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Easy High-Protein Chocolate Protein Balls: No Bake Best Snack

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These no-bake protein balls are soft, fudgy, and rich without being heavy. They don’t crumble apart in your hand, and they don’t leave that weird, powdery aftertaste in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (40g) chocolate protein powder
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (45g) chocolate chips (mini dark chocolate chips recommended)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Toast the Oats (Optional but Recommended): Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the rolled oats and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Let the oats cool completely before proceeding.
  2. Pulse the Oats: Add the cooled oats to your food processor. Pulse 10-12 times until they resemble a coarse flour. You want some texture remaining, not a fine powder.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt to the food processor. Pulse 3-4 times to combine everything evenly.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the food processor. Process for about 30 seconds until the mixture starts to clump together. It should look like a slightly sticky, dark brown dough. If it looks too dry and crumbly, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together. If it looks too wet and greasy, add 1 tablespoon of oat flour or additional protein powder.
  5. Mix in Chocolate Chips: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate chips and use a spatula to fold them in by hand.
  6. Chill the Dough (Crucial Step): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll into balls without it sticking to your hands.
  7. Roll into Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough. Roll it firmly between your palms to form a smooth ball. Apply gentle pressure—if you squeeze too hard, the balls will become dense and hard. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Final Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the balls to set completely. This step is essential for them to hold their shape. After they are firm, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Toast the oats for a nuttier flavor. If the dough is too sticky, dampen your hands with cold water. For best texture, let balls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes after refrigeration. Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: protein balls, no bake, chocolate, high protein, healthy snack, gluten free, meal prep

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-high-protein-chocolate-protein-balls-no-bake-best-snack/