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Home » Recipes

Easy Homemade Protein Power Balls

These protein packed power balls make a great little snack or treat. The cocoa and dates add just enough sweetness that you'd never know there's no sugar added!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Power Balls in cupcake liners on a table outside.

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I recently bought my first bar of unsweetened chocolate (100% cacao)… And to steal vocabulary from my 5-year-old, it tasted disgusting!

However, in some magical way the combination of ingredients in this recipe below make the cacao taste like “regular” chocolate. I have to thank a 100 Days of Real Food reader for introducing me to a version of this recipe. I would have never thought to put these items together and now we can’t stop eating these protein power balls!

Try these Peanut Butter Protein Bars too!

A Snack Recipe That Keeps You Full

A lot of people (both kids and adults) turn to high sugar or processed carbohydrate snacks when they’re hungry. Not only are these terrible options from a real food perspective, they’re also not very filling.

The best snacks to keep you full for a long time contain both protein and fats like these power balls. They take longer for your body to digest, which leaves you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time.

Unfortunately so many packaged protein and fat rich nut snacks are full of additives like sugar and processed oils which is a no-go in our real food household.

That’s where these protein power balls come in! With 6 grams of plant-based protein and 15 grams of healthy fats, they’re a great post workout power food or kid-friendly snack.

Check out these High Protein Meal Prep Ideas!

Make Higher Protein Power Balls

I used pecans for my power balls, but at 2.6 grams of protein per ounce they aren’t the most high-protein option when it comes to nuts. If you’re looking to pack more protein into each power ball, try some of these options instead:

  • Hazelnuts: 3.8g of protein per 1oz (and will make your power balls taste like Nutella)
  • Walnuts: 4.3g of protein per 1oz
  • Pistachios: 5.8g of protein per 1oz (shell before measuring)
  • Cashews: 5.1g of protein per 1oz
  • Almonds: 6g of protein per 1oz (highest protein option)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls FAQs

Is there a nut free version of this recipe?

Unfortunately no, since these power balls rely on the plant-based protein and fats you find in nuts. If you only have a peanut allergy, though, try these chocolate tortes instead.

Can I substitute the dates with something else?

The dates serve two purposes in this recipe: they add some natural sweetness, and also help hold everything together. Other dried fruits like raisins, prunes, cranberries, apricots, figs, and cherries should also work, but they may not taste the same.

Do I need to soak my dried fruit first?

Nope! Just throw everything into the blender and combine. Super easy, right?

How can I store these homemade protein balls?

Store protein power balls in an airtight container. If you make a large batch, I suggest using parchment paper to help separate them so they don’t stick to each other. 

These can also be frozen easily. You can use parchment paper again here, or pre-freeze them first spread out on a tray and then transfer to an airtight container. 

Seven homemade power balls sitting in decorative cupcake tins

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Power Balls

These protein power balls made with chocolate and peanut butter are a simple and tasty snack that takes no effort at all to make. They are packed with protein from the peanut butter, dates, and nuts for a delicious treat when you just need a little something!
8 Reviews / 5 Average
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Course: Snacks & Appetizers, Treats
Cuisine: American
Method: Freezer Friendly, Too Easy
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 5 (makes about 10 balls)
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup nuts (I used pecans)
  • ¾ cup dates (dried, pitted)
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (an all natural PB is recommended - the only ingredient necessary is crushed peanuts)
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients into a food processor and blend.
  • Form into balls and serve immediately or keep refrigerated.
  • For a slightly different variation without peanut butter check out the chocolate torte recipe.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Power Balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Sodium 5mg0%
Potassium 355mg10%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 5IU0%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 31mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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5.8K shares

About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

Comments

  1. Mj says

    December 13, 2023 at 11:11 am

    These are called protein powder balls but there is no protein powder used! Kept thinking I was missing something.

    Reply
  2. Liz says

    June 14, 2020 at 10:58 am

    Hi! The intro to the recipe talks about chocolate bars, but I don’t see them in the recipe. I have a 100% chocolate bar that was given to me that I’m trying to use up. I saw a comment below that the original recipe that had a chocolate bar was changed to this one with cocoa. Can you please post the original one? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says

      June 30, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Liz - Lisa was just referencing her experience tasting 100% cocoa in a bar, however the recipe has always called for cocoa powder from memory. I even went back and checked the oldest version of the post from June, 2010 (just one month after she started the blog), and it calls for cocoa powder. I assume you could grind up your bar and use it as a substitute though. - Jason

      Reply
    • Kate says

      January 06, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      That's funny... I swear I remember making these several years ago with 100% cacao bars!

