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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Easy chocolate peanut butter protein balls recipe. Keep these in the freezer for a quick and wholesome snack that tastes like dessert!
chocolate peanut butter protein balls

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

chocolate peanut butter protein balls

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.

protein balls

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!

chocolate peanut butter protein balls

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!

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Healthy chocolate peanut butter protein balls - perfect no bake dessert or snack! #nobake #proteinballs #chocolate #peanutbutter #dessert #snack #protein

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Chocolate peanut butter protein balls recipe

Chocolate Peanut butter Protein Balls

Chocolate Peanut butter Protein Balls

Yield: 15-20 large protein balls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Healthy no bake chocolate peanut butter protein balls - perfect for a snack or dessert!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups rolled oats (old fashioned oats)
  • 1 cup protein powder (I use a vegan brown rice protein powder)
  • ¼ 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

  1. Using a hand mixer, beat together peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth
  2. Add raw cacao powder and protein powder and beat until combined
  3. (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!)
  4. Using a blender, process oats into flour, add to wet ingredients
  5. Process crispy cereal until a crumbly texture (not complete flour), and add to ingredients
  6. Add salt and mix until everything is well combined
  7. The mixture should be crumbly
  8. Form and roll into balls and store in an airtight container in the freezer

Notes

You can make these in the food processor as well. Just add all dry ingredients and pulse, then add wet ingredients. I have found I like making them better with just a hand mixer, and so I have changed the instructions to reflect that method.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 protein ball
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 163Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 185mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 10g

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Chanlyn

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

What can I use as a substitute for protein powder in this recipe?

Abbey

Friday 30th of March 2018

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!

Joy Shull

Saturday 31st of March 2018

Sounds like a delicious swap:) So glad you enjoyed the recipe!

Rachel

Tuesday 6th of February 2018

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!)

Joy Shull

Wednesday 7th of February 2018

so glad you enjoyed the recipe Rachel!

Heather

Thursday 16th of March 2017

Looks yummy! What should I do if I have milk chocolate flavored protein powder? Should I leave out the cocoa powder?

Joy Shull

Wednesday 5th of April 2017

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.

Carlotta

Saturday 4th of April 2015

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. :)

Joy

Saturday 4th of April 2015

Thanks Carlotta!

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