Raw & guilt-free Peanut Butter Protein Balls that take just 5 minutes to make and are a great healthy snack, lunch box or post-workout treat.
Protein balls (also known as bliss balls) are the ultimate healthy on-the-go snack!
Simply prep a batch of Lemon & Coconut Balls, Salted Caramel Balls, Healthy 'Nutella' Balls or these Peanut Butter Protein Balls and you'll have healthy lunch box fillers, post-gym snacks or a sneaky late night treat ready to go!
What You Need
Made from just 5 raw ingredients, these energy boosting balls are perfect for health-conscious eaters:
- dates - you can use either medjool or dried and pitted dates in this recipe. If using medjool dates, omit the rice malt syrup as they have a soft, moist texture when compared to dried pitted dates.
- cocoa powder - you can use either regular cocoa powder or cacao powder for this recipe.
- peanut butter - natural and organic or regular peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) can be used for this recipe.
- raw almonds - these almonds are raw (not roasted). They give the protein balls a delicious crunch.
- rice malt syrup - if using dried pitted dates, you may find that you need to add a small amount of rice malt syrup (or honey) to bring the mixture together and allow it to be rolled into firm balls.
*scroll down to the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities and method
Why You're Going To Love Protein Balls
These sweet and healthy protein balls have a delicious chocolate/peanut butter combination.
Here's why they're going to become a favourite in your house:
- healthy - these balls are made from raw ingredients - there's no additives, flavourings or nasties!
- protein-packed - great for a post workout pick-me-up, lunch box or after school snack
- energy boosting - the dates and almonds give you a nice little boost (and they're far healthier than reaching for a chocolate bar)
- 5 minute prep time - if you've got a food processor, Thermomix or blender, you'll have a batch of protein balls ready in just a couple of minutes
- less than 55 calories per serve - making them a deliciously healthy treat.
How To Make Protein Balls
The easiest way to make protein balls is to use a food processor, blender or a Thermomix... they'll do all the chopping and mixing for you!
Step 1 - Make a paste from the dates, cocoa powder and peanut butter
Use a food processor, blender or Thermomix to mix the ingredients until they resemble a sticky paste.
Step 2 - Add the almonds and rice malt syrup
Add the ingredients and blend until desired chunkiness is achieved.
Step 3 - Check the mixture
If your mixture is too dry, add 1 extra tablespoon of rice malt syrup (or honey) and pulse to mix through. Note: the mixture should be a little sticky and roll easily into balls when squished together.
Step 4 - Roll into balls
Use a spoon to roll the mixture into tablespoon sized balls.
Medjool vs Dried Pitted Dates
You can use either medjool dates or dried pitted dates when making protein balls, however, they hold different amounts of moisture which means that you'll need to adapt the recipe slightly depending on which type of dates you're using.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are a soft, sticky date that can be bought from the fruit and vegetable section of the supermarket.
If you're using medjool dates in this recipe, you will only need a tiny bit of rice malt syrup (or none at all).
Dried Pitted Dates
Dried pitted dates contain little to no moisture and can be bought from the dried fruit aisle of the supermarket.
If you're using dried dates in this recipe, you'll need to add rice malt syrup (or honey) to make the mixture sticky enough to roll into balls.
FAQ
How long will protein balls last?
Protein bliss balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can you freeze protein balls?
Yes! Protein bliss balls freeze perfectly for up to 3 months in an aright container - making them a great snack-on-the-go!
Can I replace the peanut butter with almond butter?
Yes - simply substitute the peanut butter for almond butter.
Can I use nuts other than almonds?
Yes - cashews, pecans, almonds and walnuts are all popular options for protein bliss balls.
Can you make bliss balls without nuts?
Yes you can! Here's some yummy nut-free protein ball recipes:
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Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 175 g (1 cup) pitted dates (dried or medjool)
- 2 tbs cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
- 4 tbs peanut butter
- 150 g (1 and ½ cups) raw almonds
- 3-4 tbs rice malt syrup see notes
Instructions
Conventional Method
- Place the dates, cocoa powder and peanut butter into a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture resembles a paste.
- Add the almonds and rice malt syrup and blend until desired chunkiness is achieved.
- If your mixture is too dry, add 1tbs extra of rice malt syrup (or honey) and pulse to mix through. The mixture should be a little sticky and roll easily into balls when squished together.
- Use a spoon to roll the mixture into tablespoon sized balls.
- For best results, store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within a week.
Thermomix Method
- Place the dates, cocoa powder and peanut butter into the Thermomix bowl and mix on Speed 6, 20 seconds (scraping down the sides of the bowl partway through).
- Add the almonds and rice malt syrup and press Turbo 10-15 times or until desired chunkiness is achieved. If your mixture is too dry, add 1tbs extra of rice malt syrup (or honey) and pulse to mix through. The mixture should be a little sticky and roll easily into balls when squished together.
- Use a spoon to roll the mixture into tablespoon sized balls.
- For best results, store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within a week.
Notes
- dates – you can use either medjool or dried and pitted dates in this recipe. If using medjool dates, omit the rice malt syrup as they have a soft, moist texture when compared to dried pitted dates.
- cocoa powder – you can use either regular cocoa powder or cacao powder for this recipe.
- peanut butter – natural and organic or regular creamy peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) can be used for this recipe.
- raw almonds – these almonds are raw (not roasted). They give the protein balls a delicious crunch.
- rice malt syrup – if using dried pitted dates, you may find that you need to add a small amount of rice malt syrup (or honey) to bring the mixture together and allow it to be rolled into firm balls.
Lee-ann says
Great, easy recipe! I didn't get 35 balls though so not sure how many calories mine work out to? Nevertheless, they are all eaten same day!
Lucy says
Very yummy however I only achieved half the number of bliss balls. I will have to scale back. Thank you for writing.
Seendy says
Loving it even my 5 years old having fun making it and she can't stop having them.
Kate says
My favourite bliss balls!! So easy to make.
I always blend the almonds first otherwise it gets sticky and motor won't move but otherwise awesome recipe!
Jenny Tysoe says
Delicious!!