A recipe for a super easy, one-bowl, no bake chocolate peanut butter protein ball with lots of good-for-you ingredients!
Since I just recently brought you the ultimate in peanut butter decadence, today I thought we’d visit the opposite end of the spectrum with something legitimately and truly healthy, but still with lots of peanut butter. Thank goodness. Also, I’m not just claiming they’re healthy, but then they’re really not and it’s still dessert masquerading as ‘healthy’… these are actually, honestly good for you.
There’s many permutations of protein balls, but I love these in particular. After all, there’s a boatload and a half of other no-bake protein ball recipes out there. You’ve certainly got your pick, but these are not your garden variety Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls! Little tweaks make these really special.
The main ingredient here is peanut butter, so you already understand why I’m a fan. Honey plays a pretty significant role too, and those two together make a great team. Throw in cinnamon and a few protein boosters, and you’ll have a healthy and filling snack!
There’s also one unexpected ingredient in these: coconut extract. You might be tempted to dismiss it as unnecessary. I know I initially discounted it and didn’t appreciate its importance. But you need it. It has a really surprising and great impact! Do not leave it out! I mean, you can leave it out if you’re in a pinch, but don’t be in a pinch. It really adds so much to these little nuggets. I don’t know what it is – something about the cinnamon and coconut with the peanut butter.
They are so easy to mix up, and there’s no baking required. They’re one of my favorite snacks when I just need a quick, satisfying bite. The ingredients are all good-for-you, so you can enjoy these guilt-free, but still feel like you’re getting away with something.
These are a staple in my household, and we always have a batch stashed in the freezer to grab from as needed!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. peanut butter
- 1/2 c. honey
- 1 tsp. coconut extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2/3 c. vanilla protein powder Trutein is our favorite brand
- 1/2 c. non-fat powdered milk
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 3 tbsp. cocoa powder
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, coconut extract, and vanilla. Mix well.
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Add in vanilla protein powder, non-fat powdered milk, and cinnamon. Mix until well-blended.
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Roll into 1-inch balls, and roll in cocoa powder.
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Store in refrigerator. Enjoy!
Adapted from Oxygen Magazine’s Chocolate Energy Truffles.
Happy Saturday, friends! Have a great weekend!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
November 15, 2014 at 11:48 amThose look really really good Sarah! And I don’t say that lightly, because no bake protein balls generally don’t appeal to me, but these look like something I’d enjoy! And they DO look healthy. Although it’s funny, I probably would have discounted the coconut extract, and now I feel like I can’t make them without getting some! 🙂
Sarah says
November 15, 2014 at 3:42 pmYeah, the coconut extract really does something for these! Definitely get some and include it. It totally adds! They’re a favorite – we keep a batch on hand at all times!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
November 15, 2014 at 12:49 pmI love making energy bites like this, Sarah! It’s so fun to create new flavor combinations and try to keep it on the healthy side. These chocolate peanut butter balls look gorgeous! I love the addition of protein powder and powdered milk. I’ve never tried those ingredients before, so sounds wonderful in these cuties! And these are so perfect for stashing in the freezer, too. Pinned! Have a great weekend, friend!
Sarah says
November 15, 2014 at 3:43 pmThere’s a MILLION different chocolate peanut butter protein variations, but these are our favorite! Of the ones I’ve tried anyway. We love ’em! 🙂 Found the recipe in Oxygen magazine and have clung to it ever since!
Zainab says
November 17, 2014 at 10:39 amI could use a bag of these in my snack drawer!!
Sarah says
November 17, 2014 at 3:44 pmLol! They are perfect for that! Expect to reach for like 10 at a time though. #addicting 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
November 17, 2014 at 12:18 pmI love these Sarah! I think I need to have these in my refrigerator all the time…I am craving for something like this after I’m back from the gym. thanks for the recipe, will give it a try! Pinned.
Heather @ Shards of Lavender says
November 17, 2014 at 12:23 pmSarah, I don’t think you could’ve made the pictures of these more mouth-watering! When you first posted a preview on Instagram a while back, I was curious because you know I love peanut butter… I have everything needed to make these this afternoon, even the coconut extract! I just won’t tell my husband it’s in there;) Thank you for the healthy indulgence…
Sarah says
November 17, 2014 at 3:51 pmI actually double this recipe and make a ton of them and sock them away in the freezer so that we have a lot on hand. These are really good! Something about the coconut extract really makes these better than just a traditional chocolate-pb combo too. They’re a favorite, for sure. I always keep them refrigerated because they get messy at room temp, but in fridge and freezer they hold up forever!
