I’m always trying to get more protein into myself and my family and protein balls are one of the easiest (and yummiest!) ways to do that! I have been making these Raspberry Chocolate Protein Balls for years and nearly always have a batch on hand so they can be added to packed lunches or be available as a quick and filling snack.
Just such an easy snack to have stored in the fridge, pack for an outing or to stockpile the freezer with. Yes, there are great store-bought bliss balls available but homemade is cheaper, taste better and you have full control over the ingredients.
Simple, delicious, protein-rich and can be made in minutes! I used freeze-dried raspberries for this recipe as they give an intense flavour and great chewy texture. But you can use fresh raspberries if that is all you have available.
One of my favorite things about recipes like these is the versatility and the ease in which you can swap out many of the ingredients, or even add some of your favorites. There are a lot of ways you can make this protein ball recipe “your own.” Obviously some of these changes will alter the taste a bit, but you can easily make this recipe adaptable for you and your family – the possibilities are endless!
What Exactly Is A Protein Ball?
A protein ball is usually made up of a combination of nut butter, oats, coconut, nuts and dried fruits. Protein powder is usually added as well to make these balls healthier than your average store bought bliss ball. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than traditional high carb recipes. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy.
Eating protein-rich foods has many health and fitness benefits, including:
Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury.
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger
A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the:
Energy you need to keep active throughout the day
Nutrients you need for growth and repair
Helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.
When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.
Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount. So these little balls are the perfect snack for pretty much anyone especially for those who lead a busy lifestyle or love to refuel as soon as possible after a workout.
You can hold them at an ambient temperature, which makes them perfect for popping into a container and throwing in your gym bag or handbag, ready for a mid-afternoon pick me up or post-workout fuel up. Because there is no cooking involved, they are also a snack that can be made quickly.
Remember that the protein powder can also help elevate the flavour, by using a chocolate, peanut or vanilla they can bring some serious flavour to the party without the need for adding a whole list of other ingredients. There are some amazing flavours available these days and they can act like a high quality flour bringing structure to no bake snacks and treats as well as a healthy protein hit.
Whoever is responsible for the idea that we should mash a bunch of healthy ingredients into one little ball as a snack is an absolute genius in my book. Moreish snack balls, bliss balls, protein or energy bites, call them what you like, are one of the easiest things to make, and they are a perfect little nutrient-dense bite for a satisfying and beneficial snack!
This recipe is full of healthy ingredients like protein, healthy carbohydrates and fats along with fibre, minerals and vitamins. Pop one of these babies into your mouth and you get a boost of energy and satisfy sweet cravings in an instant.
They also look and taste delicious and are a great way of incorporating healthy stuff into your diet. These are decadent, portable treats with just the right balance of fruity tartness and rich chocolate. The cottage cheese keeps them soft and satisfying, while the raspberries make every bite pop. Oh my!
Chocolate Raspberry Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup almond (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried or chopped fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place oats in a food processor and process until broken down and crumbly. Add cottage cheese, nut butter, protein powder, honey and vanilla and process until smooth and creamy.Add raspberries and chocolate chips and pulse a couple of times to mix them in while still keep them in chunks for pops of flavour. Divide mixture up into 12 portions and roll in balls. Chill 20 minutes.Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
