Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls (with Video)
A delicious energy bite recipe that satisfies your sweet tooth while giving you a healthy boost, these Coconut Chocolate Protein Balls are a staple in our house and perfect for helping you stick to your healthy eating goals while still feeling indulged.
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls Recipe
While I am a huge fan of our super popular black bean brownies and our sugar-free banana bread, I am – without fail – a skeptic when it comes to healthy desserts.
Even though I’ve found some that I love, I always go in with low expectations and preparing to be underwhelmed. Especially when the recommendation comes from a friend who doesn’t eat real desserts.
(We all have that friend. The one who hasn’t eaten a sugar cookie in a decade and tries to convince you that her nuts and seeds version “tastes like the real thing.” No, it doesn’t. STAHP. Stop it right now.)
But, I was pleasantly surprised with these chocolate coconut energy bites.
No, they don’t taste like a real chocolate truffle. But they do taste sweet, chocolatey and rich and leave you feel satisfied thanks to filling and nutrient-dense ingredients.
The pecans add nutty depth of flavor, while the dates and coconuts add natural sweetness, and the cocoa powder adds that perfect hint of chocolate.
These protein bites are great for a little afternoon pick-me-up and for helping you stick to your healthy eating plan – whether you’re following Whole30, paleo, or just trying to avoid refined sugar. They are dairy-free, refined sugar-free and gluten-free.
You can make these coconut chocolate protein balls a couple of different ways – but my preference is to make them completely in the food processor! (In the video, my friend preferred to only start off making the base “batter” in the food processor and then knead in the additional ingredients in a bowl… but I’m clearly much lazier than she is!)
For this recipe, I used Millican Pecan’s Pecan Pieces. I didn’t realize what a difference there could be between pecan brands, but these are so incredibly fresh and flavorful. They also have delicious snack options like the Sweet and Spicy Pecans which are perfect for the holidays. My next order, I’m trying their Pecan Butter and the Caramel Pecan Coffee! (And by the way, this is not sponsored – I just really love them.)
The pecans can be swapped for walnuts or hazelnuts, but I wouldn’t recommend using almonds or peanuts.
Can you freeze protein balls? Yes! Place the rolled chocolate energy bites in a freezer-proof ziptop bag or your favorite freezer containers for up to three months. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)
Check out our quick video to see how to make these easy coconut chocolate protein balls – and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe card:
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls Ingredients
- Dates <– I like using Medjool dates for sweetness and texture
- Pecans
- Cocoa Powder
- Maple Syrup <– can use a different natural sweetener
- Shredded Coconut
- Salt, optional
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts, or the maple syrup for maple sugar, coconut sugar or agave – whatever you have on hand.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Food Processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Place all ingredients except water and 1/4 cup of the shredded coconut in a food processor.
Puree your ingredients until they form a cohesive ball of “dough” and no large pieces of the dates or pecans remain.
Tastes and adjust the cocoa powder and maple syrup of the mixture. If the flavor is right but the dough is not sticking together adequately, add a Tablespoon of water at a time until it does.
Portion the dough into 1 Tablespoons sized balls and roll to shape into a ball (or press into discs, if desired).
Place the shredded coconut in a bowl and roll the energy bites in the coconut to cover.
You may need to dip the energy bites in water first to encourage the shredded coconut to stick.
Your energy bites can be kept at room temperature but will last longer if stored in the fridge or freezer.
Grab your free printable recipe card for our coconut chocolate protein balls recipe:
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Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
A super simple no bake recipe for chocolate coconut energy bites, a satisfying, sweet treat with no refined sugar that helps give you an energy boost while sticking to your healthy eating goals.
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool Dates, or more as needed
- 1 cup Pecans
- 2-3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup, or more as needed
- 1/4 cup water, as needed
- 1/2 cup Shredded Coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt, optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except water and 1/4 cup of the shredded coconut in a food processor.
- Puree your ingredients until they form a cohesive ball of "dough" and no large pieces of the dates or pecans remain.
- Tastes and adjust the cocoa powder and maple syrup of the mixture. If the flavor is right but the dough is not sticking together adequately, add a Tablespoon of water at a time until it does.
- Portion the dough into 1 Tablespoons sized balls and roll to shape into a ball (or press into discs, if desired).
- Place the remaining shredded coconut in a bowl and roll the energy bites in the coconut to cover.
- You may need to dip the energy bites in water first to encourage the shredded coconut to stick.
- Your energy bites can be kept at room temperature but will last longer if stored in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
You can use coconut oil instead of water when binding the protein ball dough together, if needed.
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts, if desired.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 85Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 59mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope these protein balls help you stick to your healthy eating goals and satisfy your sweet tooth like they do for me!
For more fun no bake desserts, check out our full collection here:
Or check out our full collection of dessert recipes here: