Description
These pistachio protein balls combine healthy fats, plant-based protein, and rich dark chocolate for a crunchy, lightly sweet treat—perfect as a no-bake snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup pistachios, shelled (no shell)
- 2 ounces dark chocolate (about 1/3 cup finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons (20-25 grams) protein powder (see notes for substitutes)
- 1/4 cup (heaping) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini (smooth, no-stir variety)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup maple syrup (start with 1/4 cup and adjust to get the right texture of the batter)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Extra ground pistachios or cocoa powder for coating
Instructions
- Add shelled pistachios to a food processor and pulse until finely ground (a coarse flour texture is ideal). Alternatively, finely chop them with a sharp knife. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Finely chop or use a food processor to chop the dark chocolate.
- To the bowl with the ground pistachios, add the finely chopped dark chocolate, protein powder, and cocoa powder. Whisk to combine evenly.
- Stir in the almond butter (or tahini), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. Using clean hands can make it easier to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Adjust Texture as Needed. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of extra syrup. If it’s too sticky or wet, add more protein powder—1 teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls using your hands (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each). You should get around 15 to 17 balls. Optional but highly recommended for texture: Roll each ball in extra cocoa powder or crushed pistachios for coating.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Store in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Notes
Protein Powder Substitute: Ground oats (or oat flour) can be used instead of protein powder. Taste and texture may vary.
Maple Syrup Substitute: Honey may be used in place of maple syrup, but because it’s thicker, start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- chill time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: snacks
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 12 mg
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.1 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Protein: 3.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
