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.
Servings: 22 balls
Calories: 89kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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