Chocolate Protein Balls with Peanut Butter (No Bake)

If you’re looking for a healthy snack that actually satisfies your sweet tooth, these Chocolate Protein Balls with Peanut Butter are it. 

I absolutely love making these protein balls, they are rich, chewy, and full of chocolate flavour. There is no added sugar or baking required. They are also a perfect snack for anyone who loves to meal prep, or enjoys a post-workout snack. Even just a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these energy balls are made from simple ingredients and taste like a treat.

This protein ball recipe is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from Medjool dates and maple syrup. You can easily make a batch in under 15 minutes using your food processor. Just blend, roll, and chill.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Protein Balls Recipe

• No bake. They are quick, easy, and great for kids to help with.
• Rich chocolate flavour thanks to chocolate protein powder and rich dark chocolate.
• High in protein.
• Healthy fats from natural peanut butter, flax seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep; store in an airtight container or freezer-safe container for later.
• Whole foods with no added sweeteners or processed ingredients, just wholesome pantry staples.

Ingredients

(Makes around 10–15 energy bites- depending on size)

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (57g)
• 4 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder (pea protein, brown rice protein, or your favourite blend)
• My two favourite protein brands that I use are myprotein and Naked.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 pitted Medjool dates (100mls boiling water)
• 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 100g dark chocolate, melted for drizzle (optional)
• Optional extras: 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp hemp seeds, 1 tbsp flax seeds for extra nutrition and chewy texture

Instructions

1. Blitz the oats- add the rolled oats to a food processor and blend until they form a fine oat flour texture.
2. Then add the protein powder and blended oats to a bowl and combine.
3. Soak 5 medjool dates in a jug of 100mls of boiling water for around 10 minutes. Then blend the water and dates in a food processor. (I use a nutri bullet)
4. Mix the the peanut butter, vanilla essence, blended dates and maple syrup in a separate bowl.
5. Combine together with your oats and protein powder mix with a spoon until everything starts to come together into a sticky dough. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or an extra spoon of nut butter to reach the right consistency.
6. Scoop small portions and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands.
7. Melt dark chocolate on low heat in a double boiler or in the microwave in 20 second bursts and cover the balls fully in chocolate.
8. Alternatively you can drizzle over the top for that indulgent finish.
9. Sprinkle with a pinch of flakey sea salt.
10. Place the balls in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before eating. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Tips for Best Results

• Use room temperature natural peanut butter or almond butter so it blends smoothly.
• Adjust sweetness by adding an extra date or a drizzle more of maple syrup if needed.
• Swap chocolate protein powder for vanilla protein powder if you prefer a lighter flavour.
• These also make great protein bars. Just press the mixture into a lined baking dish, chill, and slice into squares.

If you like these, you will also love our No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars and White Chocolate Protein Balls (No-Bake Energy Bites).

Storage

Keep your energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. For meal prep, separate layers with parchment paper to stop them from sticking.