Delicious and easy raw chocolate balls made with protein powder, nuts, and dates. This simple no-bake recipe is perfect for kids and can be made in 10 minutes or less. Made gluten-free and vegan, they're the ideal healthy snack!
These bite sized chocolate raw balls are my new favorite on-the-go snack! Even as a huge snacker, I find it hard to select a good snack I can take with me on the road. I'm either grabbing for a banana (delicious, but they get old after a while) or a protein bar (can be expensive!). Well, I'm here to tell ya that these raw chocolate protein balls hit the snack jackpot!
They're full of rich chocolate flavor, packed with protein and healthy fats, and so easy to take with you anywhere! Even your kids will love them!
Ingredients
- Dates - These are what hold the chocolate raw balls together. Make sure your dates are pitted before putting them in the food processor.
- Rolled oats - This adds a little more bulk to the recipe and makes the bites more dense and filling. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
- Walnuts - Any type of nut will work in this recipe. I used walnuts as they are a higher fat nut and the taste pairs super well with the dates and cacao. Other nuts I recommend are cashews, almonds or pecans. If you're looking for a nut-free recipe, check out my nut-free granola bars.
- Cacao - To add some chocolate flavor! Cocoa will work in this recipe too.
- Maca - Used to deepen the nutritional benefits of these raw balls, a little maca powder is used in this recipe. It has a hint of malty flavor (which I like) but if you aren't a fan or are making these for your kids, you can easily omit the maca.
- Protein Powder - Any type of protein will work in this recipe. I used a plant-based pea protein (this brand is also one of my favorites) to keep these raw balls completely vegan.
Directions
This chocolate protein raw balls recipe is simple and easy. You'll need a food processor or a high-speed blender and you'll be enjoying one of these chocolate bites in no time!
Step 1 : Blend all ingredients (except water)
In a food processor or high-speed blender, add the dates, rolled oats, walnuts, cacao powder, maca powder, and chia seeds. Blend for about 30 seconds to break up the nuts and dates.
Step 2 : Add the water
While the blender is still running, pour in the water. This is when you should start to see the mixture forming a large ball. If it is still a little dry, add another tablespoon of water. You want the mixture to be a little sticky and have formed a ball in the blender.
Step 3 : Form ball and roll in cacao
With a small cookie scoop, form small balls of the mixture. Roll in between the palms of your hands to create a round ball. Then roll the ball in a shallow bowl with cacao powder. Tap the raw protein ball a few times in the bowl to shake off any excess cacao (you don't want to coat the entire raw ball in cacao).
Frequently asked questions
These protein bites will keep for up to a week in an air-tight container or in a ziplock bag at room temperature. They will keep for up to 10 days if kept in the fridge.
Any protein powder will work in this recipe! I used a plant-based pea protein. If you really enjoy that chocolate flavor, use a chocolate protein powder to amplify the chocolate taste.
Although I have not tried it, the nuts should be able to be swapped easily with seeds. If you make these nut-free be sure to let me know how it goes in the comments below!
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Recipe
Raw Chocolate Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates - pitted
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder - plus another 2 tablespoon to roll the ball in
- ½ tablespoon maca powder
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 scoops protein powder of choice
- 3-5 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the water to a food processor and blend for about 20 - 30 seconds.1 cup dates, 1 cup oats, ½ cup walnuts, 2 tablespoon cocoa powder, ½ tablespoon maca powder, 2 tablespoon chia seeds, 2 scoops protein powder of choice
- While the blender is running, pour in 3 tablespoon of water. You should start to see the mixture begin to form a large ball. If not, add another 1 tablespoon of water into the processor. The mixture should be a tad sticky and have formed a ball in the mixer.3-5 tablespoon water
- With a small cookie scoop, scoop out small balls of the mixture. Roll in between the palms of your hands to create a round ball. Then roll the balls in a shallow bowl with cacao powder. Tap the ball a few times in the bowl to shake off any excess cacao and enjoy!
I tried this recipe and it turned out really good. What else can I add to the recipe? Thanks for the recipe.