Jeff says
November 17, 2014 at 1:59 pmSo in terms of taste and nutritional quotient, how do these compare to your Chocolate Peanut Butter Graham Protein Bars? ie, which tastes better, and which is “healthier”? Also, how do they both hold up if you take them on a roadtrip or hike where they can’t be kept refrigerated? Thanks.
Sarah says
November 17, 2014 at 3:47 pmGood question. The Graham ones are still much more like a dessert that happens to have a nice protein boost in them, however, they’re good for packing for a hike and on-the-go. These are definitely the healthier of the two, and they are good for on-the-go, but they hold up much better if they can stay cold in a cooler. I take them with me in snacks, but always in a cooler with my other food. At home, I keep them in the fridge or freezer. I actually like the taste of these a little better too even though they’re truly the healthier option. Make sense?
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
November 17, 2014 at 7:08 pmI need these! The only problem is that I probably wouldn’t be able to stop eating them. Peanut butter and chocolate is the best combination!
Sarah says
November 18, 2014 at 10:51 amYeah… we had that problem too. These cookies ended up constituting several meals for us instead of actual real food. Haha! Thanks so much, Ashley! 🙂
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
November 19, 2014 at 2:30 pmThese look SO good! I love classic recipes that have been made with healthier ingredients. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sarah says
November 19, 2014 at 9:33 pmThanks so much, Heather! They seem like just another chocolate peanut butter protein recipe, but the coconut extract and cinnamon make all the difference, believe it or not! 🙂 Have a great week!
dina says
November 21, 2014 at 9:26 ami’m all about the healthy snacks!
Sarah says
November 21, 2014 at 10:07 amUs too… when we’re not eating sweets, anyway! 🙂
Kyla @HouseofHipsters.com says
November 21, 2014 at 5:01 pmOh these are one of my favorites! But yours look absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! I also wanted to remind you of the Found & Foraged linky party this Saturday night (tomorrow) at 8PM (CT). Last week’s debut party was a total success, and we’d love to have you stop by! Kyla @ http://houseofhipsters.com/
Sarah says
November 21, 2014 at 5:26 pmThanks, Kyla! Yeah, these are an Oxygen Magazine recipe. Have you tried them? They’re my favorite protein ball recipe so far! I *totally* forgot – thank you for reminding me. I’ll definitely see you there tomorrow! Thanks for the invite. 🙂 Happy Friday!
Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner says
November 21, 2014 at 7:16 pmSarah these look amazing and a perfect pick me up snack!!
Sarah says
November 22, 2014 at 12:29 amThanks so much! They really are! 🙂
Lou Lou Girls says
November 22, 2014 at 4:53 pmHello gorgeous! I’m licking my lips right now, it looks so good! Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see on Monday at 7 pm. We love to party with you! Happy Saturday~Lou Lou Girls
Sarah says
November 23, 2014 at 12:56 pmDefinitely! I’ll see you at the party! Thanks so much for hosting!
Francesca @ Love.Bake.Read says
November 23, 2014 at 5:14 pmThese look yummy! Will have to give them a try.
Sarah says
November 23, 2014 at 10:07 pmLet me know if you do! We love them! 🙂 Thanks so much, Francesca!
Stephanie says
November 24, 2014 at 4:55 pmCan’t wait to try this!! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Jennifer D Oliver Shelton says
November 26, 2014 at 8:58 amThese look wonderful! Thanks for sharing! (pinning!)
Sarah says
November 26, 2014 at 9:12 amThanks so much for the party every week!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Chicago Jogger says
January 18, 2015 at 11:28 amWow – I could use one of these healthy bites right now! Gorgeous photos, and I love the combination of cinnamon, chocolate & coconut. Such interesting flavors 🙂
Sarah says
January 19, 2015 at 10:50 amYes, these are really delicious! They’re a little different than ordinary chocolate + peanut butter with the cinnamon and coconut! Seems like they wouldn’t make much of a difference in flavor, but they do! Thanks so much for stopping by!! 🙂