Date Protein Balls (6 Ways)

Four different variations of date protein balls on a plate.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Servings:

Calories: 74kcal

Equipment

Food Processor

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates pitted, about 12-14
⅔ cup protein powder I use half pea protein isolate and half brown rice protein isolate- *see post for different types of powders
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Base

⅓ cup nut butter

Salted Caramel

⅓ cup cashew butter
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt in addition to the amount in the base recipe
1 and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Peanut Butter

⅓ cup peanut butter

Chocolate

⅓ cup cocoa powder
⅓ cup almond butter
2-3 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon espresso powder

Pumpkin Spice

¼ cup pumpkin puree
3 tablespoon almond butter
2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Coconut

½ cup shredded coconut
⅓ cup cashew butter
1 teaspoon coconut extract optional

Cinnamon

⅓ cup almond butter
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add the dates to a food processor and process until nearly smooth (it's okay if there are still a few small chunks).
Add the nut butter, protein powder and salt as well as any additional ingredients (as per the variation you are making), except chunky mix-ins (such as chocolate chips or coconut flakes) and process until well combined.
At first, it will be a bit mealy but after a few minutes it should come together and resemble cookie dough.
Fold in mix-ins (depending on the flavor you make).
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.

Notes

Leftovers

Store balls at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Protein Powder

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 flavors in the recipe (for example, reduce the vanilla extract if 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.

*Nutrition estimate calculated based on Base Recipe with pea protein isolate.

Nutrition