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- 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt To make these tasty Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls, you need simple ingredients. Each one serves a purpose. Natural peanut butter gives a rich flavor and healthy fats. It helps hold the balls together. Rolled oats add texture and fiber. They are great for energy. Chocolate protein powder boosts the protein content. This means each ball is a good snack after workouts. You can choose honey or maple syrup for sweetness. They bring a nice touch to the mix. Dark chocolate chips are a treat. They melt in your mouth and add depth. Ground flaxseed is full of omega-3s. It also helps with digestion. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. Together, these ingredients make a healthy and delicious snack. - Calories per serving: About 100 calories per ball - Protein content per ball: Approximately 5 grams of protein - Overall nutritional benefits: These protein balls are packed with nutrients. They provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Each ball helps you feel full and satisfied. Enjoy them as a snack or a quick breakfast! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by mixing the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir these until smooth. 2. Next, incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed - A pinch of sea salt Use a spatula or your hands. Mix until a sticky dough forms. 3. Now, fold in the chocolate chips. Add: - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the mixture. 1. Time to roll into balls! Use your hands to form small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. 2. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space between them. 3. Chill time is important. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the protein balls firm up. After chilling, enjoy your delicious snack or store them for later! To make great protein balls, you need the right mix. Start with the wet ingredients: peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix these well until they blend into a smooth paste. This helps hold everything together. When you add the dry ingredients, like oats and protein powder, do it slowly. This way, you can get the right consistency. If it feels too dry, add a bit more peanut butter. If it’s too sticky, toss in more oats. The goal is to form a sticky dough that holds its shape. Avoid a crumbly texture by not overmixing. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything combines. Overmixing can make your protein balls dry and hard. You want them soft and chewy, not tough. Chocolate peanut butter protein balls are great snacks. You can pair them with fruits like bananas or apples. They also go well with yogurt for a tasty treat. This adds flavor and nutrients. Many people enjoy these balls as a pre or post workout snack. They give you energy and help with muscle recovery. Grab one before your workout or after, and feel the difference! One common mistake is overmixing the ingredients. This can ruin the dough's texture and make it hard. Mix until just combined, and you’ll have soft balls. Another mistake is not chilling them long enough. They need at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Chilling helps them firm up and makes them easier to eat. If you skip this step, they might fall apart when you pick them up. Always let them chill! Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Allow the protein balls to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to bite into. Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds to customize the flavor and texture of your protein balls. Use Natural Sweeteners: If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce instead of honey or maple syrup for a healthier option. Storage Tips: Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting snacks! {{image_2}} You can switch out the nut butter in this recipe. Almond butter or cashew butter works great. Each nut butter brings its own taste. You can also try different protein powders. Vanilla or unflavored protein powders can change the taste. They add a nice twist to your balls. Feel free to add seeds or dried fruits. Chia seeds or sunflower seeds can boost nutrients. Dried cranberries or raisins add a sweet burst. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate. White chocolate chips or even chocolate chunks can give a fun texture. If you want a sweeter taste, you can add more honey or maple syrup. Just start slow, so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor. It gives a warm and cozy feel to each bite. To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls fresh, use an airtight container. A glass jar or a plastic container works well. Make sure the lid seals tightly to keep air out. Store them in the fridge for the best taste and texture. You can also freeze them for later. These protein balls stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, they freeze well for up to three months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper before freezing. This way, they won’t stick together. When you're ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter. These protein balls can last up to one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. They keep well in the freezer for about three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before eating. Yes, you can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options work great and add sweetness. Each sweetener brings a slightly different flavor, so choose what you like best. Yes, they can be vegan-friendly if you use maple syrup. Ensure your protein powder is also plant-based. This way, you can enjoy a tasty snack that fits your diet. To keep the balls from sticking, wet your hands slightly before rolling them. You can also coat your hands in a bit of peanut butter. This makes rolling easier and keeps the mixture from sticking. Yes, you can make them without protein powder. Just add more oats or flaxseed to maintain the right texture. You may lose some protein, but they will still taste delicious. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are easy to make and healthy too. You learned the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great results. This snack offers good protein and tasty options for every lifestyle. Remember to store them correctly for the best freshness. You can adjust flavors or try new mixes to keep it fun. Enjoy making these bites for pre-workout fuel or a quick treat. With this recipe, you have a delicious way to stay energized and satisfied.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Delicious and nutritious protein balls made with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup ground flaxseed
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
  • Gradually mix in the rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and sea salt. Use a spatula or your hands to combine thoroughly until a sticky dough forms.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips into the mixture. Ensure they're evenly distributed throughout.
  • Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Once all the mixture has been rolled into balls, place the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • After chilling, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container for storage. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Keyword chocolate, peanut butter, protein balls, snack