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These Chocolate Protein Balls are a deliciously low carb snack. They taste like brownies and have 11g of protein. Perfect for fueling up!
After the huge success of my Peanut Butter Protein Balls, I figured it was time to follow it up with a new flavor. So how about some protein balls that taste just like fudgy keto brownies?
Yeah, I thought you’d like that. No, you can’t have any of mine. Go make your own. It’s easy!
Healthy protein snack recipe
In case you hadn’t noticed, I am leaning heavily into the low carb protein recipes these days. While I know it is a growing trend, for me it’s personal.
Over the past couple of years I have noticed a distinct shift in my metabolism. Meals and snacks that are heavy on fats make me feel sluggish. They also seem to mess with my blood sugar.
Once I started prioritizing protein rather than fat, I felt better, performed better, and had better blood sugar too. I can see and feel the difference. Snacks like these chocolate protein balls are important to my health and well-being.
It doesn’t hurt that they’re delicious too. They make getting a little extra protein feel like a treat. With only xg of carbs per serving, you can get that boost whenever you need it!
Ingredients you need
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- Nut butter: I used almond butter, but you can really use any nut or seed butter in this recipe.
- Butter or oil: A little additional oil helps the protein balls hold together better.
- Liquid allulose: I used this liquid sweetener to help give the mixture a bit of stickiness for rolling into balls. Please read the expert tips for alternatives.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: I recommend a chocolate protein powder for extra chocolate flavor. You can use whey, egg white protein, or plant based protein. Just be sure to check the labels and the carb count. Some contain added sugar.
- Nut or seed meal: These protein balls need a little additional bulk, but you can use any nut or seed meal you prefer. Try to choose one that is relatively finely ground.
- Cocoa powder: A little Dutch Process Cocoa gives a rich, brownie flavor.
- Chocolate chips: This is optional but adds texture and flavor.
- Chopped nuts: Optional! Use more chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Pantry staples: Vanilla, salt.
Step by Step Directions
1. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the almond butter and oil until well combined. Then stir in the liquid allulose and vanilla extract.
2. Add the dry ingredients: Add the protein powder, nut flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until a cohesive dough forms and you can easily roll it into balls.
3. Stir in the add-ins: Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts until well distributed.
4. Roll into balls: Roll into 1 inch balls and refrigerate until firm. You should get 20 balls.
Expert Tips
The consistency of the dough depends a lot on the ingredients you use. How drippy and oily your nut butter is, what sweetener you use, the quality of your cocoa powder can all make a difference. Fortunately, it’s easy to adjust to get perfect chocolate protein balls!
If the dough is crumbly and won’t roll into balls, add a little more oil and perhaps some water. If the dough it too wet and goopy, add a little more cocoa powder or nut meal.
I also like to squeeze the dough in my palms a bit before rolling into a ball. This helps to warm it and to really make the ball cohesive.
Sweetener Options: If you don’t have liquid allulose, you can use any powdered sweetener, and add liquid as necessary to adjust the dough. Don’t use granular or they will end up gritty!
Protein Options: I think a chocolate flavored protein works best here but you can also use vanilla or unflavored. For unflavored, add another tablespoon of cocoa powder and some additional sweetener to taste. You will then probably need more oil or water to correct the dough.
For vanilla protein powder, use the additional cocoa but no sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protein balls can be a satisfying on-the-go snack for those looking to work a little more protein into their diet. But many recipes have a shocking amount of carbs and sugars. These Chocolate Protein Balls, however, are low carb and packed with healthy fats and fiber.
The mixture may be runny or wet if your nut butter has a lot of extra oil. But it’s easy to firm them up with a little additional nut flour or cocoa powder. Add it one tablespoon at a time until you can easily roll it into firm balls that hold their shape.
Store the balls in a covered container on the counter for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for several months.
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Chocolate Protein Balls Recipe
These Chocolate Protein Balls are a deliciously low carb snack. They taste like brownies and have 11g of protein. Perfect for fueling up!
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Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 188kcal
Instructions
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In a large bowl, stir together the almond butter and oil until well combined. Then stir in the liquid allulose and vanilla extract.
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Add the protein powder, nut flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until a cohesive dough forms and you can easily roll it into balls.
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Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts until well distributed.
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Roll into 1 inch balls and refrigerate until firm. You should get 20 balls.
Notes
How to adjust: Depending on the choice of nut butter and protein powder, the consistency of the dough may differ. But it’s easy to adjust it as needed. If your dough is too stiff and won’t hold together, add a bit more oil. If the dough is too goopy and you can’t roll it into balls, work in a bit more flour.
Storage Information: Store the balls in a covered container on the counter for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for several months.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Protein Balls Recipe
Amount Per Serving (2 balls)
Calories 188
Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Carbohydrates 6.5g2%
Fiber 3.6g14%
Protein 11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.