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Dark Chocolate Chunk No Bake Protein Balls {2 Ways}

by Lindsay Cotter · 07/09/2018

GFDairy FreeVegan
Jump to Recipe
★★★★★ 4.9 from 7 reviews
protein balls - chocolate
protein balls - chocolate

No Bake Protein Balls packed with health benefits from dates, dark chocolate chunks, and chocolate flavored pea protein. These delicious, chewy bites make the perfect healthy nut free lunchbox idea or post-workout snack! This no bake protein bites recipe is gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, and nut free.

no bake protein balls - vegan, chocolate, vanilla, nut free

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. I adore their products, so of course I’m excited to use their protein nutritional booster in this no bake protein balls recipe! Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Cotter Crunch!


Easy Snack Ideas for Busy Days

It probably comes as no surprise that I’m hooked on easy snack ideas. My recipes for no bake protein bites and balls and bars don’t get any easier to make, and I’ve created so many recipes for them that there’s a category in the recipe index of this website devoted specifically to no bake bites.

But I don’t just love them because they’re easy to make. They’re PORTABLE!

If I’m in a rush in the morning, they’re a grab-n-go breakfast. When we return from a hike,  I reach into the freezer to find a little delicious protein rich snack waiting for me. These balls ….errr bites to put it more eloquently, will hold over the hanger (hunger + anger) that unleashes from within. Don’t tell me you’ve never been there, because I know you have.

Dark Chocolate Chunk No Bake Protein Balls

Are you picturing that Snickers commercial now? Haha, okay, I digress! Let’s bring the focus back onto healthy snacking and protein balls, not divas and candy bars .

The thing is, this bite sized dark chocolate snack may be small in size, but the little babies are packed BIG with health benefits!

Plus, all you need are 5-6 ingredients.

healthy nut free no bake protein balls made with chocolate pea protein powder

Ingredients on cutting board to make no bake protein snacks

Health Benefits of No Bake Protein Balls

  • Rich in plant based iron and Omegas from chia seeds (oh, recipes with chia seeds, how I love thee)
  • Naturally sweetened snack – You don’t need to add honey or a syrup. We’re using dates as natural sweetener and for added fiber (these toasted coconut banana muffins are naturally sweetened, too!)
  • The no bake protein balls recipe is grain free, gluten free, nut free, vegan, and dairy free!
  • High in protein – Bob’s Red Mill Protein Nutritional Booster contains fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics

But hold up ya’ll, it gets better! Bob’s Red Mill protein powder has even MORE good for you goodness! Straight from the mouth of Bob (okay maybe not Bob personally, but his website), here are the specifics on the pea protein powder:

  • 20g plant-based protein per serving
  • 12g fiber per serving (9 g soluble fiber)
  • Beneficial Bacillus coagulans probiotics (hello, healthy gut!)
  • Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
  • 35% RDA iron per serving
  • Gluten free
  • Vegan
  • No soy ingredients
  • No dairy ingredients
  • Sweetened with monk fruit

packages of bob's red mill nutritional booster - vanilla and chocolate flavors

The nutrition-boosting protein powder comes in vanilla or chocolate flavors, so you can use it in pretty much anything your brain can dream up. Which of course, I gladly did. Chocolate Chunk Vanilla and Chocolate Chunk Chocolate No Bake Protein Bites.

No Bake Protein Balls packed with health benefits from dates, dark chocolate chunks, and chocolate flavored pea protein. Delicious, chewy, Dark Chocolate Chunk No Bake Protein Balls make the perfect healthy nut free lunchbox idea or post-workout snack! This no bake protein bites recipe is gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, and nut free.

 I hope I have convinced you that the double chocolate protein balls are worth making. 

But if not, let me justify some more. Mmm k?

