Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Sweet, nutty, perfectly flavored, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are such a lovely snack. They are easy to make, healthy and so delicious. Packed with and wholesome ingredients, energizing, and simply perfect little high protein low calories balls.

What can I say?! Energy balls are one of my favorite quick snacks. I fancy them, especially nutty ones, like these Peanut Butter Energy Balls or Almond Butter Energy Balls. They are the ULTIMATE snack - energizing, and pretty satisfying, packed with only good-for-you stuff, totally guilt-free. Plus, they are sweet, delicious, and can pass as a dessert as well. I always have energy balls in my freezer.

Lately, I'm more into making myself protein balls. While energy balls are more like sweet treats, meant to satisfy afternoon cravings, protein balls are designed to boost me up with energy before my workouts. Or right afterward. And these tasty, delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are my latest creation.

Everything about these chocolate protein balls is absolutely amazing. They are lightly sweet, full of wonderful cinnamon and deep bitter-weet dark chocolate flavor. Dense, nutty, and completely addictive.

They are made with only a few simple ingredients, very nutritious - packed with proteins and fibers that promote good digestion and weight loss. They are also rich in Omega-3s, free of any added sugars, low in calories, and quite satisfying. Perfect pre-workout, post-workout, or everyday snack.

Ingredients used

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are very simple but packed with wholesome ingredients:

• Rolled oats. They are hearty, healthy, and filling. An excellent source of fiber, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that keeps our heart healthy. Also, oats are a very good source of protein. I used rolled oats here, but you can use quick oats if you like.
• Peanut Butter is a star ingredient in this recipe. I used creamy all-natural peanut butter (the one made without added sugars or oils). It gave amazing peanutty flavor but peanut butter is also packed with proteins and healthy fats, as well as fibers. (1) Great energy booster.
• Protein powder. No protein balls are complete without protein powder. I like to use unflavored protein powder. It doesn't interfere with other flavors in the recipe and since it has no added sweeteners, I'm in control of how many sugary calories I'm adding. You're welcome to use any protein powder you're normally using. Vanilla flavored is great here.
• Cacao powder. I always use unprocessed raw cacao powder that is bitter, deep-flavored, and so incredibly healthy. Cacao powder is packed with powerful antioxidants that have been linked to many health benefits. Cacao gave these protein balls a gorgeous chocolaty flavor and made them absolutely irresistible.
• Dates are a great addition to energy balls. They bind ingredients together but also give a natural sweetness. Dates also have an excellent nutrition profile. They are packed with many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. I used Medjool dates here. Medjool dates have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture. You can substitute them for any regular dates you find in any store. 

To add some extra flavor and make these chocolate protein balls even more nutritious and healthy, I also added:

• Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon, is a highly delicious spice with many health benefits. Cinnamon gave an amazing flavor. It pairs so well with peanuts and dark chocolate.
• Flax seeds added extra superfood superpowers to these protein balls. Flax seeds are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming these fatty acids improves mood, boost our immunity, and fights inflammation. Also, flax seeds are packed with fibers that aid our digestion. Make sure you use ground flax seeds here. 
• Maca powder. Maca is in one word – amazing! Some dislike its earthy nutty taste but I love it. It’s a SUPERFOOD known to boost mood, sex drive, energy, and stamina. Maca powder is also a good source of protein, fatty acids, and it contains powerful antioxidants.  

How to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

To make these protein balls, you will need some equipment, a good food processor or chopper. But other than that, this recipe is relatively straight forward.

• Start with preparing and measuring all ingredients. I use measuring cups.
• Soak pitted Medjool dates in hot water for a few minutes. Drain, and reserve the water.
• Take a high-speed food processor and add all ingredients. (Picture 1)
• Process everything at high speed for about two minutes until everything is nicely chopped. (Picture 2)
• Don't worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Dates will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with a spatula if needed.
• Add 1 tablespoon of reserved hot water. Mix the dough again.
• Stop the processing and check texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. Now it should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
• If the mixture is still too dry, add a bit more hot water (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture. 
• Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll it between your palms to form a little bite-size ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Place balls on a plate, serving tray, or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
• Makes 20-22 bite-sized balls. The recommended serving size is 2 balls.

Substitutions

• You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats.
• Substitute ground flax seeds with ground chia seeds or hemp seeds. 
• You can substitute Medjool dates with regular dates, commonly called Deglet Noor. Regular dates are smaller than Medjool dates, so you might need to use more, 12-14 dates.
• If you don't have maca powder, you can leave it out. BUT I suggest you to buy maca powder and roll it into your diet.
• MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.
• MAKE IT VEGAN: Use vegan protein powder.

Pro tips

• If peanut butter is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
• Use natural creamy peanut butter. Crunchy won't work well here.
• Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. Read the labels!
• If you notice that the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of warm water.
• Also, make sure you taste the dough. These chocolate peanut butter balls are lightly sweet, so if you feel like you need a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a teaspoon of maple syrup, raw honey, or date syrup. NOTE: If you're adding liquid sweetener, then there's no need to add hot water. Sweetener will bind the dough and make the texture sticky.

Tips for storing

• Keep the protein balls covered in an air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• HOW TO FREEZE: Place balls in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw for 5 minutes at room temperature before consuming.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls calories

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are perfectly healthy, low-calorie snack. From these ingredients, you will get around 20-22 bite-sized balls. The recommended serving size is 2-4 balls.

One ball has roughly 89 calories. They have no ADDED SUGARS, and they are packed with good-for-you ingredients, so you don't need to overthink too much here. Enjoy freely.

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5 from 42 votes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Sweet, nutty, perfectly flavored, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are such a lovely snack. They are easy to make, healthy and so delicious. Packed with wholesome ingredients, energizing, and simply perfect.

Course Snack

Cuisine American, International

Keyword Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls, chocolate protein balls, chocolate protein balls with dates, no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein balls

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 22 balls

Calories 89kcal

Author Natalie

Equipment

• Food processor

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 12 Medjool dates
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Maca powder

Instructions

• Soak pitted Medjool dates in hot water for a few minutes. Drain, and reserve the water.
• Take a high-speed food processor and add all ingredients. Process everything at high speed for about two minutes until everything is nicely chopped.
• Don't worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Dates will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with a spatula if needed.
• Add 1 tablespoon of hot water from soaking the dates. Mix again.
• After two minutes, stop the processing and check texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. Now it should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
• If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more hot water (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture.
• Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll it between your palms to form a little bite-size ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Place balls on a plate, serving tray, or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden

Notes

Makes 20-22 bite-sized balls. The recommended serving size is 2 balls.

Substitutions

• You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats.
• Substitute ground flax seeds with ground chia seeds or hemp seeds. 
• You can substitute Medjool dates with regular dates, commonly called Deglet Noor. Regular dates are smaller than Medjool dates, so you might need to use more, 12-14 dates.
• If you don't have maca powder, you can leave it out. BUT I suggest you get it and roll it into your diet.

MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.

MAKE IT VEGAN: Use vegan protein powder.

Pro tips

• If peanut butter is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
• Use natural creamy peanut butter. Crunchy won't work well here.
• Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. Read the labels!
• If you notice that the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of warm water.

Storing

• Keep covered in an air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• HOW TO FREEZE: Place balls in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thawing for 5 minutes at room temperature before consuming.

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

More healthy snacks to try

• No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
• Peanut Butter Energy Balls
• Chocolate Cinnamon Balls
• Peanut Butter Coconut Balls
• Peanut Butter Protein Balls
• Chocolate Maca Balls

If you’ve tried this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe or any other recipe on Natalie’s Health, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!