Satisfy your chocolate cravings and fuel your body with these easy and delicious chocolate almond butter protein balls. Made with only a handful of ingredients, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for on-the-go or as an afternoon treat.
I like to keep my fridge stocked with healthy options and that includes snacks. Having a quick and nutritious snack ready to grab just makes healthy eating so much easier, that’s why you’ll usually find a batch of almond butter protein balls in my fridge. They’re an easy bite-sized snack that everyone loves.
Whether you want to grab a bite before you head out the door, need a little mid-morning pick-me-up, or are looking for a kid-friendly after school snack these chocolate almond butter protein balls are your answer. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, they’re a healthy portable snack that tastes like a sweet treat. Silky, soft and melt-in-your-mouth smooth, they’re like little bites of fudgy brownies.
What are Protein Balls?
Protein balls are a bite-sized version of protein bars. Similar to energy balls, date balls, or bliss balls they are rolled into balls rather than cut into bars. The main difference is that protein balls usually contain some form of added protein.
You won’t need any special equipment to make these protein balls, just a bowl and a spoon. Unlike some energy and date ball recipes, that require a food processor these protein balls come together quickly by hand. Once you have the base recipe, you can customize them by adding chocolate chips, coconut, chopped nuts, etc… Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
Ingredient Notes:
(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Almond Butter – Use a creamy unsweetened almond butter. You can also substitute sunflower butter for a nut-free version.
- Maple Syrup – Maple syrup sweetens the bites and binds together the ingredients.
- Vanilla – Vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors.
- Cocoa Powder – Use a natural cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Protein Powder – You’ll need 100% egg white protein powder (also called dried egg white powder). Egg white powder has a fine powdery texture and neutral flavor that is undetectable in the protein balls. It’s my preferred protein powder here as it’s a high quality single ingredient source of protein that gives the protein balls a smooth, silky, chewy texture. I’ve also tested the recipe with plain unsweetened whey powder which works as well but I much prefer the neutral taste and smoother texture of the ones made with egg white powder. Feel free to experiment with your favorite protein powder but make sure to choose one that is fine and powdery (not gritty) as well as unsweetened.
- Chopped Nuts (optional) – Use your favorite finely chopped nuts or seeds for rolling (I’ve used almonds).
- Add-In’s (optional) – Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, seeds or shredded coconut to the mixture before rolling.
How to Make Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls:
(Here are the basic steps and some helpful tips on how to make the recipe. Find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- You’ll start by mixing together the almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.
- Next add in the cocoa powder and protein powder and stir until a stiff dough forms. (If you’re using any add-ins this is when you’ll want to mix them in.)
- Now you’ll roll the dough into balls with your hands and roll them in cocoa powder or chopped nuts.
And that’s it, they are ready to enjoy!
If you aren’t eating them right away store the protein balls in an air-tight container in the fridge with pieces of parchment layered in between to prevent sticking.
So skip the store-bought bars and make yourself a batch of chocolate almond protein balls instead!
Variations:
- Substitute your favorite nut butter or use sunflower butter for a nut-free version.
- Use Dutched cocoa powder for a milder chocolate flavor.
- Use 100% unsweetened why protein powder or unsweetened protein powder of your choice (see notes above in ingredients section.)
- Use cocoa powder, chopped nuts or shredded coconut to roll the balls.
- Add in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts or shredded coconut before rolling.
More Homemade Ball and Bar Recipes:
Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls
Satisfy your chocolate cravings and fuel your body with these easy and delicious chocolate almond butter protein balls. Made with only a handful of ingredients, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for on-the-go or as an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup/128g Almond Butter
- ½ cup/120ml Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup/40g Natural Cocoa Powder
- ¾ cup/60g Egg White Protein Powder
- Chopped Almonds or Cocoa Powder to Roll (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl stir together almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add in cocoa powder and egg white powder and gently stir mixture with a spatula until a dough forms.
- Scoop dough into 16 equal pieces and roll into balls.
- Rolls balls in chopped nuts or cocoa powder if desired.
- Eat immediately or store between layers of parchment in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Notes
Variations:
- Substitute your favorite nut butter or use sunflower butter for a nut-free version.
- Use Dutched cocoa powder for a milder chocolate flavor.
- Use 100% unsweetened why protein powder or unsweetened protein powder of your choice (see notes above in ingredients section.)
- Use cocoa powder, chopped nuts or shredded coconut to roll the balls.
- Add in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts or shredded coconut before rolling.
Storage:
Store between sheets of parchment in an airtight container in the fridge.
Dietary Info:
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Paleo
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 101Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 50mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 5g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
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