Peanut Butter Protein Balls

10 protein balls on a blue plate nd on counter, mixed nuts on table.

5 from 1 vote

These protein balls have a delicious nutty flavor and are packed full of nutrition. Made with fresh nuts, dried dates, and peanut butter, it only takes a few minutes to combine the ingredients. Once chilled, you'll dip them in melted dark chocolate. You're going to love these no bake peanut butter energy bites! They are perfect for breakfast, snack, or even dessert!

Prep Time20

Refrigerate Time30

Total Time50

Course: Breakfast, Desserts, snacks

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 95kcal

Author: Amanda Mason

Equipment

parchment paper

Ingredients

¼ cup dried cherries
½ cup dried dates, whole and pitted
½ cup pecan halves, unsalted
½ cup whole almonds, unsalted
1 Tablespoon ground flax
2 scoops Naked Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
2 teaspoons honey
½ cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
1 10 ounce package dark chocolate melting wafers
¾ cups unsweetened shredded coconut, optional

Instructions

Place the dates in a medium bowl, covered with 1 cup of hot water and soak for 30 minutes until softened.
After the dates have soaked, drain the water from the bowl.
Add the moistened dates, dried cherries, pecans, almonds, flaxseed meal, salt, and 2 scoops of protein powder in a food processor. Pulse the mixture lightly until the ingredients are finely chopped.
In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, vanilla, honey, and peanut butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Then, in a large bowl combine the peanut butter mixture and nut mixture from the food processor and stir to combine. Expert Tip: Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a small butter scoop, form the mixture into a ball and then release, spacing each ball 2 inches apart. Expert Tip: You can use your hands to form balls. Just roll the mixture into small balls forming them into 1 to 2 inch balls.
Place the cookie sheet of peanut butter protein balls in the refrigerator and let them chill for 30 minutes so they can lightly set.
Once the balls have chilled, remove the tray from the refrigerator.
In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate wafers on medium heat. Using tongs, dip half of a ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring you move the ball around until all the sides are evenly covered.
Place the ball back on the parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Repeat this process until each ball has been dipped in chocolate. Expert Tip: If you want to add the coconut flakes, dip the chocolate while it's still wet in a bowl of shredded coconut flakes and roll around until the ball is covered.
Place the cookie sheet back into the refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes so the chocolate can harden. Once the chocolate is has hardened and cool, you are ready to enjoy these these tasty little peanut butter energy balls!

Notes

Feel free to switch up the nuts and use your favorites. Hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and macadamia nuts work well with this recipe.
Instead of using peanut butter, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or nutella.
Mix in some mini chocolate chips.
Store these in a covered container in the fridge for 7-10 days. You can also store these in the freezer. They are super tasty frozen!
If you're looking to add more collagen to your diet, you can substitute the whey protein powder for the Naked Collagen Peptide powder. Collagen is full of protein and super low in calories.

Nutrition