Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.These chocolate protein balls are a quick and nutritious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth. A no-bake treat packed with the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and a protein punch.
Made with whole foods in mere minutes, these are the perfect after school snack! There is even a nut-free option making this the ultimate allergy friendly recipe.
Like my pumpkin pie protein balls, these chocolate protein balls will keep your kids full and satisfied. They boost 6 grams of protein in each small bite and are made with healthy whole foods. They take only minutes to put together, keeping them mom friendly, and taste like dessert, keeping them kid friendly!
Ingredients
This easy after school snack will be your next go to! You can even put the balls in their lunch to avoid the end of school day hanger that comes with our stubborn (errr, I mean behaviorally strong) little ones. The list of greatness these have is one to boast about for sure!
They’re vegan, gluten free, grain free, raw, no bake, whole food based, protein packed, taste like dessert, and can be made without refined sugar or nuts!
In order to make this recipe for chocolate protein balls you need:
- Cocoa powder
- Maple syrup
- Almond butter – or use sunbutter for nut free
- Unflavored pea protein powder
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
- Dairy free chocolate chips – omit for even healthier option
I love that this powder has no added sweeteners (I am not a fan of stevia, which is in basically all of them), so I can add whatever sweetener I prefer. It is also really neutral so any and all flavors go great with it!
How to Make Chocolate Protein Bites
Much like my Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, kids will love them and we are okay with a few extra since they are made with great ingredients.
Making this recipe for protein balls is really as simple as dump, stir, and roll. Or don’t roll and just shove into mouth. Anything works!
- Dump ingredients, except the chocolate chips, into a bowl.
- Stir.
- Add chocolate chips and stir.
- Then eat as is or roll into balls!
Preparation and Storage Tips
- This chocolate protein balls recipe makes 10 balls, if you roll them into 2 inch balls.
- To make this nut free use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
- You can substitute another kind of protein powder, just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
- You may or may not need water. Slowly add it in to get the consistency you prefer. You could also use milk if you want a little extra richness.
- If you do not have, or do not want to use, a protein powder you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount. My friend Brandi from The Vegan 8 tried this and said it worked perfectly and no water was needed.
- Once the balls are formed, keep the chocolate protein balls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake)
Whenever someone in my family needs a sweet snack urgently, I reach into the fridge and grab these chocolate protein balls, and they never disappoint. I mix cocoa powder, almond butter, and maple syrup into rich bites that taste just like brownie batter. They are no-bake, take just 5 minutes to make, and have enough protein to make them a guilt-free treat.
Servings: 10
Calories: 110kcal
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons cocoa powder (I use NOW Foods brand)
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup (I use NOW Foods brand)
- 1/4 cup almond butter , use sunbutter for nut free (see note)
- 1/4 cup unflavored pea protein powder , see note (I use NOW Sports brand)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chips , omit for even healthier option
- 2-4 tablespoons water , optional (see note)
Instructions
- Put everything except the 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. If you are rolling these into balls, only add water if you need help mixing the batter well. 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 chocolate chips and mix again.
- Eat right away if you are eating as batter.
- Allow to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls if you prefer to eat it that way.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this chocolate protein ball recipe is to add the water slowly, one teaspoon at a time, and stop the moment the mixture holds together when pressed. Protein powders and nut butters can vary a lot, so one batch may need no extra liquid while another needs a little help. Keeping a close eye on the texture gives me soft fudgy bites instead of something loose and sticky.
- Choose runny nut butter: A smooth, drippy almond butter mixes into the batter more easily than a thick one straight from the fridge. If my nut butter is stiff, I give it a good stir first before adding it to the bowl.
- Chill before rolling: If the batter feels a little soft, I place the bowl into the fridge for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This makes the mixture easier to handle and shape.
- Wait before adding water: Sometimes the batter looks crumbly at first, but smooths out as I keep stirring. I hold off adding water until I have mixed the batter thoroughly.
- Use mini chips: Smaller chocolate chips distribute more evenly through each bite and make rolling easier.
- Scoop for uniformity: When I want the protein ball to all be the same size, I use a small cookie scoop. It keeps the portions even and gives me better portion control.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1.4mg
