No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Indulge in a delicious and nutritious snack with these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls. Packed with peanut butter, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, and peanut butter, these little bites are bursting with flavor and energy-boosting protein. These protein balls are quick and simple to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a convenient and easy snack whenever you need it. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to start your morning, a midday pick-me-up, or an afternoon snack, these Protein Balls are a perfect choice. Completely Gluten-Free. Vegan option.

When it comes to recipes, I enjoy making complex dishes as well as easy ones and this No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe is just that- EASY. With so many of us scrapping for the extra time after we've spent most of our days doing everything else---I tend to think about easy, healthy recipes that can be created for the entire family.

I've noticed your favorites and have been keeping things within the lines of those favorites while including an array of Vegan, Dairy-Free, and Gluten-Free options for those of us who have a sensitivity to specific ingredients. I definitely recommend trying these Vegan Glazed Donut Holes with Sprinkles, Big Bakery-Style Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Homemade Vegan Oat Milk Chocolate Bars.

And if you're into more savory appetizer & snack options, then these Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Bites or Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings/Bites.

Per usual, you can always mix & match your ingredients or make the necessary substitutions if preferred. I love to keep some of my recipes open to interpretation as it relates to your own personal taste preference.

Jump to:

• What Is A Energy Bite/Ball?
• More Bite-Sized Goodness
• What is Cacao really? Cacao vs. Cocoa.
• These energy bites are so good, they should come with a warning! They're:
• Tips For The Perfect No Bake Protein Balls
• Ideas for Different Variations
• More Grab & Go Snacks
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

What Is A Energy Bite/Ball?

These Chocolate Chip + Coconut Protein Balls are protein-packed and don’t disappoint at all. OK, so some of you might be wondering what an Energy Ball/Bite is anyway, right?

To break this down, an Energy Bite or Ball is basically a protein-packed ball of goodness that often consists of old-fashioned or rolled oats, some sort of nutty butter (peanut butter, almond butter, that sort of thing!), and some type of seeds. That’s the basis. Everything else is pretty customizable and can be added or not based on your tastebud’s preference.

These little balls of goodness can be made in under 10 minutes and require only a short refrigeration time to ensure that they remain solid.

Also, because these little sweet treats are no-bake and include a lot of raw healthy plant-based ingredients, you can store them for a few days (up to 2 weeks) which makes for a great long-term treat. All in all, these are a win, win in my opinion!

I use to make a lot of vegan Energy Balls as a quick way to gain healthy nutrients for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, however, it’s been a while since I made my last batch—besides this recipe! I couldn’t wait to share these with you because I made a few switches to the recipe’s base AND they’re just so good!

More Bite-Sized Goodness

Easy Healthy Peanut Butter No-Bake Energy Bites - A super easy & quick way to enjoy a healthy snack or to kick start your mornings. These bites are an awesome option for naturally boosting energy, increasing fiber intake, are a good source of protein, and are packed with healthy nutrients. Naturally sweetened and boasts of bold peanut butter flavor. Completely Gluten-Free and Vegan.

No-Bake White Chocolate Energy Bites - No one wants to be caught snack-less when hunger strikes. And if you're a parent, you know the dangers of not having a healthy, reliable snack on hand for little ones. But don't let unhealthy packaged and processed snacks get the best of you! These healthy no-bake energy bites are the perfect solution to hunger, wherever you are. 

Chocolate Cranberry Almond Snack Bars - They make for an awesome snack, breakfast replacement, or even dessert if you're into something healthy as a sweet treat. Full of bold flavor, chewy, and super easy to make, these snack bars are a definite must-have. Dairy-free. Vegan and Gluten-free options.

Of course, I couldn't enjoy these Chocolate Chip + Coconut Protein Balls without a good cup of coffee or tea. As you can see, I've paired these delicious little bites with a nice cup of Navitas Organics' Cacao Latte, which is super easy to make. Simply add one of their convenient packets to boiling water (or milk for a nice creaminess) and wallah! 

For additional flavor and creaminess as well, you can add a non-dairy creamer. Just perfect and packed with a ton of nutrients!

What is Cacao really? Cacao vs. Cocoa.

OK, so can we talk about Cacao for a sec? Did you know that Cacao AND Cocoa are the same thing?

I know. Insane. I was totally confused about this for a long time and honestly assumed that one was healthier than the other. However, it’s come to be determined that they are just used interchangeably.

Chocolate is actually made from Cacao beans (or seeds). It’s said that companies who use the term ‘Cacao’ are referring to the beans, pods, or ground-up versions of the beans. However, the term Cocoa is often referred to as the powdered version of it all (which is formed after the fat is pressed out of the bean).