      Reply
  3. Tara says

    August 17, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    Hi. If I sent these to school for an afternoon snack, do you think they would "hold up" until the afternoon? Thanks!

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      August 19, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Yes! Lisa has sent them in her kids' lunch boxes before. - Nicole

      Reply
  4. Kate says

    July 06, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    Hey, this recipe has changed! I used to make it all the time, and the recipe called for an ounce or two from a cacao bar. Now it calls for powder. Where's the original recipe? (I used to make it and loved it. We took a break from peanuts for a while, so I haven't made it. I'd love to have the original recipe back.)

    Reply
  5. Colleen says

    February 10, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    5 stars
    These are so satisfying! I only had medjool dates and had to pit them first, but this is a really great recipe and super quick to throw together! Thank you!!

    Reply
  6. Araceli Sanchez says

    January 27, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    I have a proablem with my sugar levels dropping all the time so im trying these to see if they help me out. Also to have healthier snacks.

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    September 21, 2017 at 11:59 am

    LOVE these! I've been making these for my very picky boys...

    Modifications that I have been doing: I cut the honey down over time to 1/3 a cup, and just add more peanut butter.

    Also, for peanut butter cup fans...I've been adding unsweetened cocoa powder to make a chocolate peanut butter version. Now, it's not a reese's, but they taste pretty darn good!

    My kids eat these quicker than I can make them! Thank you again for helping us find real food recipes!!!

    Reply
    • Mj says

      December 13, 2023 at 11:15 am

      Honey? Obviously this recipe has morphed over time. A chocolate bar reference (in the intro) Honey (from a previous recipe). Protein powder (in the label)?? Things are looking fishy around here!

      Reply
  8. Sarah Dickison says

    November 21, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    I made the "date" version for a church social and set it aside for our diabetics - they all loved them. Instead of nuts I used the leftover almond meal from the almond milk. I didn't have medjool dates but I added 5 deglet noor dates instead.

    Reply
    • Sarah Dickison says

      November 21, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      Oops ! I also used cocoa powder, it's what I had ! :)

      Reply
      • Sarah Dickison says

        November 21, 2016 at 1:49 pm

        I also used coco powder.

  9. LaNoit Fuller says

    October 19, 2016 at 10:52 am

    Can you give a nutrition count on these? Calories? Protein? Fat grams and such? Just want to make sure I'm staying within my guidelines. :) But they are delish!

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 03, 2016 at 8:24 pm

      Hi there. That is not information that we provide. This post helps explain that philosophy: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/.

      Reply
  10. Sara says

    February 18, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Sorry if this has been asked before but are these freezable?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      February 24, 2016 at 9:23 am

      Absolutely.

      Reply
  11. hilary says

    January 07, 2016 at 11:48 am

    I see the recipe says 100% cacao, but then it says chocolate bar. Can I just use powdered 100% cacao?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      January 09, 2016 at 7:24 am

      Yes! :)

      Reply
  12. Lisa says

    August 13, 2015 at 6:42 am

    Has anyone made these with seeds to make a nut free version for preschool?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      August 17, 2015 at 11:44 am

      Hi Lisa. You can find Lisa's nut free Lara Bars here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/. And here you will find some for everyone: http://picklebums.com/2015/03/02/15-snack-balls/.

      Reply
  13. lilly monson says

    June 14, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    How long do these last? Should they be refrigerated? We are looking to substitute store bought granola bars with other more nutritious treats but want something with a good pantry/backpacking shelf life. Thanks

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      June 15, 2015 at 11:45 am

      Hello Lilly. Yes, I would keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

      Reply
  14. Peg says

    January 05, 2015 at 12:37 am

    Could you use dried cherries or maybe crasins instead of dates, figs or raisins? Just can't stand any of those.

