No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.A festive vegan holiday treat made in only 5 minutes! These no bake chocolate peppermint balls even have a trick to keeping them whole food and healthy.
I think I can say that chocolate and mint are one of my top flavor combos. Something about that cooling factor mixed with rich chocolatey goodness gets me every dang time.
So it’s a good thing I have found a way to shovel this combo down healthy style. But don’t worry, there is a candy cane option too for those days you all want to live a little 😉
But how is chocolate peppermint dessert healthy?
So basically, these contain all whole food ingredients. Untilllll you get to the crunchy candy cane filler. But wait, don’t leave! I have a healthy option!
The main awesomeness of the candy cane is because of the crunch it gives. So to get that same crunch without the added sugar, I added an option to use cacao nibs! All you need to do is up the peppermint extract to account for the loss of flavor from the missing candy canes and you have a similar feel and taste without the sugar.
When I’m feening for that chocolate mint raw brownie goodness and don’t want the sugar, I’m all in for the cacao nibs. But for now, I will be making these candy cane style for the holidays, because they are just festive and fun.
Chocolate peppermint balls in 5 minutes flat
Since these are no bake, they require very little thinking. It’s really a dump and stir situation. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be playing chubby bunny with a chocolate filled mouth in no time! (Okay, who remembers that game?)
- Dump the ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir and add fillers.
- Roll into balls.
- Devour.
You can even leave these out for good old St. Nick! We all know he needs some quality protein to get those gifts delivered.
No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls
A festive vegan holiday treat made in only 5 minutes! These no bake chocolate peppermint balls even have a trick to keeping them whole food and healthy.
Servings: 10
Calories: 118kcal
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter , use sunbutter for nut free (see note)
- 1/4 cup unflavored pea protein powder , I use NOW Sports brand (see note)
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon peppermint extract , use more if not using the candy cane option
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2-4 tablespoons crushed candy canes , or cacao nibs for a healthy crunchy option (plus more to top for presentation if wanted)
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chips , omit for even healthier option
- 2-4 tablespoons water optional (see note)
Instructions
- Put everything except the candy cane or cacao nibs, chocolate chips and water into a bowl and mix well.
- Slowly add water if needed. You may not need any water if your almond butter is runny. Start with a teaspoon and slowly add until you get a well mixed batter. If you add too much then the batter will be too soft to roll.
- Add the candy canes/cacao nibs and chocolate chips and mix again.
- Allow to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls.
- You can then top with more crushed candy canes for presentation if you want. I just rolled them in or sprinkled them on top.
Notes
- These make 10 balls about 2 inches in size
- To make this nut free use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
- You can sub another kind of protein powder, just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
- If you do not have, or do not want to use, a protein powder you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount.
- If your almond butter is runny you may not need any water, add slowly to get the consistency you prefer. You could also use milk if you want a little extra richness.
- For the healthiest option, use cacao nibs instead of the candy canes and omit the chocolate chips.
- I crushed my candy canes in a plastic bag using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Nutrition facts include 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
Nutrition
Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1.4mg
