, sometimes it’s the type of protein or almond butter that makes them more dry. glad it worked for you!