You seriously need to give these chocolate peanut butter protein balls a try. Once you bite into the chocolate, there is a hidden peanut butter layer, which gives you the best of both worlds.
Similar to the chocolate peanut butter protein bars, I only use six ingredients to make these and it is very easy because there is no baking involved.
These are fantastic for an instant post-workout snack or you can simply eat them as a snack which gives you extra protein.
How to make these protein balls?
1) Main Ingredients
All-Natural Peanut Butter: The highlight ingredient is the peanut butter, so make sure it is a smooth quality version. MyProtein tastes great and is good value for money.
Vanilla Casein Protein Powder: I use the bulk powders version which I find very useful. You can use casein or whey protein powder, but I prefer casein. If you do not have protein powder, you can still make this recipe and follow the instructions as normal. I just add protein powder for extra protein – without protein powder each ball would be around: 137 calories and 4.5 grams protein.
Honey: I use honey for my sweetener but there are many alternatives out there which you can use.
Coconut Oil: The coconut oil makes it easier for mixing the peanut butter dough.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient is optional but I find it very handy because it helps you mix the peanut butter dough which eventually forces you to use your hands.
90% Dark Chocolate: This time I bought Lindt’s 90% dark chocolate. It is very strong, by the way, so if you do not like dark chocolate I would suggest using milk chocolate or a variation that you like. I choose dark chocolate because it is more macro-friendly and oddly enough I like the strong taste.
2) Method
Melt the dark chocolate:
- In a saucepan, boil water and place a bowl on top to melt the chocolate. This will slowly melt the chocolate and ensure it does not burn.
Make the peanut butter protein balls
- In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, greek yogurt and coconut oil, and stir to combine.
- Add the protein powder, scoop at a time, and you may need to use your hands to knead into a ball.
- Prepare the protein balls and place them in a container.
Combine
- Place the protein balls into the bowl of melted chocolate and place them on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate and allow up to two hours for them to fully set.
Why you will love these?
Macro-friendly: One protein ball is around 161 calories and they are more filling than they appear. These usually stop me snacking on chocolate bars too which I find handy.
Pre or post workout snack: Before the lockdown, I would prep these and I would eat them two hours before going to the gym after work. They are energy balls as much as protein balls. Also, they are good to eat immediately after a workout or run, when you need to instantly fuel your body.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 90 g Smooth Peanut Butter
- 60 g Vanilla Casein Protein Powder
- 30 g Greek Yogurt
- 30 g Honey
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 100 g Dark Chocolate I chose 90%
Instructions
Melt Chocolate
- In a saucepan, boil water and place a bowl on top to melt the chocolate. This will slowly melt the chocolate and ensure it does not burn.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, greek yogurt and coconut oil, and stir to combine.
- Add the protein powder, scoop at a time, and you may need to use your hands to knead into ball.
- Prepare the protein balls and place in a container.
Combine
- Place the protein balls into the bowl of melted chocolate and place them on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate and allow up to two hours for them to fully set.
Notes
- For meal prep snack purposes, refrigerate up to 7-10 days.
Nutrition
Hey, I’m Mani and I started Spicy Meal Prep to help you prepare and cook healthy meals that have an extra kick of flavor! Whether you’re a busy worker looking to save time or a fitness enthusiast looking for meal planning inspiration, you will find recipes and cooking tips here to help you thrive in the kitchen!