Of course, there’s a whole process that happens and you can find out more about that here.

However, be mindful that since Cocoa has the fat removed for it to be powder-like, it does make Cacao a greater option in terms of health benefits.

Cacao has a host of health benefits which include: antioxidant properties, heart-protective and anti-cancer properties, contains iron and tryptophan (which is an amino acid that helps the body make serotonin—a relaxing chemical).

So of course, it’s always best to go with a brand of Cacao that contains those nutrients and are premium to ensure that your body actually receives all of those boosters. Navitas Organics’ version of their Cacao or Cacao Latte not only does that, but they are so delicious as well! You can always purchase it on their site or through a large retailer like Amazon.

These energy bites are so good, they should come with a warning! They're:

• Tender and chewy
• Packed peanut buttery flavor
• Naturally sweet
• Studded with chocolate pieces
• Wholesome and nutritious
• Very kid-friendly (See Recipe Notes for Nut-Free Butters).
• Completely Gluten-Free with a vegan option.
• Seriously, seriously delicious..

Whether you're running a race, on your way to work, going on a hike, heading off on a road trip or have little ones on the verge of hanger- these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are the perfect snacks to keep you fueled and satisfied along the way

Tips For The Perfect No Bake Protein Balls

Are you ready to make the perfect batch of protein balls? Here are some tips that can help you create a delicious and nutritious snack:

Use ingredients you love.

Choose ingredients that you enjoy and that make you feel good. Whether it's natural nut butter, organic protein powders, or fresh fruit, selecting ingredients that you love can make the whole process more enjoyable.

Take your time.

Making protein balls can be a relaxing and mindful activity, so take your time and enjoy the process. Turn on some music or a podcast, and take breaks to savor the flavors and textures as you mix and roll the ingredients together. A little but of extra time and love now means you can save time later with this quick snack you can grab on the go.

Adjust to your taste.

Don't be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your taste. If you like your protein balls sweeter, add a little more honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a more savory flavor, try adding some spices like cinnamon or cardamom.

Involve your loved ones.

Making protein balls can be a great way to involve your family or friends in the kitchen. Kids especially love rolling the mixture into balls and can even help you select the ingredients. 

Store in reusable containers.

To make your protein balls more eco-friendly, store them in reusable containers like glass jars or silicone bags. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also makes your snacks more portable and convenient.

Refrigeration is KEY!

When it comes to making Energy Bites, it’s super important to refrigerate them slightly (for a few minutes) before rolling the dough AND then chilling them again after. Through trial and error, I’ve found that rolling them as soon as the dough is made makes things far more messy, especially after the 3rd or 4th ball (think—dough melting or not cooperating into a perfect ball).

Using a thicker sweetener definitely helps!

While most people use honey as a sweetener, I found that using maple or dates works so much better. Remember, a great ‘binder’ creates a better outcome. Granted, using honey is just fine if preferred.

Always chop nuts!

Again, since Energy Bites are super versatile and customizable, adding nuts are a great possibility. However if using pecans, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, whatever—-always make sure that they are chopped into smaller pieces. This helps for the rolling process and ensures that things stay together nicely.

By using these tips, you can make protein balls that are not only nutritious and delicious but also a fun and enjoyable activity to do alone or with your family!

WHY ADD COCONUT FLAKES?

• Coconut flakes add a delicious nutty flavor to energy bites.
• They're a great source of healthy calories, perfect for boosting energy levels.
• Coconut flakes are rich in manganese, which supports healthy connective tissues, bone formation, and blood clotting.
• Manganese also plays a vital role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, mineral absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
• Coconut flakes contain phosphorus, which supports cell growth and repair, and iron, which delivers oxygen to your muscles and organs.
• Plus, they're also a good source of calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

So, if you want to give your protein balls a tasty and nutritious boost, don't hesitate to add some coconut flakes to your energy bites!

Ideas for Different Variations

We want to keep your taste buds happy, so feel free to get creative!

• Make energy bars: Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan, chill, and then slice into energy bars (instead of rolling the mixture into energy balls).
• Use a different nut or seed butter: Try almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut/seed butter that you love in place of peanut butter.
• Skip the coconut: Not everyone is a fan of coconut, so if that's you, just leave it out and add some extra oats instead.
• Add spices: For some extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to your energy bites.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect combination.

More Grab & Go Snacks

• How To Make the Best Charcuterie Board
• Vegan Superfood Breakfast Cookies
• Vegan Caramelized Peach Cinnamon Granola
• Chocolate Chip Chia Seed Muffins
• Vegan Blueberry Blackberry Jam Muffins 

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.

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