Chocolate + Peanut Butter is a dream combination, isn't it?! These chocolate peanut butter energy balls are the perfect delicious and nutritious sweet treat to fuel your day without being full of added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, they'll satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you a boost of energy and helping build and repair your muscles. Best of all, they're easy to make, portable, and are a great meal prep option, as they stay well in the fridge for up to 10 days!
What Are The Ingredients?
Only a few ingredients are needed to make these, and you likely already have them in your pantry.
Old fashioned rolled oats
Chocolate chips – totally optional (but obviously recommended). I used regular sized semisweet, but minis work well, too.
Chocolate protein powder – any brand will do. I used Wellious.
Peanut butter – I used Justin's creamy.
Honey
Almond milk
Optional add-ins: chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds
What Are the Nutrition Benefits?
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Oats are high in fiber while help to promote healthy digestion and keep blood sugars stabilized. Additionally, they contain beta-glucans which may help lower cholesterol and are a good source of micronutrients, like thiamine, iron, and magnesium.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants from cocoa, which may provide heart health benefits. They also add a satisfying crunch to these energy balls! (But, I'd argue most of us eat chocolate because it's delicious, not because of its nutrient benefits.)
Chocolate Protein Powder: Protein powder provides a concentrated source of protein to build and repair muscles, especially after a workout. Each brand is different, but many have added vitamins and nutrients built in which boosts its nutrient density. The chocolate flavor acts as a nice "dessert" taste to satisfy a sweet tooth, with a healthy twist!
Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a great source of monounsaturated fats (a type of healthy dietary fat), which helps aid in feelings of fullness and may have a protective heart-health effect by reducing LDL cholesterol. Peanut butter also provides moderate protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E.
RD Tip: Look for a "natural" peanut butter; These often have no added sugars or oils.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that contains protective antioxidants and is less processed than refined white sugar ("table sugar"). In this recipe, honey adds flavor and carbohydrates for a boost of energy.
Almond Milk: Almond milk is a lactose-free milk alternative that is often fortified with calcium and vitamins A, E, and D. In this recipe, the almond milk acts as a bind to keep the otherwise dry ingredients together (along with the peanut butter). Feel free to substitute with your milk of choice or water.
Chia / Hemp / Flax Seeds:
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes and adds a major fullness factor to these bites. They also provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids which are vital for lowering blood pressure, reducing triglycerides, lowering systemic inflammation, and aiding in healthy brain processes.
Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds contain all 9 essential amino acids, making them a complete plant-based protein. They are also a good source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. As a nutrient-packed seed, they also provide fiber, iron, zinc and magnesium.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They contain lignans which have antioxidant and estrogen-like properties, with benefits that have been linked to lowered risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis. Flaxseeds also provide fiber to support digestion and satiety.
Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup peanut butter (or a heaping 1/2 cup for extra peanut butter flavor)
3 tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons almond milk
Optional add ins: 1 teaspoon each: chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and chocolate protein powder until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, and almond milk until a thick, smooth mixture forms.
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir until fully incorporated and a sticky dough forms.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
Place energy balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
Store energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
These energy bites make the perfect snack for busy days. The oats provide fiber to keep you full, while the protein powder gives you long-lasting energy. The chocolate chips, honey, and peanut butter add decadent flavor that satisfies sweet cravings. Plus, the seeds add a nutrient boost, so you can be sure you're getting some nutrition in with your sweet treat. Grab a couple on your way out the door for a protein-packed treat, have them as a mid-morning snack, or even enjoy as a dessert throughout the week!
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