Dark Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake, Low Carb) Recipe
Delicious and nutritious no-bake Dark Chocolate Protein Balls made with rich chocolate pea protein powder, cacao, and sunflower seed butter. These low-carb, gluten-free treats are perfect for a quick snack or post-workout energy boost, coated in dark chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for an indulgent touch.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (including chocolate melting and dipping)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein balls 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy/Protein Snack
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Nuzest rich chocolate pea protein
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Water, as needed
For Coating and Garnish
- 3–4 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher, for dipping)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
- Flaked sea salt, for garnish
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pea protein, cacao powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the sunflower seed butter and vanilla extract. Gradually add water, a teaspoon at a time, and mix until a dough-like consistency is achieved that holds together well.
- Form balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze to firm: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the protein balls to firm up and hold their shape.
- Melt chocolate: In a small saucepan or double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate together with the coconut oil over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Dip balls in chocolate: Remove the protein balls from the freezer and dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or skewer, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them back onto the parchment paper.
- Decorate and set: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the coated balls and sprinkle with flakes of sea salt. Return to the freezer or fridge until the chocolate is set.
Notes
- Use a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for best flavor and health benefits.
- You can substitute sunflower seed butter with almond or peanut butter if preferred.
- If dough is too dry, add water little by little; if too wet, add a bit more protein powder or cacao.
- Store finished protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- For a nut-free version, ensure sunflower seed butter is used and all ingredients are nut-free certified.
- Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate helps achieve a smooth, glossy coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dark chocolate protein balls, no bake protein snacks, low carb energy balls, healthy chocolate treats, gluten free snacks