Easy to Make No-Bake Snack

  • NO baking necessary! It can be 107 F. in the shade and you won’t break a sweat making this vegan no bake snack!
  • Easy to make and take!
  • Superfood FUEL snacks for kids. Talk about kid friendly! I mean, seriously. Do you know a kid who doesn’t like chocolate? These no bake protein balls are great for peanut-free school snacks or post workout snacks.

 

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Dark Chocolate Chunk No Bake Protein Balls


★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x
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Description

These no bake protein balls (chocolate and vanilla chocolate chunk!) are a healthy nut free lunchbox idea or post-workout snack, made with pea protein nutritional booster! Grain free, dairy free, vegan, and nut free recipe.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 dates – best soaked for 20 minutes
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup (55 g) Bob’s Red Mill chocolate pea protein or Vanilla pea protein
  • 2–3 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips and/or dark chocolate chunks
  • Optional unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tbsp)
  • Extra melted dark chocolate to drizzle

Instructions

  1. First, soak your dates in purified water for 20 minutes. This just helps to soften before you blend. That way you don’t have to use a syrup or nut butter to bind.
  2. Place soaked dates and sunflower seeds in a food processor. Blend until batter is mixed and combined. This usually takes around 2 minutes or so. Scrape sides between blending.
  3. Place date and sunflower seed mix into a larger bowl. Mix in your protein powder, vanilla, coconut milk and chocolate chips. If you are making the chocolate chunk chocolate protein balls, add in your extra cocoa powder (if desired) as well.
  4. Roll into golf ball size balls. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
  5. While balls are are freezing, melt the extra dark chocolate on stove or microwave.
  6. Remove protein balls from freezer and drizzle with melted dark chocolate on top.
  7. Place back in freezer for another 10 minutes.
  8. Once the chocolate has set, place balls in a storage container (or ziplock bag) and store in freezer or fridge until ready to eat.

See notes for binding tips and storage.

Notes

  • Store in freezer for up to 3 months
  • If the batter is hard to bind or roll after mixing, stir in a few tbsp of maple syrup or a sunflower seed butter.
  • NUTRITION TIPS – 3 bites would be equivalent to a protein bar with 9-12 grams of protein and 240-250 calories.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 85
  • Sugar: 7
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 to 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: protein balls, energy bites, snacks, vegan, plant based, dairy free, nut free, chocolate

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

bowl of no bake protein balls made with protein powder

Okay, now who’s ready to be a baller? Haha, sorry, just had to go there.

Favorite protein ball or energy bite recipe? 

Keep up with the compassionate fun loving Bob’s Redmill on social media. They are full of gluten free inspiration! Facebook, Twitter   Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest

Cheers!

LC

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Categories: Breakfasts, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Snacks and Appetizers, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: chia, chocolate, gluten free snacks, grain free snacks, kid friendly, no bake, nourishment, nut free, protein, protein bites, protein powder, vegan snacks

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Jessica says

    09/28/2020 at 2:38 PM

    Does it make a difference if I use vegan vs non-vegan dark chocolate? I followed the recipe to the letter and when I combined batter into mixing bowl, it all turned to mud. I ended up lining a baking dish and making protein bars instead of balls. I oiled my hands, tried using gloves, tried refrigerating mixture for a bit before rolling but nothing worked. It all just clumped together in my hand like grainy mud.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      09/28/2020 at 4:37 PM

      The chocolate doesn’t make a difference, but the protein does. Did you use a pea protein?

      Reply
  2. Kari says

    07/02/2019 at 11:03 PM

    Hi Lindsay, My daughter is nut-free and also allergic to coconut. Do you think I could use soy milk in place of the coconut milk? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/03/2019 at 12:13 PM

      Yes!

      Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/03/2019 at 12:17 PM

      and keep me posted on how they turn out. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Natalie says

    06/09/2019 at 11:18 PM

    Hello! I am so excited to try these with my dairy/nut allergic son! However he is also allergic to sunflower seeds. 🙁 any other replacement that’ll would try in these? He just passed his almond challenge so perhaps slivered almonds instead? Thanks so much, Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/10/2019 at 12:20 PM

      Totally understand! I think slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds would work great! Or even pistachio.