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      January 05, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Peg. You are welcome to try any combo you like. Dates and figs are fleshy and sticky and work well to bind. It might be a little more challenging with other dried fruits. :)

      Reply
  15. Jessica says

    August 18, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Is there anything I can substitute for the dates? My daughters don't like dates and I really want to try these for them!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      August 20, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      Hi Jessica. I make a version with more nut butter and a bit of honey for sweetness. I've also used figs as well as very plump golden raisins. ~Amy

      Reply
  16. Toni says

    February 23, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    For the chocolate power balls can you use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of the chocolate bar?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      February 24, 2014 at 9:33 pm

      Hello Toni. We've not tried. If you do, let us know how they turn out. ~Amy

      Reply
  17. Mandy says

    September 25, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    Are medjool dates ok to use? It says dry dates but I'm not sure what those are. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      September 30, 2013 at 9:16 am

      Hi Mandy. Medjool dates are dried. ;) ~Amy

      Reply
  18. Cassie says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I just made these power balls. Delicious!! How do they do in the freezer? Ok to freeze for later?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      August 29, 2013 at 4:38 pm

      Hi Cassie. You can keep them frozen for up to 3 months. ~Amy

      Reply
  19. Grace says

    July 12, 2013 at 12:11 am

    Love these, super yummy. Perfect for that afternoon chocolate crazing and I usually pop one right before bed.

    I was wondering why they need to be refrigerated. I buy the all natural fresh ground peanut butter from Whole Foods that comes in the little deli container but I don't remember if that needs to be refrigerated.

    Reply
  20. Kate says

    June 11, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Maybe this is a silly question, but the chocolate bar has squares that are measured in ounces, but your recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of the chocolate. How many squares is that? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      June 15, 2013 at 9:42 pm

      Hi Kate. Three tablespoons is 1.5 ounces. Hope that helps. ~Amy

      Reply
  21. Jill b says

    May 27, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Could you roll these in chia seeds?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      May 28, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      Hi Jill. Of course. :)~Amy

      Reply
  22. Alise says

    March 16, 2013 at 8:08 am

    I made these chocolate powerballs & they are wonderful. We added brown puffed rice to give them a bit of crunch. Awesome!

    Reply
  23. lola says

    March 15, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    5 stars
    loved them!

    Reply
  24. lola says

    March 15, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    good real good i liked it lots!

    Reply
  25. Chet says

    February 02, 2013 at 2:17 am

    Do you have suggestions on making it allergy friendly? Dairy and nut free, vegan? You have a lot of PB stuff on your website, but lots of schools are also nut free..

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:59 pm

      Hi Chet. You could possibly substitute sunflower butter. As for the nuts, I'm not sure it would work the same if you leave them out all together. There shouldn't be any dairy that needs to be replaced. Jill

      Reply
      • Judy says

        March 03, 2013 at 5:36 pm

        What are the total carbs, if a diabetic or cholesterol diet?

      • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

        March 09, 2013 at 9:37 pm

        Hi Judy. I'm sorry but we don't track nutrition information. There are various tools available online that you can use to calculate the specifics. Hope that helps. ~Amy

    • SD says

      March 05, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      Hi,
      I tried making a nut free version with sunflower seed butter instead of PB, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) instead of nuts. They were really good. I am sure you could also sub sunflower seeds or maybe some coconut for part of the nuts. I also used cocoa powder and some coconut oil in mine. Yum! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
  26. Tanya says

    January 18, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    i have an alternate version you can try: 1 cup oats •1/2 cup chocolate chips or dates •1/2 cup natural peanut butter •1/2 cup ground flaxseed •1/3 cup honey •1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 cup of almonds. refrigerate and enjoy! you can even add other nuts of your choosing or dried fruit or coconut!

    Reply
  27. Kari says

    January 15, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Just made the PB Honey Version and perhaps I will try the Chocolate version sometime. I will say they are very sweet even for my sweet tooth. I think if I make them again I will cut the honey in half. Also very messy to make I had coconut stuck to everything in the kitchen (of course not everyone is grossed out by getting messy).

    Reply
  28. Margaret says

    January 14, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    Good gracious! Just made 2 batches of the chocolate ones and they are so delicious and addictive! I had to make myself stop at two while I was forming the others to store for the children tomorrow. Hope they make it until the morning! And you're right, the unsweetened chocolate is magically transformed into this decadent, yet healthy treat. Thanks for sharing this one!

    Reply
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Meet Lisa! Lisa is a best-selling cookbook author, wife, mother, and passionate home cook. Lisa began blogging in 2010 and has created a community of millions of people who share her love of healthy living, real food ingredients, and family recipes.

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