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Dark Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake, Low Carb) Recipe

Dark Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake, Low Carb) Recipe

5.3 from 20 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 34 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher, for dipping)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
  • Flaked sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pea protein, cacao powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: dark chocolate protein balls, no bake protein snacks, low carb energy balls, healthy chocolate treats, gluten free snacks