Published: by Stephanie 15 Comments
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These no bake Chocolate Protein Balls are easy to make with just 4 ingredients. A healthy snack great for on the go that's refined sugar free, gluten free, dairy free and vegan.
Energy balls have always been a favorite around our house for quick healthy snacks.
And when you throw a little chocolate in the mix it doesn't get any better for a yummy guilt free treat.
Especially since these chocolate protein balls are quick, easy to make, and with only 4 ingredients.
Cause sometimes you just need a little chocolate fix in the form of a healthy delicious energy bite.
Or if you're in the mood for pumpkin pie then, these pumpkin energy bites are a healthier easier way to satisfy that craving!
Ingredients needed
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Medjool dates- I don't recommend substituting with regular dates. Medjool dates are soft, chewy and have a caramel like taste that you don't get with other dates.
- Cashews- Raw unsalted cashews are used in this recipe. You could substitute with another nut but make sure you're using the raw unsalted nuts.
- Coconut oil- Unrefined virgin coconut oil.
- Cocoa powder- Unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder.
How to make chocolate protein balls
- Add the cashews and dates to a food processor. Make sure to remove the pits from the dates first.
- Pulse till combined and crumbly.
- Add coconut oil and pulse again till sticky and combined.
- Then put in the cocoa powder and combine again.
- Pulse until the cocoa powder is thoroughly combined and you have a sticky dough.
- Roll into equal sized balls, place on parchment lined pan and then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe notes & tips
A two tablespoon small cookie scoop was used for equal sized balls. You can dampen the scoop for easier removal.
I like to wet my hands periodically while rolling the balls. You can keep a small bowl of water beside you for that.
Place them on a lined parchment pan as you're rolling and I recommend chilling them on the pan for at least 30 minutes before storing in airtight container.
Other healthy sweet treats
- Dark Chocolate Truffles
- Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream
- Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
AND IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE PLEASE BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW…..
I’d love to hear if you make this & how you like it. Plus please be sure to include a starrating.
Until next time-xoxo
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Protein Balls (Easy, 4 Ingredients)
Only 4 ingredients & 10 minutes to make these nutritious healthy snack balls. Perfect for breakfast, or even post workout snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 15 balls
Calories 113kcal
Author Stephanie
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates- pits removed
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
Place dates in food processor along with cashews and pulse until crumbly.
Add coconut oil & pulse again.
Pour in cocoa powder and pulse until everything thoroughly combined. It should be slightly sticky and easily be formed into a ball.
Using a cookie scoop, spoon out equal portions and then roll into balls in your hand.
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to a week.
Notes
*Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition
Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.8g | Protein: 1.9g | Fat: 6.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.6g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 73mg | Sugar: 0.5g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @applesforcjblog or tag #applesforcj
Updated from May 2018
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Kylie
These are great, I put them in my children's lunch boxes (when nuts are permitted) and they never get leftover - my 3-year-old helps make them. Also great with a cuppa.
Reply
Stephanie
Yay! Thanks for the lovely feedback! 🥰
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Carm
Just read all the positive comments from reviewers who haven't actually made the recipe. Why do people review a recipe they haven't tried???? I think these will be delicious so I'll just have to trust my instincts.
Reply
Stephanie
Thanks Carm! Let me know if you give them a try!
Reply
Max
My sentiments entirely Carmen - you see it so often and its so annoying!
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BJ
Can I use dried prunes instead of dates? Dates around here are wicked expensive.
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Stephanie
Hi BJ, I haven't tried using prunes in this recipe so I'm not exactly sure how it would affect the overall flavor. But texture wise prunes are pretty similar so I'd say it would be worth trying. Let me know how it works out for you. 🙂
Reply
Veena Azmanov
Oh YUM! Love everything about this recipe! I LOVE how easy and delicious this is! Good idea! Looks very tasty! I am going to make this! This recipe really impresses! I really like! Thank you.
Reply
Stephanie
You're Welcome Veena and hope you Enjoy 🙂
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Vicky
I love the fact that these are just four ingredients. They are so easy to make and are a great on-the-go snack to give my kids.
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Pam
You had me at chocolate and cashews. Two of my favorite foods, so what's not to love here? Great looking, easy recipe.
Reply
Stephanie
Mine too Pam. Thanks and it is super easy to make!
Reply
Beth
Those must be sweet and delicious with the dates and cashews! I love grilling recipes! I'm always looking for great grilling ideas! Do some more of those!
Reply
Stephanie
Thanks Beth and I'll definitely be adding some grilling recipes in the near future 🙂
Reply
Adriana Lopez Martin
Cashews and dates what a great combo. Perfect snack and sensible. Love to make my own healthy snacks at home definitely trying this energy balls soon.
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