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Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Balls Easy No Powder Recipe

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These healthy peanut butter chocolate protein balls are a quick, easy, and natural snack made without protein powder, using wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, oats, dates, and cocoa powder. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, no added sugar or oils)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (90g, gluten-free if needed)
  • 810 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15g, Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 23 tablespoons almond milk or any plant-based milk
  • Optional: mini dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. If dates aren’t soft, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain well.
  2. Place pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until a sticky paste forms, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Add 1 cup natural peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the date paste and blend until fully combined and creamy.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and a pinch of sea salt.
  5. Combine the date and peanut butter mixture with the dry ingredients in the bowl. Gradually add 2 tablespoons almond milk while stirring until the mixture holds together but is not too wet. Add more milk if needed.
  6. Fold in optional mini dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut if desired.
  7. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using hands or a small cookie scoop, making about 16-18 balls.
  8. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.

Notes

Soften dates properly for smooth blending. Pulse oats gently to keep some texture. Adjust liquid gradually to avoid too sticky or crumbly mixture. Chill balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy snack, peanut butter, chocolate, protein balls, no protein powder, easy recipe, on-the-go snack, gluten-free, dairy-free