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I know, I just did a protein ball recipe a few days ago but I HAD to do another! Chocolate peanut protein ballsare so addictive. Not just because they taste great but also because they are just so darn easy to make. I use these as a pre and post workout snack. For me, this chocolate peanut protein ball recipe has the right balance of protein and healthy carbs. Though I have to admit, I don't work out every time I eat these. Otherwise I would have been at the gym 5 times yesterday. :D
On a side note, did you know peanuts are not nuts?? Crazy! I was sure they were called peaNUTS for a reason. Guess I was wrong. They are actually a legume.Which is also OK since they are25% protein as well as a great source of vitamin E and fiber. Most people think of peanuts and then automatically associate them with store bought heart attack inducing peanut butter. Yes, they have fat but it's the same healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. Also, if you compare peanuts to other nuts (I know, now I'm just confusing you by comparing them to nuts which they aren't actually) they are far more nutritious in many aspects.
When I first found this chart at nationalpeanutboard.org, I was skeptical. Obviously the National Peanut Board will be promoting peanuts as the healthiest but when I checkedall the nutrition facts they were in fact all accurate. Now I feel bad for thinking peanuts were the unhealthy nut (or legume, wow this is confusing!). So now that we have established why they are a great healthy addition to any diet, put them in a food processor and eat them!
These chocolate peanut protein balls are really easy to make. You don't need to buy pre chopped peanuts for this recipe. simple place about 3 - 4 tablespoons whole peanuts in a food processor and pulse until nuts are chopped. This should yield around 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts. If you want to roll the protein balls in powdered peanuts (I suggest this but it's not necessary) simply pulse another 2 tablespoons of peanuts until a powder forms. Easy enough and money saved! As with the puffed quinoa protein balls, I didn't use medjool dates. Medjool dates tend to be larger so if you do decide to use them for this protein ball recipe then 6 medjool dates should be plenty.
Chocolate Peanut Protein Balls
makes 10
CourseGluten free, Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Author Vanessa @VeganFamilyRecipes.com
Ingredients
- 8Datespitted
- 1scoop Plant-based unsweetened Protein Powder25g
- 2tablespoonschopped Peanuts
- 2teaspoonsCocoa Powder
- 4teaspoonsMaple Syrup
- Peanut Powderoptional
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until they are well combined.
Roll into teaspoon sized balls or use a cookie scoop.
Roll each protein ball in peanut powder (optional).
Can be eaten right away or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes first.
Recipe Notes
1) Protein balls should be slightly sticky. If they are too moist add additional chopped peanuts or protein powder ½ teaspoon at a time until right the balls are the right texture. If the protein balls are to dry and falling apart add another date.
Having trouble finding some of the ingredients? Here are the ones I used to make the chocolate peanut protein balls:
More High Protein Vegan Recipes
- Quick Red Lentil Chili (Protein-Packed!)
- Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus
- Vegan Cottage Cheese
Reader Interactions
Comments
zosia says
For how many grams is your scoop of protein powder? (We all use different protein powders, so...)
Thanks,
zosiaReply
Vanessa says
I use SunWarrior Warrior Blend Raw Vegan Protein Powder and 1 scoop is 25g. Hope that helps!
Reply
Kirsten says
Could I use a chocolate flavored whey protein? That is what I normally use for the gym so I have that already.
Reply
Vanessa says
Hi Kirsten,
Of course you can use chocolate flavored whey protein. I'm guessing your protein powdered is already a bit sweetened. So I would just leave out the cocoa powder and reduce the maple syrup by half the amount. Hope that helps :)
Reply
Erin says
What counts as a serving of these? As in, about how many balls?
Reply
Vanessa says
It's up to you what you want as a serving :) 1 ball has 45 calories.
Reply
Erin says
Wonderful. Thank you so much! I can't wait to try these tonight; I have my ingredients, and I'm ready!
Reply
Feona says
How do you make these balls if your don't have a pulsing machine?
Reply
Vanessa says
Hi Feona, You might be able to make them in the a blender...
Reply
Maria says
Sounds fun. Have you substituted almonds for peanuts and if so how was it ?
Reply
Vanessa Croessmann says
Hi Maria, I haven't tried substituting almonds for peanuts yet. That's a really good idea though. I'll have to give that try. If you try it before I do, let me know how it goes!
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