      Reply
  4. Bryan says

    08/24/2018 at 7:21 PM

    No bake recipes ALWAYS get my attention! You add chocolate to the mix and I’m sold. I’ll be trying this recipe out for sure

    Reply
  5. Lexi says

    07/26/2018 at 9:51 AM

    IN LOVE WITH THESE.

    Reply
  6. vex 3 says

    07/26/2018 at 2:27 AM

    wow, the chocolate cake looks delicious and very attractive, thank you for sharing the recipe

    ★★★★

    Reply
  7. earn to die says

    07/23/2018 at 11:01 PM

    I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  8. olive jason says

    07/17/2018 at 5:32 AM

    looks soo good and added date sin to it is soo extra sweetning..thanks for the delicious pics u have posted too

    Reply
  9. Gaby Dalkin says

    07/14/2018 at 8:38 AM

    That chocolate drizzle though!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/14/2018 at 1:57 PM

      right? Heavenly!

      Reply
  10. Heather S Christo says

    07/13/2018 at 2:31 PM

    These are basically the perfect snack!!

    Reply
  11. Maria says

    07/13/2018 at 12:06 PM

    Please share with me:)

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/14/2018 at 2:02 PM

      anything for you!

      Reply
  12. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

    07/12/2018 at 3:49 PM

    Oh my gosh Linds… I’m in LOVE! You know I’m all about the grab n go snacks and when they’re healthy, all the better! I’ve not tried Bob’s protein pows but will check em’ out! Dates are absolute magic… love this recipe!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/13/2018 at 1:40 PM

      oh friend, you would love their protein! It’s so versatile. Come over, we can make some! mmm k? #iwishyoulivedhere

      Reply
  13. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    07/11/2018 at 8:50 AM

    Dates are my favorite sweetener.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/11/2018 at 11:52 AM

      you’re my fav…. sweet

      Reply
  14. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    07/10/2018 at 12:52 PM

    HAHA I am ready! I love your corny jokes and these balls look amazing too!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/10/2018 at 11:06 PM

      haha always balls. 😉 p.s how are you?

      Reply
  15. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    07/10/2018 at 9:25 AM

    LOVE all your protein bites and balls! These look fantastic!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      07/10/2018 at 3:52 PM

      oh thank you friend!

      Reply
  16. Jennifer Farley says

    07/10/2018 at 7:41 AM

    Love having these around the house!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  17. Jennifer Blake says

    07/10/2018 at 6:25 AM

    Dates are delicious and love that the are the binder in this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  18. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

    07/10/2018 at 5:03 AM

    Bob’s makes the BEST protein powders!

    Reply
  19. Gerry Speirs says

    07/09/2018 at 11:51 PM

    I could pop all of these!!

    Reply
    • Gerry Speirs says

      07/09/2018 at 11:52 PM

      Rated 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
  20. Natalie says

    07/09/2018 at 11:48 PM

    I love protein balls – I always have some in my freezer. It’s the perfect pre or post workout snack. Looks so delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  21. Matt says

    07/09/2018 at 11:46 PM

    And perfect for road trips too! These would be a huge hot here for sure.

    Reply
  22. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says

    07/09/2018 at 10:45 PM

    Love dark chocolate. Love no bake. Love protein balls. LOVE. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    07/09/2018 at 8:37 PM

    Brother. You know I’m a baller. LOL! Love your balls, as always. I’ve never used the date-soaking method… must try. Though I may just eat all the dates…

    Reply
  24. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says

    07/09/2018 at 5:16 PM

    Chocolate and protein?! NEED THESE.

    Reply
  25. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    07/09/2018 at 4:28 PM

    Love all the health benefits of these little bites! Delish!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  26. Suzy says

    07/09/2018 at 2:25 PM

    Love that you used dates too! Great for energy

    Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube

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