Chocolate Protein Balls with Medjool Dates and Nut Butter
Indulge in these delicious Vegan Chocolate Protein Balls, perfect for a healthy snack or post-workout treat. Made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, nut butter, and vegan protein powder, these no-bake energy bites are packed with nutrients and flavor. Easy to prepare and customize, they’re gluten-free and kid-friendly, making them an ideal choice for meal prep and on-the-go snacking. Whether you're looking for a quick vegan snack or a high-protein energy boost, these chocolate protein balls will satisfy your cravings and keep you energized throughout the day.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Chill Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American, plant based, vegan
Servings 12
Calories 140 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup JuicePlus+ Protein Powder or your preferred vegan protein powder (vanilla or chocolate both work well)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp flax seeds
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- A pinch of sea salt
- 8-10 ea Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup nut butter such as almond, peanut, or cashew butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips optional
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
Instructions:
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about 5-10 minutes to soften. Drain the dates and pat them dry.
In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, vegan protein powder, chia seeds, flax seeds, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and the oats are slightly broken down.
Add the softened dates, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the food processor. Blend until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is sticky enough to hold together. If it's too dry, add a little more nut butter or maple syrup.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips if using.
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place shredded coconut in a small bowl or dish and roll the balls around in the coconut until covered in a thin layer.
Place the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes and Tips:
Storage Tips: Store these vegan protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Substitution Ideas: Feel free to substitute almond butter with any nut or seed butter of your choice, such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, to accommodate different dietary preferences or allergies.
Add-Ins and Variations: Customize your protein balls by adding different mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried fruit, or a variety of nuts and seeds. This adds texture and extra nutrients.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup. You can also use other natural sweeteners like agave syrup or date syrup.
Texture Adjustments: If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more nut butter or a splash of almond milk to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too wet, add a few more oats or protein powder.
Portable Snack: These protein balls are perfect for meal prep and make an excellent portable snack for work, school, or post-workout energy.
Nutritional Boost: Adding a scoop of vegan protein powder not only boosts the protein content but also helps keep you full and energized throughout the day.
Kid-Friendly: These protein balls are a great healthy snack for kids. Involve them in the rolling process to make it a fun and interactive activity.
No-Bake Convenience: Since these protein balls are no-bake, they are quick and easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy schedules.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Ensure the oats used are certified gluten-free if necessary.Calories: 140kcal
Keyword chia seed energy balls, chocolate protein balls, easy vegan snacks, flax seed protein balls, gluten-free protein balls, healthy dessert recipes, healthy snack recipe, high protein vegan snacks, homemade protein balls, no-bake energy bites, no-bake vegan snacks, nut butter protein balls, plant-based protein balls, protein balls with dates, quick vegan recipes, vegan chocolate snacks, vegan energy balls, vegan meal prep, vegan protein balls, vegan workout snacks