I really am on a roll this week with making healthy protein snacks. And honestly, I love it. These kinds of recipes quietly make life easier without demanding much effort from you. That is exactly why I started making these no bake chocolate protein balls.
I wanted something simple that I could make quickly. Something that feels like a treat, but actually has real ingredients inside, good for your body and soul.
And most importantly, something that helps me sneak in few good nutrients without anyone raising an eyebrow.
To be honest, adding oats into meals is not always easy. But when those oats are blended into soft, little bites with dates and almond butter, suddenly nobody is questioning anything. They just want another one.
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Why You’ll Love The Chocolate Protein Balls
These no bake chocolate protein balls check so many boxes that makes them so lovable. No baking required, so it takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, which is absolutely amazing for our busy lives.
They are naturally sweetened and rich with protein, healthy fats and fiber. Our tummies will be forever grateful. And most importantly, they don’t taste like something you just have to eat because it’s healthy, but you crave for more because it’s delicious.
The texture is soft and slightly chewy from the dates, and the almond butter makes them rich and satisfying. I highly recommend you add the melted white chocolate glaze on top, because it makes them feel like an actual dessert.
This is the kind of snack that saves you from grabbing something random that may not be as healthy, plus it gives you energy without the crash. It feels good knowing that what you are serving is made from ingredients you recognize and are proud of.
What You’ll Need for Chocolate Protein Balls
Before we jump into the detailed steps on how to make protein balls, let me talk about what you actually need to make these healthy protein snacks at home.
Chocolate protein powder – The protein powder boosts the protein content and the chocolate protein adds extra cocoa flavour. It transforms these protein balls from simple energy bites into truly amazing protein snacks.
Rolled oats – The rolled oats create the structure of the protein balls, and add fiber. They help make the snack filling enough to hold you over until the next meal.
Almond butter – It brings healthy fats, creaminess, and helps everything stick together naturally. You can use any other nut butter of your choice.
Honey – A drizzle of honey is great to add natural sweetness and improve the texture by helping bind the ingredients.
Milk or whipping cream – To soften the dough just enough so the protein balls form well. This ingredient makes rolling much easier.
Pitted dates – The dates are the best ingredient here. They give natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture that makes these protein balls feel indulgent.
Matcha powder – It may seem unexpected, but you’ll need them just to dust a bit over the top and finish the protein bites.
White chocolate and coconut oil – This is the base for the glaze. They create a smooth drizzle that hardens very well once chilled. It is optional, but it truly makes these protein bites feel like a special treat.
Equipment You’ll Need:
Blender or food processor – It makes mixing of all ingredients faster and less messy. I love both my blender and food processor as my favourite kitchen tools.
Now that you know what you need – let’s learn how to make protein balls, the easy way.
No Bake Chocolate Protein Balls
Course: Dessert, SnacksDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes200
kcal6
minutesNo bake chocolate protein balls - easy healthy protein snacks ready in just 10 minutes.
What You Need
½ cup rolled oats
¼ cup almond butter
1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons whipping cream or milk
7-8 pitted dates
1 teaspoon matcha powder
- For chocolate glaze
¼ cup white chocolate
1 teaspoon coconut oil
How to Make Protein Balls
- In a cup or heat-safe bowl, add hot water over the dates, enough to get them covered. Let them soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes. This will soften them up so they are easier to process.
- In a blender or food processor, add the rolled oats and pulse for about a minute to get the oats grounded to a rough-flour texture.
- Strain the dates from the water and add them into the food processor next.
- Add the cream and drizzle in some honey.
- Next, transfer the chocolate protein powder.
- If the almond butter is a bit on a harder side, warm it up for about 20 seconds in the microwave before adding it into the food processor.
- Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive. When you pinch it between your fingers, it should hold its shape. If it feels too dry, add one extra teaspoon of milk and blend again.
- Now start forming the protein balls. Scoop from the mixture and then with wet hands start rolling the protein bites in your hands.
- Prepare the chocolate glaze
- In a small bowl add the white chocolate and coconut oil. Transfer in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds to melt.
- Whisk gently until you have a smooth chocolate texture ready to be used.
- Transfer each of the protein balls and roll them until fully covered. Transfer onto a tray covered with parchment paper or wax paper to cool down. If you have a cooling rack it is even better (but optional).
- To finish the chocolate protein balls, sprinkle lightly some matcha powder on top and you are done.
Notes
- I highly recommend soaking the dates in warm water for about five minutes before blending. This makes the texture much smoother.
- If the mixture feels too sticky, add one tablespoon of oats. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash of milk.
How to Store Leftovers
Store extra no bake chocolate protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also freeze well for up to a month. When ready to serve, simply let them sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before eating.
Doubling the batch of healthy protein snacks is never a bad idea. They disappear quickly.
FAQ
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes, absolutely. Peanut or cashew butter works equally well.
Can I skip the protein powder?
You can replace it with one tablespoon of cocoa powder, they will get a stronger cocoa flavour.
Are these good for picky eaters?
Yes. The chocolate flavour and white glaze helps them get sneaked into kids’ menu.
How do I make protein balls without a food processor?
You can make the protein bites without a blender or food processor. Finely chop the soaked dates and mix everything thoroughly by hand.
Last Though of the Day
These chocolate protein balls are simple, nourishing, and realistic for busy days. They don’t ask for hours in the kitchen just to have few sweet bites made. If you make them, I would truly love to hear how they turned out. Did your family love them? Did anyone guess there were oats inside?
Let me know in the comments, and let us keep making real-life food that works for real-life days.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
