Snack time! These no-bake chocolate coconut protein balls are my new favorite 3PM snack. Rolled oats combined with cocoa powder, almond butter, coconut and dates (for sweetness), these energy balls are perfect hunger squashers.
Snack Prepping
I work 9-5 every ding dong day, and I really dislike the 2 o’clock slump. I start to get hungry, it’s not time to think about dinner yet, and my energy is low. So, I usually grab something fast like crackers or pita chips, but I end up eating half the bag (and then I ruin my appetite for dinner).
I’m not into meal prepping (because I have recipes in my brain to try) but snack prep? That sounds easy and convenient.
Since I started making these chocolate protein balls, I can’t stop! A few of these will satiate you in the afternoon and give you a little blood sugar boost.
Equipment needed
You only need a few things to make these chocolate coconut protein balls:
- A food processor – I used a regular sized Cuisinart food processor.
- A small saucepan – we need to boil our dates to soften them up.
- A plate or baking sheet – anything to place your chocolate coconut proteins balls on so they can chill nicely in the freezer.
Ingredients for chocolate coconut protein balls
Here’s what to add to your grocery list:
- Dates – Medjool dates, to be specific. You can usually buy these at grocery stores in the produce aisle near other fruits. They are typically packaged in bunches.
- rolled oats – you can use any kind of old fashioned, plain oats that you have on hand,.
- shredded coconut – I use unsweetened and dehydrated. This recipe would also work with sweetened if you wish.
- almond butter – or any nut butter you wish.
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- a pinch of salt
- Protein or collagen powder – this is optional. You can easily add 2-3 tbsp to the mixture to pack a bigger punch. I prefer to add Vital Proteins’ unflavored collagen powder.
How to make chocolate coconut protein balls
Let’s make them!
Step 1
With a paring knife, slice each date open and remove the pits. Add the dates to a saucepan and fill the saucepan with water until the dates are just submerged.
Step 2
Place the saucepan on high heat and bring the water to a boil for 30 seconds. Then take the saucepan off the heat. Remove the dates from the water and pat dry.
Step 3
In a food processor, add the dates, nut butter, oats, coconut, cocoa and salt (and collagen/protein powder if you wish). Then pulse the processor until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky and packable.
Step 4
Spoon about a tablespoon-sized amount of the mixture. Using your hands, pack and roll the mixture into a firm ball. Place it on a baking sheet or plate. Repeat until all of the mixture is gone.
Step 5
Place the baking sheet or plate into the freezer to chill the balls for at least one hour. Move the balls to a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer until ready to eat!
Storage
After a couple hours, you can transfer the chocolate coconut protein balls to a freezer bag, as I mentioned. These will stay good for a several weeks! They will not harden either – you will find that they stay chewy and easy to eat.
Other recipes to try
If you liked these chocolate coconut protein balls, try these other recipes:
Leave a Review
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Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 plate or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 7 dates pitted
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded coconut dehydrated
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp collagen or protein powder optional
Instructions
- With a paring knife, slice each date open and remove the pits. Add the dates to a saucepan and fill the saucepan with water until the dates are just submerged.7 dates
- Place the saucepan on high heat and bring the water to a boil for 30 seconds. Then take the saucepan off the heat. Remove the dates from the water and pat dry.
- In a food processor, add the dates, almond butter, oats, coconut, cocoa and salt (and protein/collagen power if you choose). Pulse the processor until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky and packable.7 dates, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup shredded coconut, 2 tbsp almond butter, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 pinch of salt, 2 tbsp collagen or protein powder
- Spoon about a tablespoon-sized amount of the mixture. Using your hands, pack and roll the mixture into a firm ball. Place it on a baking sheet or plate. Repeat until all of the mixture is gone.
- Place the baking sheet or plate into the freezer to chill the balls for at least one hour. Move the balls to a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer until ready to eat!
