For all my fellow chocolate peanut butter lovers, these protein balls are made using a handful of wholesome ingredients and contain 7 grams of protein per ball. Ready in minutes, they are the perfect snack for the next time you are looking for a healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Give the classic (and arguably best!) food combination of peanut butter and chocolate a wholesome twist with these protein balls. (Try these Eatmore bars for another healthier twist on this combo).
A healthy snack made from a few simple ingredients, they are a great option when you want an energizing, sweet treat.
Even combined with healthy ingredients (like in this great recipe for 3 ingredient banana brownies), PB and chocolate automatically feels like you're eating a decadent and delicious treat (such as peanut butter chocolate rice crispy squares).
So it should come as no surprise that my go-to recipe for protein bars is based on this pairing.
Next time you find yourself looking for healthy options to snack on or for something that tastes like a bit of a decadent and delicious treat, yet will help with your hunger, try a batch of these balls.
And if peanut butter and chocolate isn't your thing (who are you?), be sure to try this protein cookie dough, instead.
The Ingredients
- Peanut Butter- Creamy peanut butter brings the PB flavor to these balls (as it does to these No Bake Cookies) as well as binds the ingredients together. I prefer to use natural peanut butter but shelf stable would work as well. To make them peanut free you could use almond butter or pumpkin seed butter instead (or check out this Chocolate Protein Balls recipe).
- Pure Maple Syrup- Along with sweetening the balls, this adds moisture for structure. Honey can be used instead or check out this post on maple syrup substitutes for more options.
- Protein Powder- I typically use unflavored pea protein isolate or brown rice protein powder. Feel free to experiment with your favorite protein powder (a chocolate or vanilla flavored one would taste good in the recipe). If using a different powder you may need to adjust the amount of water added in order to achieve the right consistency.
- Cocoa Powder- This brings the chocolate flavor and contributes to the proper wet to dry ratio for binding.
- Cacao Nibs- Along with being rich in antioxidants, cacao nibs add crunch and extra chocolate flavor. Feel free to use mini chocolate chips, another add in or leave them out.
- Espresso Powder (Optional)- I always like to include this in recipes with cocoa (like chocolate hummus) as it enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt- A pinch of salt balances the flavor of the bars and helps to bring out the chocolate taste but it can be left out if needed.
The Method
1. Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter and maple syrup.
2. Combine. Add the cocoa, protein powder, salt and espresso powder to the peanut butter. Use a rubber spatula to mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly adding water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed. I typically need to add 3-4 tablespoons.
Stir in the cacao nibs (or another add in of choice).
3. Shape. Line a dish with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or wax paper. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into a ball and set it in the dish. Repeat with the remaining mixture (it should make about 16).
4. Enjoy! Eat immediately, refrigerate or freeze for later.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Place your chocolate peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: These balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes if you prefer them softer or eat them frozen.
Make it Your Own
- Add a Chocolate Topping- Shape the balls and place them in the freezer for 15 minutes. Melt 4 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a small bowl in 20 second bursts in the microwave, stirring after each, until melted. Remove the balls from the freezer and dip each in the melted chocolate and then place them back in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Switch up the Mix In- In place of the cocoa nibs, you can use dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chopped nuts or another favorite add in.
- Make the Peanut Free- If needed, you can use almond butter or pumpkin seed butter (which would also make them nut free) instead (or make Almond Butter Protein Balls).
- Make Protein Bars– Make this chocolate peanut butter protein bars recipe instead.
- Skip the Protein Powder- If you would prefer to make these balls without protein powder, substitute with almond flour or a half cup of rolled oats ground in a blender to make a flour.
Tips and Notes
Adjust for Protein Powder: The protein powder used will affect the consistency so add more or less water as needed to bind the ingredients. The batter should be pretty thick but mixable.
- I recommend using a plain kind (with protein isolate as the only ingredient) but you can try using a flavored powder as long as it is a flavor that would complement the bars (such as chocolate or vanilla).
- The type of protein powder may also affect the amount the grams of protein per bar. The nutrition label on the recipe card is an estimate based on brown rice protein.
I typically use either pea protein isolate, brown rice protein or a combination. You can use whatever kind of protein powder you'd like but keep the following in mind:
-Flavor: If you use a flavored protein powder, ensure that it complements the flavor of the protein balls that you are making. Also, you may want to reduce the sweeteners or flavors in the recipe (for example, reduce the vanilla extract is adding vanilla protein powder).
-Consistency: Plant-based protein powders tend to absorb a lot more liquid than animal based powders. If using an animal based powder, such as whey, you may need to add a bit more to achieve the right consistency or you can add 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter or ground flaxseed as needed.
If you'd prefer to make these without protein powder, you can replace the powder with ground almonds (almond flour or meal) or with blended oats (to make oat flour). Keep in mind that this will affect the nutritional values and the protein content.
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And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like:
- Homemade Granola Bars with Quinoa
- Lava Cakes
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
- Date Protein Balls (6 Ways!)
Recipe Card
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown rice protein or protein powder of choice (chocolate, vanilla or unflavored)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅔ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoon cocoa nibs (optional) or another add in such as dark chocolate chips, peanuts or coconut flakes
- water as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and maple syrup.
- Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Use a rubber spatula to mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed. (I typically need to add 3-4 tablespoons). Stir in the cacao nibs.
- Line a dish with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or wax paper. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into a ball and set it in the dish. Repeat with the remaining mixture (it should make about 16).
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.
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