Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
on Dec 07, 2016, Updated Aug 12, 2024
These Chocolate peanut butter protein balls are made with all natural ingredients and can be made in minutes.
My go to recipe for a protein packed snack or dessert when I am craving something sweet!
Desserts can be one of my weaknesses.
While I don’t always overindulge, I tend to want something sweet after every lunch and dinner.
So many packaged protein bars are packed full of artificial sugar and make me feel awful!
These are Perfect! I routinely make protein balls for my four kids, but am saddened at how quickly they are gone. This recipe makes a decent amount, and the added grain fiber of Cheerios is a bonus. Thank you! – Rachel
As a vegetarian, it can be hard sometimes to make sure that I get enough protein in a day.
I love making a batch of these protein balls and storing them in the freezer for a quick protein treat (that tastes like a peanut butter cup!)
I made a batch of these a few days ago and have been eating several each day in between meals when I start to feel dizzy or tired.
They are a life saver!
My husband is a landscaper and ultra runner, so he eats for 2.
I have started to make us more protein snacks like these protein balls or homemade protein bars!
They are so convenient, healthy, and delicious.
I love these protein balls because they taste like a rich dessert.
They are free of refined sugar and are good for you too!
I love eating these if I need a snack throughout the day, or as a dessert after a meal.
How to make chocolate peanut butter protein balls
First, mix together peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Make sure that you use all natural peanut butter for this recipe.
When reading the label, the only ingredients should say peanuts and salt.
So many packaged peanut butters (even organic ones!) have added sugar.
There is absolutely no need for this, and I always make sure to buy my peanut butter unsweetened.
It doesn’t need any sugar!
Once you have mixed your wet ingredients, add the cacao powder and protein powder and mix until combined.
Add oat flour, cereal, and salt, and mix it all into a batter (the mixture should be crumbly).
Form batter into balls, and use your hands to roll them.
Store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container for a quick and healthy snack!
They’re also great for a pre or post workout snack!
I love the texture of these in the freezer, but you could also store them in the fridge.
Try these to replace those sugar-filled protein bars that are so easy to buy!
More no Bake Protein Recipes
Looking for more healthy protein packed treats?
Here are some reader favorites!
- Healthy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Classic Energy Balls
- Chocolate Protein Balls
- Cookies and Cream Protein Balls
- Magic Protein Mug Cake
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
- Chocolate Cashew Protein Bars
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Chocolate peanut butter protein balls recipe
Chocolate Peanut butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats, old fashioned oats
- 1 cup protein powder, I use a vegan brown rice protein powder
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder, or substitute unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup crispy “cheerios” cereal, I use an unsweetened brand
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, beat together peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth
- Add raw cacao powder and protein powder and beat until combined
- (I suggest taking a taste at this point – it seriously looks and tastes like frosting – I had a hard time making myself stop eating it!)
- Using a blender, process oats into flour, add to wet ingredients
- Process crispy cereal until a crumbly texture (not complete flour), and add to ingredients
- Add salt and mix until everything is well combined
- The mixture should be crumbly
- Form and roll into balls and store in an airtight container in the freezer
What can I use as a substitute for protein powder in this recipe?
Instead of using the cereal I went for an even healthier option and blended a handful of almonds (I was going to use cashews but I didn’t have any) in my nutribullet, then added them. Aside from this, they are delicious and a perfect snack to have after school, or after a workout! Great recipe!
Sounds like a delicious swap:) So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
These are Perfect! I routinely make protein balls for my four kids, but am saddened at how quickly they are gone. This recipe makes a decent amount, and the added grain fiber of Cheerios is a bonus. Thank you!
(Side note: made these in my kitchen aid mixer, and there was no need to make oat flour. Added a few tablespoons of water to make the dough stick a bit more. So good!)
so glad you enjoyed the recipe Rachel!
Looks yummy! What should I do if I have milk chocolate flavored protein powder? Should I leave out the cocoa powder?
Hi Heather,
You could either leave it out or substitute the amount of cacao powder with more protein powder. I think that would be best to help the texture stay the same.
I can’t wait to try these! I get so droopy after 2 hours without food, and too often grab something sweet. These sound like the perfect solution. 🙂
Thanks Carlotta!