Vanilla Coconut Krunch Protein Balls
When my mornings start early — whether I’m heading out the door for a run or squeezing in a strength workout — I always want something in my stomach before coffee. Not a full breakfast, just something light but filling enough to provide steady energy and keep me from running on empty.
That’s where these Vanilla Coconut Krunch Protein Balls were born.
They’re no-bake, easy to throw together with a handful of simple ingredients, and perfect for quick, crunchy fuel on busy mornings. I keep a batch in the fridge and grab one (or two) before heading out the door — and they pair perfectly with that first cup of coffee.
Finished with Kanahele Krunch, they get an extra layer of golden, toasted coconut crunch that adds texture and depth beyond the coconut already in the recipe.
Why I Love These Protein Balls
No baking required
Easy to prep ahead for the week
Light but satisfying energy
Great pre-run or pre-gym snack
Perfect for getting something in your stomach fast before coffee
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup crispy rice cereal
½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
½ cup nut butter
I used a mix of macadamia + cashew butter for extra island flavor
Almond or cashew butter works great too
⅓ cup raw honey (or maple syrup)
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp sea salt
Kanahele Krunch, to finish 🥥✨
How to Make Vanilla Coconut Krunch Protein Balls
1. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, crispy rice cereal, protein powder, and sea salt.
2. Add the wet ingredients
Stir in the nut butter, raw honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold until coated
Continue folding until everything is evenly combined and well coated.
4. Form the protein balls
Using a spoon or ice cream scooper, roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Finish with Kanahele Krunch
Sprinkle Kanahele Krunch over the top of each ball for that final layer of golden coconut crunch.
6. Chill
Place the protein balls in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to set.
How to Enjoy
These are perfect:
Before a morning run
Pre-strength workout
As a quick snack before coffee while getting into your morning routine
Or anytime you need light, satisfying energy
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week.
Simple fuel. Island flavor. A little extra krunch — always 🤍🥥
This recipe is inspired by the Vanilla Coconut Crunch Protein Balls from Savour Spot. I followed the base recipe closely and made a few small tweaks to make it my own — including using a mix of cashew and macadamia nut butter for extra island flavor and finishing each bite with Kanahele Krunch for added texture and toasted coconut crunch.
You can find the original recipe here:
👉 https://savourspot.com/vanilla-coconut-crunch-protein-balls-gluten-free-easy-a-no-bake-snack-youll-love/
