Perfect for all chocolate lovers, these protein balls are made using a handful of wholesome ingredients and contain 7 grams of protein per ball. Ready in a matter of minutes, they are the tasty no-bake snack you need for the next time you are looking for a healthy treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
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In my dream world, chocolate would most certainly be its own food group. And it would be highly recommended that it was incorporated into every meal of every day.
But in reality, I just try to find as many ways to eat chocolate in a day as I can. And from chocolate granola to chocolate hummus to chocolate cookies and these protein balls, I have no shortage of ideas.
I make some kind of protein ball almost weekly, but this chocolate version get's repeated most frequently. Here's why I love them (and you will to!):
- Easy- The full batch comes together in about 10 minutes and you don't need a food processor or oven. Just mix and shape.
- Wholesome Ingredients- Making your own protein snacks means you can control the ingredients and know exactly what is in it. I like to use high quality protein powder isolate.
- Convenient- There isn't much that is easier for packing along than protein or energy balls. Whip up a big batch and them in the freezer for whenever you need healthy options. (Or make some Cookie Dough Protein Bars).
- Protein Packed- A single ball has 7 grams of protein and if you have 2 or 3 at a time, it brings you up to 21 grams. (And have you tried protein hot chocolate- it has 26 grams per mug!).
- DELISH- Don't let the simple ingredients fool you. Not only will these balls fuel you, they are super chocolate-y (like eating edible brownie batter) and will satisfy your most ravenous chocolate cravings.
So let's make some chocolate protein balls!
The Ingredients
- Nut Butter- You can make these protein balls with any type of nut (or seed for nut free) butter. For best results, I recommend using a natural, creamy kind that is drippy and well stirred.
- Pure Maple Syrup- Along with sweetening the protein bites, this adds moisture for structure. Honey can be used instead or check out this post on maple syrup substitutes for more options. It is important that you use a liquid sweetener for this recipe. If you prefer to sweeten with dates, make the chocolate version of these date protein balls instead.
- Protein Powder- I typically use a combination of unflavored pea protein isolate and brown rice protein powder. Different protein powders absorb different amounts of moisture so you may need to play around with the amount of water that you use- the mixture should resemble play-dough.
- Cocoa Powder- This provides the chocolate flavor and contributes to structure for binding.
- Cacao Nibs- Along with being rich in antioxidants, cacao nibs add crunch and even more chocolate flavor. You could also 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 oat flour brownies) as it enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt- A pinch of salt balances the flavor and helps to bring out the chocolate taste. It can be left out if needed.
The Method
1. Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together nut butter and maple syrup (or honey).
2. Add Dry Ingredients. To the bowl, add protein powder, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt along with 2 tablespoons of water and mix until well combined (it'll take a bit of elbow grease!). Add more water 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed, to be able to mix.
3. Add mix-ins. Stir in the cacao nibs or another add-in of choice.
4. Shape. Line a dish with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or wax paper. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into a ball and set it in the dish. Repeat with the remaining batter (it should make about 16).
5. Enjoy! Eat immediately, refrigerate or freeze for later.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Place your chocolate 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. 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.
- Mint Chocolate Protein Balls- Add ½ - 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract.
- Switch up the Mix In- In place of the cocoa nibs, use dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chopped nuts or another favorite add in.
- Skip the Protein Powder- If you would prefer to make these bars without protein powder, substitute with almond flour or a half cup of rolled oats ground in a blender to make a flour. Keep in mind that this swap will affect the protein content of the balls.
- Protein Bars- If you'd prefer a chocolate protein bar over balls, check out these chocolate protein bars!
Protein Powder Considerations
Note: For your personal nutrition and digestion, you may decide to use different protein powders. And if you need more information on that, it may be best to seek it from a dietitian or nutrition professional.
But let's talk about how what protein powder you use will affect the recipe and how you can adjust for it.
For reference, I use either pea protein isolate, brown rice protein or a combination and so the recipe is written for that. These two protein powders behave similarly and both absorb a lot of moisture.
And so if you use anything besides these unflavored proteins, you'll need to consider the following:
- Consistency: Plant-based protein powders 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.
- Flavor: If you use a flavored 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 cocoa if adding chocolate protein powder).
Troubleshooting and FAQs
- Sticky- Your mixture is too wet. To fix this, you can either add (start with ½ tablespoon and then continue to add until the consistency is similar to play-dough):
- More protein powder
- Ground flaxseed
- Blended oat (homemade oat flour)
- Falling Apart- Your mixture is too dry. To fix it, you can try adding 1-2 tablespoons of water. If that doesn't help, you may need something with better binding, so try adding a tablespoon of additional almond butter.
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.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Protein Balls
- 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 resemble play-dough. I recommend using unflavored, protein powder isolate so that the flavor doesn't affect the balls.
- Use Natural, Well-Stirred Nut Butter- For best texture and binding, use a fresh, well-stirred nut butter of choice.
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And if you liked this recipe...
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Recipe Card
Chocolate Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup nut butter of choice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup protein powder I use a combination of pea protein isolate and brown rice protein; see notes for another protein powder
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoon water plus additional as needed
- ¼ cup cocoa nibs (optional) or another add in such as dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts or coconut flakes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the nut butter and maple syrup.
- Stir in the protein powder, cocoa, espresso powder and salt along with 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until well combined, adding more water 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed. The mixture should resemble play-dough in consistency.
- Stir in the cacao nibs or another add-in if using.
- Line a dish with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or wax paper. Scoop a 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.
Gloria says
Extra convenient with ingredients on hand! Surprise! Surprise~ LOL
Janessa says
I'm happy that this recipe was convenient for you to make! I strive to make them as simple as possible so I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for your comment.