Pin Fuel your day with these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls, a delicious and convenient no-bake snack designed for energy on the go. Combining the classic pairing of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter with wholesome oats, these treats provide a satisfying balance of flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Pin Whether you need a quick post-workout recovery snack or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up, these protein balls are an excellent choice. They are easy to batch-prep and store well, ensuring you always have a nutritious snack within reach when hunger strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free, if needed)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup plant-based protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, protein powder, and sea salt.
- Step 2
- In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms.
- Step 4
- If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of non-dairy milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together.
- Step 5
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Step 6
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Step 7
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a high-quality natural peanut butter. If your dough feels too crumbly, adding a small amount of non-dairy milk will help it bind. Don't skip the refrigeration step; it allows the oats to hydrate and ensures the balls maintain their shape.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if preferred. For an extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts or seeds. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of maple syrup to 1/3 cup.
Serviervorschläge
These protein balls are best served chilled. They make a perfect snack for pre- or post-workout energy, or as a portable treat in a lunchbox. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer shelf life.
Pin With 110 calories and 4g of protein per serving, these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy these irresistible treats as part of your healthy lifestyle!
Recipe Q&A
- → How long do these protein balls keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months - just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
- → Can I substitute the protein powder?
Yes, you can use any plant-based protein powder in vanilla or chocolate flavor. If you prefer to skip protein powder, add an extra 1/4 cup of oats to maintain the proper consistency.
- → What if my mixture is too dry or too sticky?
If too dry, add non-dairy milk one teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together. If too sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes before rolling, or add another tablespoon of oats.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Always check that your protein powder and chocolate chips are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- → Can I make these without peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work perfectly as substitutes. The flavor will change slightly but the texture remains the same.