Of all the healthy snack recipes I make, energy balls are the ones I come back to most. Between my go-to Oatmeal Energy Balls and specialty flavors (like Pumpkin Energy Balls, Fig Almond Energy Balls, and Ginger Cookie Healthy Energy Balls), I’ve made a small hipster cafe’s worth of energy bites and protein ball recipes over the years.
They’re simple to make. Simply pulse in a food processor and roll—it doesn’t get much easier than that! (Although these No Bake Granola Bars are pretty simple too!)They’re adaptable to just about every dietary and lifestyle consideration. Need yours to be raw, vegan, gluten free, keto, and/or naturally sweetened? Protein balls have got you covered!AND they both fuel your body with good-for-you ingredients and nutrients while satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth. (Same goes for these Vegan Protein Bars.)
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These chocolate peanut butter energy balls (or chocolate peanut butter bliss balls as I call them) taste like morsels of chocolate peanut butter cookie dough (from my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies) but are made entirely of healthy ingredients.
The Ingredients
Medjool Dates. Dates taste like caramel, are high in fiber, and create a raw protein ball “dough” that is easy to shape (or press into these Vegan Cookie Dough Bars with Chocolate Chips). Dates are a great alternative to making protein balls without honey, maple syrup, or other sweeteners.Peanut Butter. Chocolate’s natural partner in crime. Keep in mind your choice of peanut butter will impact the consistency of the dough. Natural peanut butter with a thinner consistency may require extra oats. Conversely, shelf-stable peanut butter may require that you reduce the amount of oats (or add more PB to compensate).
Cocoa Powder. For a more intense, rich chocolatey taste.Chocolate Chips. Because why stop with just cocoa powder when you can add little flecks of chocolate into every indulgent bite too?Oats. Help bind the protein balls together by soaking up excess moisture from the peanut butter. Added bonus: I love how their subtle nuttiness complements the peanut butter.
Chia Seeds. My favorite protein alternative whenever I’m looking to make energy balls without protein powder. (They’re also my secret protein sneak in these Oatmeal Protein Cookies.)
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Leftover energy balls can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.To Freeze. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator or overnight.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Food Processor. I have owned this one for more than 10 years. It’s easy to clean and works just as well as the day I bought it.Cookie Scoop. A small one like this is great for making energy bites of uniform size and shape.Parchment Paper. Great for lining storage containers to prevent your protein balls from sticking.
Whether for breakfast, midday snack, or late-night dessert, healthy chocolate peanut butter protein balls are sure to satisfy.
If it seems too dry and isn’t holding together, add a little peanut butter.If it’s too sticky, add a few more oats.
The amount you need may vary based upon the brand of peanut butter you use and the moisture of the dates.
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