Chocolate Protein Power Balls
This recipe is a simplified version from my 80/20 cookbook that only takes 5 minutes to make. I normally make up a batch beginning of the week because it’s a fantastic grab and go snack or mini power meal if I’m rushing around or to satisfy any sugar cravings when the 4 O”Clock munchies hit.
These cookies are a great source of complete protein that contain all the essential amino acids needed for repair and for a healthy immune system, also a good source of vitamin E and minerals from the almonds and fresh dates. The cinnamon adds a lovely flavour and also helps stablilze blood sugar levels. If you can’t have nuts, I would grind up some lovely sunflower, pumpkin and linseeds then throw them in the mix in place of the almonds. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
330 g raw whole almonds
60g vanilla protein powder
16 fresh dates, pitted
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon natural vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
coconut for rolling
Throw almonds into the food processor with cinnamon, protein powder and cocoa then process until the mix looks crumbly.
Add dates, vanilla extract then process again until the mix starts to come together.
Add a splash of water if you need to so that mixture is soft and forms a soft ball.
Form into 14 decent sized balls.
Roll in coconut and store in the fridge until you feel like a snack or quick meal on the run.
Store in the fridge for upto 4 weeks if they last that long.
Nutrition per cookie: makes 14 total
Protein: 8.2 g protein
Carbs: 7.6 g
Fat: 12 g
kilojoules: 703
Calories: 168
NB: I’ve used 100 % whey protein concentrate for this recipe as it’s a complete source of amino acids.
If you can’t have dairy I would omit the protein all together. You still get a good 5 g of protein per ball without the powder.
You can also use a good sprouted rice, hemp or pea variety.
What is the brand name for the vanilla protein powder that you use?
Please advise brand name.
Thank you
Hey Mary, get a good WPI, grass fed cows, no artificial sweeteners, cold filtered and not denatured by heat. Or just use your favourite.
These are Amazing! Love Love Love them.
I’m salivating! Just got back from the gym and opened this recipe, I am going out 1st thing tomorrow to get fresh dates, i want a cookie now!
These are so easy to make and cure the mid afternoon chocolate crave. I love them too!
Hi Teresa
What do mean by raw almonds? Also could you use pea protein?
Thanks x
By raw I mean un-toasted almonds, natural ones Rosanna.
which would be the best protein powder to use? They sound soooo nice. X
Hi Katherine – I use WPI whey protein isolate.
Oh yes , omg I got a metal block! In my mind I had activated almonds!
Bit $$$$ to use those nuts! Cheers for that.
Hi Teresa that is great thanks for that. There are so many kinds of protien powder out there it is very confusing! Just to say also I have to follow low gi and your recipies are great thank you xx
Teresa these are incredible!! They’re like healthy guilt-free rum balls! Have made a big batch for all my gym buddies to try
I just used plain 100% whey and they still taste amazing so the vanilla extract is enough if you can’t get a good vanilla flavoured powder (probably cuts the carb content a little too!)
Making these was a comedy of errors for me…my food processor was too small to fit dry ingredients & the dates so needed to split them. Note to self, one must pit the dates before chucking them in the food processor! Post picking through the processed dates for the 16 pips, I then had to hand squish dry & wet ingredients! BUT the final result was divine, and to top it off my kids loved the ‘chocolate balls’ and are none the wiser!
Glad you loved them Gina. ! Yes MUST PITT dates before you place them into the food processor !
Can you use almond meal instead of the raw almonds? I don’t have a decent food processor that can crush the almonds.
Yes you can Kyle.
Yes Kyle
These are amazing. They are now one of my main every day snacks. I was eating the processed chocolately ones these are better. You are taking over my diet one meal at time Teresa. Tonight we are making the salmon patties and tomorrow we are coming to the cafe!
Awesome Adrienne ! glad you loved them. They are my main snack too ! Hope you enjoy the Salmon Patties.
x
These are amazing. I’m always looking for healthy alternatives to sweets and these really do hit the spot! Thanku Teresa your recipes are fantastic and your 80/20 diet really easy to stick to! Absolutely love it. I hope to visit your cafe one day
These are delicious! I am truly addicted and they have replaced my afternoon habit of eating biscuits! In the last batch I added prunes and walnuts too…yummo!
Can I use almond meal instead? And if so how much?
AMAZING!!
I used 150g of almonds, 100g pumpkin seeds and 80g sunflower kernals as this is what was in my cupboard and they were super yummy!
I love these, they taste amazing and satisfy my arvo chocolate fix. But can I remove the protein powder all together next time? I have trouble finding a fructose friendly protein powder.
Hey teresa…Can you use the Vitamix for this?
Cheers,
kirsty
Hi Teresa,
I just wanted to say a very big THANK YOU for your website. I’ve fallen in love with it and it (along with your book) have completely changed my cooking style. I’m slowly working through the recipes and have adored every one. These protein fudge cookies have become a staple of mine. I’m feeling the health benefits of all this great food.
Thanks heaps,
Arna
Hi Teresa, these recipes are great! I made the Quinoa and Pomegranate last night and not only was it healthy and delicious but a big success in the eyes of my boyfriend too! I was wondering whether I could substitute the vanilla protein powder for chocolate in this recipe and omit the cocoa? (I only have choc flavour at home). Have you experimented with this before?
Yes you can Leanne !
Hi there,
great recipe, any suggestions for substituting the dates – they’re not very easy to get where I live.
Prunes are great Berneice..so are raisins. T:)
Was that 168 calories per ball or for the whole 14?
Per Ball Lyndall
xx