Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Chocolate Protein Balls. They're rich, chewy, and balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats for a nourishing snack.
Protein balls are a staple in my meal prep routine. I've made so many fun flavour variations like Birthday Cake Protein Balls, Pumpkin Protein Balls, and Snickers Protein Balls, so I knew it was time for a classic chocolate!
These Chocolate Protein Balls are soft, fudgy, and made with simple ingredients that hit the sweet spot while actually satisfying cravings thanks to the mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. I love keeping a batch on hand for a 3 p.m. pick-me-up or a post-workout snack!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Perfect for a sweet tooth. These are for the chocolate lovers. They're rich, chewy, and give you that sweet fix without going overboard.
- More balanced option. These protein balls are balanced with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. This combo helps balance blood sugar levels and keeps your energy steady.
- Great for meal prep. Quick to make and easy to store, these are the perfect recipe to batch prep so you always have a grab-and-go snack ready when you need it.
Chocolate Protein Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Cashew butter. Although any nut or seed butter can be used, cashew butter will offer the most mild flavour, making it the perfect moist ingredient to hold these balls together without overpowering the other ingredients.
Maple syrup. The natural sweetener of choice in this recipe. Please ensure you are using pure maple syrup and not pancake topping!
Cocoa powder. I recommend using a higher quality cocoa powder for the richest, most chocolate-y flavour.
Vanilla extract. For flavour!
Chocolate protein powder. Any chocolate protein powder of choice will work! I personally love Nuzest or Clean Simple Eats!
Oat flour. For added fiber I decided to use oat flour as the main dry ingredient in these protein balls. Please note if you are flour-like texture forms.
Flax seed. For added fiber and healthy fats! If you prefer to use more protein powder or oat flour you absolutely can!
Melted chocolate. For the outer layer! I use dark chocolate for the richest flavour.
Crispy rice cereal. I am obsessed with adding a little crunch to everything. I find crunchy textures so satisfying. For these protein balls I was inspired by the crispy rice coating on barbell protein balls! Please note not all crispy rice cereals are gluten free.
Sea salt. Optional however I truly think the best combination is dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt, so finish these off with a touch of salt for the perfect sweet treat.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cashew butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Step 2: To the same bowl, stir in chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, oat flour, ground flax seed and salt. * you may need to use your hands to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
- Step 3: Divide the mixture into 13 even-sized balls. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes to harden slightly.
- Step 4: While the protein balls are in the freezer- in a microwave safe bowl combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in increments of 30 seconds, stirring between until melted (about 1 minute 30 seconds total). Once melted, mix in the crispy rice cereal.
- Step 5: Coat each ball in chocolate mixture. I recommend using a spoon to do this for easy clean up!
- Step 6: Place in the fridge to set. These protein balls are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: please ensure both the oat flour and crispy rice cereal you are using is certified gluten free. Rice krispies is NOT gluten free as it uses malt syrup. My favourite gluten free options are Bob's Red Mill oat flour and One Degree Organics crispy rice cereal!
To make vegan: this recipe is naturally vegan if using a plant based protein powder such as Nuzest!
To make nut-free: you may substitute the cashew butter with an equal amount of seed butter however please note it will slightly alter the taste!
- Oat flour can be replaced with almond flour if desired
- Flax seed can be replaced with an equal amount of oat flour or protein powder
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey if desired
Equipment
Storage
These Chocolate Protein Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage you may free protein balls in a freezer safe container or bag! Allow to thaw on the counter for about 2-5 minutes before enjoying.
Top Tips for Success
If your cashew butter is on the thicker side, warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds before mixing. This helps it blend more easily with the other ingredients.
The mixture will be quite dense, so don't be afraid to use your hands to combine everything! It's the best way to make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although I would still consider these more of a sweet treat option, these are a more balanced option to satisfy a sweet craving as they contain fiber, protein and healthy fats. This means instead of the typical blood sugar spike that happens when eating chocolate, there will be a sustained energy release and less of a sharp spike!
Yes, you can replace the protein powder with extra oat flour!
More Healthy Snack Recipes
If you liked these Chocolate Protein Balls, try these recipes:
- Brownie Protein Bars (Nut Free, Gluten Free, No Bake)
- No-Bake Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites
- Homemade Perfect Bar Recipe (No Bake)
- Chickpea No Bake Cookie Dough Bites
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these Chocolate Protein Balls, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup cashew butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ cup oat flour
- ¼ cup ground flax seed *see notes below
- Pinch of salt (about ⅛ tsp)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ½ cup crispy rice cereal
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cashew butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- To the same bowl, stir in chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, oat flour, ground flax seed and salt. * you may need to use your hands to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
- Divide the mixture into 13 even-sized balls. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes to harden slightly.
- While the protein balls are in the freezer- in a microwave safe bowl combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in increments of 30 seconds, stirring between until melted (about 1 minute 30 seconds total). Once melted, mix in the crispy rice cereal.
- Coat each ball in chocolate mixture. I recommend using a spoon to do this for easy clean up!
- Place in the fridge to set. These protein balls are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge!
Amber Peoples says
These were amazing, above and beyond the best protein balls I’ve ever made. I used almond butter and otherwise followed the recipe. Reminiscent of a Forrero Rocher truffle. So dang good!
Jada says
Tasty and convenient! Versatile as well- great for a lunch addition, and also taste like dessert! The only weird thing is that I only got 6 balls instead of 13? And they weren't necessarily large... Just normal size. Was I the only one? 🤷 I didn't use quite as much maple syrup or chocolate, and nixed the crispy rice on the outside. Currently making my second batch. Thanks!
Nicole Addison says
The PERFECT option for a sweet treat with a little added protein! I hope you enjoy this one!