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.
Prep Time10mins
Total Time10mins
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
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.