Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls with Caramel Drizzle
On-the-go!
These three words pretty much sum up my days and my food necessities. As a busy working mama I have a few important requirements when it comes to food:
- Tasty
- Quick
- Nutritious
And these Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls hit all three!
In my house, anything chocolate is always a win, but adding caramel sauce means it’ll be devoured within minutes! And as a mom, a healthy caramel sauce is something I’ll never say no to!
These Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls are perfect as a midday treat for both kids and adults alike. Take a look at the nutritional benefits:
- High protein for building and repairing almost all parts of the body
- Healthy fats for sustained energy, better absorption of vitamins, and soft skin.
- Antioxidants to protect the body from dangerous particles known as free radicals
Oh, and they contain no processed sugar!
Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and caramel? These Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls taste almost too good to be true … but they I promise they are a health food! These are the type of snacks that your kids will want to devour.. and you’ll happily let them!
And the best part.. they freeze! You can make a big batch of these beauties, throw them in the freezer and take them out as needed. Another reason they’re one of my favorite go-to snacks!
Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup raw cacao (cocoa powder works also!)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbs pure maple syrup
- 1 tbs water (if needed)
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 3 tbs almond butter
- 2 tbs + 1tsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Kitchen tools you might find useful:
How to make Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls:
Place all ingredients in a powerful food processor (or Vitamix if you have one) and blend until smooth. You will need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times. Only add the water if really needed, otherwise the balls won’t hold.
Tip: If you don’t have a high powdered blender, soak the dates in warm water for fifteen minutes prior to blending. This will make it easier and the recipe smoother.
Once blended, you will have a super sticky ball. Remove the blended ball from the processor and place in a bowl in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. While you’re waiting, make the caramel sauce.
Once the dough “sets” and is firm to touch, place some oil onto your hands (to prevent sticking) and roll the mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls with your hands. Place on parchment paper. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Serve immediately or place in an air tight container in the fridge for one week. Or the freezer for one month.
For the Caramel Drizzle:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth. If you prefer your sauce a bit thinner, add water one teaspoon at a time.
This recipes makes quite bit of sauce. But that’s okay! Use the extra sauce to mix in with yogurt or even as an ice cream toper. It’ll keep in the fridge a few weeks.
About the author: Meet Shelby. Strength Coach. Nutrition Coach & Chronic Foodie. But most importantly, mama to a super cute little girl. Shelby loves sweaty workouts, tasty meals and helping others find balance between the two in order to achieve their goals. If you’re interested in learning what the best path is for you and your goals, check her out here.
More healthy snack recipes you’ll love:
Peanut Butter Bliss Bars on The Soccer Mom Blog
Want to make your chewy chocolate energy balls and one of the ingredients is seat sals. What is that?
Oh goodness! Haha, I guess that’s what happens when we type too quickly – sea salt. Corrected.
Just discovered your website today and love your various snack recipes.
However, for the Chewy Chocolate Protein Balls it calls for ◦1/4 raw cacao (cocoa powder works also!) – I am guessing this should say 1/4 cup?
Correct – thank you for pointing that out!