Looking for a sweet treat that’s equal parts indulgent and wholesome? Meet your new snack obsession: no-bake nut butter balls! These little bites of heaven are like mini flavor bombs, combining the creamy goodness of peanut butter, the nutty flavor of cashews and the caramel-like sweetness of dates.
Oh, and did I mention the drizzle of chocolate that takes them over the top? Whether you call them protein or energy balls, peanut butter truffles or “the reason you smile,” these tasty delights are here to steal the snack spotlight.
Chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in heaven, am I right? So it’s no surprise that one of the first no bake energy bites recipes on the blog was created out of chocolate and peanut butter too.
That’s where these Date Nut Butter Protein Balls come in! A lot of the recipes on social media sites were mostly simple carbs and healthy fats but low in protein, so I set out to write my own recipe that made sure there was actually a significant amount of protein in it!
Luckily the important of protein and its popularity is currently surging, driven by increased awareness of its health benefits and fueled by social media trends. Consumers are actively seeking out high-protein foods and beverages for various reasons, including weight management, increased energy, and satiety. This trend is evident in both supermarket sales and restaurant menus, with protein-rich options becoming increasingly mainstream.
As well as being really easy to make, these snack balls are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe. 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.
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.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: you are going to LOVE these protein balls because they are SO EASY to make! No baking required and only five ingredients!
The best part? No oven required. These no-bake wonders are so easy to make, even your busiest day has room for a batch. Get ready to ditch the store-bought snacks and fall in love with this homemade treasure!
Now that you know how to make nut butter balls the easy way, there’s no reason not to try them out for yourself. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the perfect bite-sized treat that’s sure to please your taste buds and fuel your day!
Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-bake energy balls. Perfect for hikes or during sports, this healthy snack travels well. The perfect quick healthy bite that will satisfy your sweet tooth. And you don’t even need to turn on the oven. Talk about a win-win!
Date Nut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup oat flour (oats blended to a flour)
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 2 scoops protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2-4 tablespoons any milk
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a food processor add dates, oat flour, cocoa powder, peanut butter, protein powder and half the milk. Mix until well combined and it becomes a thick paste. If it seems a bit dry add more milk a tablespoon at a time until it comes together. You want it to stick together when pinched between your fingers.Add the cashews and pulse a couple of times to combine. Some of the cashews will stay whole or be in chunks and that is perfectly fine. I love the extra crunch!Get a small bowl with water ready as you prepare the balls. To begin creating these bites, grab a cookie scooper and scoop a ball into the palm of your hand. Wet your other hand with the water in the bowl and begin forming it into a ball. This will create smooth bites. Once they are done, place them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 12 balls or more smaller ones.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 15 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once melted, using a spoon, drizzle on top of the bites as little or as much as you like. Place back in the fridge for 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Store in the 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
