Chocolate Espresso Protein Balls
It’s 2:00 PM. You’ve hit that afternoon slump, and you are trying your best not to reach for another cup of coffee. You need a clean energy boost to help you power through the rest of your workday that won’t have you wired at bedtime. If this sounds familiar, then I have the perfect snack to the rescue! Come in and let’s chat about these Chocolate Espresso Protein Balls.
USES AND BENEFITS OF THESE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO PROTEIN BALLS
Packed with nutritious ingredients, these delicious bite-sized protein balls provide a subtle energy boost without the worry of a crash later. For example, you can enjoy these as a pre-workout snack before you hit the gym! Alternatively, you could keep these on hand to simply curb your sweet tooth without the added guilt.
Coming in at 3 grams of protein per ball, these babies can count towards your daily protein and macro goals. If you track yours, you know that every gram you consume throughout the day counts!
FEATURED RECIPE INGREDIENT: EsPRESSO NUT BUTTER BY BLIND SPOT NUT BUTTERS
The star of this show that makes these protein balls extra special is the Espresso Nut Butter from Blind Spot Nut Butters. The Espresso Nut Butter that I am using in this recipe is made from a blend of peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts. It also has ground espresso bits mixed throughout.
Blind Spot Nut Butters is an artisan company committed to using natural ingredients while offering uniquely flavored nut butters. The company’s slogan is “Grab a Spoon” and that is exactly what you will want to do once you pop open one of their jars. The owner of Blind Spot Nut Butters, Tara, was kind enough to send over several of their products. They have flavors like Coconut Macaroon and Sea Salt Peanut Butter to name just a few.
Beyond its scrumptious offerings, the company has a special mission to provide support and resources to the vision-impaired community. Learn more about this incredible mission and browse their product offerings here.
THE 6 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE
Don’t you just love quick, simple recipes that contain ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen pantry? For this protein balls recipe, you will only need 6 ingredients. I guarantee you probably have at least one or two (maybe even more) on hand:
Nut Butter. As we’ve already discussed, I will be using Blind Spot’s Chocolate Espresso Nut Butter for this recipe, and I highly recommend it! However, if you have an allergy to any of the nuts listed, you can use an alternative nut butter that meets your allergy and/or dietary restrictions.
Oats. I am using Rolled Oats from Trader Joe’s for this recipe. I prefer these because they are gluten-free, contain 5 grams of fiber per serving, and are made from 100% whole grain oats.
Protein Powder. I am a 100% plant-based protein kind of girl. It is far more gentle on my digestive system than whey protein. Truvani makes some amazing protein powders, and I will be using the vanilla flavor in these protein balls. Just ½ a cup will add in 30 grams of protein to the recipe.
Dark Chocolate Chips. I’m using 72% cacao dark chocolate chips that are also from Trader Joe’s. I love the rich and intense flavor that these add to the protein balls. Dark chocolate also brings along a host of its own health benefits to the recipe.
Syrup Sweetener. The sweetener that you opt for needs to have a syrupy consistency in order to act as a binder for the ingredients and makes forming the protein balls a lot easier. You can use date syrup, maple syrup, or honey.
Sea Salt. Just a smidge. Feel free to substitute with pink Himalayan salt if you have that on hand instead.
HOW TO MAKE THESE CHOCOLATE EsPRESSO PROTEIN BALLS
Please do not be intimidated at all – these protein balls require no baking whatsoever and are SO easy to make. I mean really easy. Allow me to break down the steps:
Step 1. Add Espresso Nut Butter, oats, protein powder, dark chocolate chips, date syrup, and sea salt to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2. Mix the ingredients together with a large spatula until evenly combined. This might take a little arm power. The overall texture should be slightly damp and sticky. If not, add in more date syrup. If the mixture is too wet and sticky, add in more oats until you receive the desired texture mentioned above.
Step 3. Grab a tablespoon measuring spoon and use it to scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Then, gently roll the mixture back and forth between the palms of your hands until it becomes an evenly formed ball. Place the ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4. Repeat step 3 until the entire mixture is formed into balls. Then, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The protein balls are ready when they are each firm to the touch.
Step 5. Once the protein balls are completely set, place them in a storage container.
HOW TO STORE YOUR PROTEIN BALLS AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?
You can store your protein balls in an airtight container or ziplock storage bag in either the refrigerator or the freezer.
- If you store them in the fridge, they will last for approximately 1 week.
- If you store them in the freezer, they will last for approximately 3 months. If you opt for the freezer route, just unthaw them in the refrigerator overnight the day before you plan to eat.
WAYS TO SERVE AND ENJOY YOUR CHOCOLATE EsPRESSO PROTEIN BALLS
You can pop one of these whenever you’d like! Pair them with an on-the-go breakfast or eat them after dinner for a healthy sweet treat.
You can also use these to top smoothie or yogurt bowls. I swap out granola for these protein balls as the topping on my yogurt bowls. I simply break the ball into smaller pieces and sprinkle on top of the bowl.
Now let’s get into the full recipe!
Chocolate Espresso Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Espresso Nut Butter by Blind Spot Nut Butters
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup date syrup, honey, or maple syrup
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl: Espresso Nut Butter, oats, protein powder, dark chocolate chips, date syrup, and sea salt.
- Using a large wooden (or strong) spatula, mix together all ingredients until evenly combined. The overall texture should be slightly damp. If not, add more date syrup. If too wet and sticky, add in more oats.
- Use a tbsp measuring spoon to scoop out the mixture. Then, gently roll the mixture back and forth between your hands until a ball is formed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the ball onto the baking sheet.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the entire mixture is formed into balls.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the balls are firm to touch; about 30 minutes.
- Once completely set, remove the protein balls from the baking sheet and protein balls in an airtight container or begin enjoying immediately!
