Dark Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake, Low Carb)

These dark chocolate protein balls are the perfect no bake, high protein snack or dessert. They're made with pea protein, cocoa powder and sunbutter and are Paleo and Vegan friendly. This low carb chocolate protein ball recipe is just what you need to satisfy those sweet cravings while keeping your sugar intake low.

If you know me, you know I love my low carb, high protein desserts... mostly in the form of protein balls or bars because they're easy to make and store well in the freezer.

Not too long ago, I shared a recipe for dark chocolate protein bars. But it wasn't until recently that I realized I was missing a paleo chocolate protein ball recipe on my blog - fixed that asap!

These no bake protein balls are super easy to make and it's easy to eat a handful in one sitting. They are not very sweet, but still satisfy my sweet tooth.

Recipe Highlights

• Paleo & Vegan friendly
• Made with Nuzest pea protein: a high quality protein powder that is gut friendly, free of common allergens, is regularly tested for heavy metals and does not contain fillers or additives. (My discount code BAKEITPALEO gets you 15% off.)
• Nut free: made without peanuts or nuts and instead uses sunflower seed butter
• Gluten and grain free: no oats, no flour
• No added sugar: this recipe is only sweetened with the protein powder and chocolate in the dark chocolate coating
• No bake: these protein balls don't require any baking - perfect for a quick summer treat

Ingredients in Chocolate Protein Balls

Fewer than 10 ingredients are needed to make these paleo protein balls. Here's a list of what you need:

• pea protein powder: I used Nuzest clean lean vanilla protein powder. Their chocolate would be a great substitution. I have not tried any other protein powders, but most should work as a replacement. Just note: pea protein is very absorbent, so ingredient measurements may change if you're using a different brand.
• cocoa powder: I used an organic dutched cocoa powder, but any variety will work
• salt: to enhance the flavor. I use Himalayan pink salt in all of my recipes.
• sunflower seed butter: I used Sunbutter. May be substituted with any creamy nut or seed butter
• vanilla extract: optional, but added for flavor
• water: to thin the dough
• dark chocolate: optional, for the chocolate coating
• coconut oil: optional, thins the chocolate for the coating
• flaked sea salt: optional topping

Nuzest Pea Protein Powder

Do you have to use pea protein?

Well, I have only tested this recipe using Nuzest's vanilla pea protein (any of the Nuzest flavors will work), but most protein powders should work as a replacement.

The important thing to note is that pea protein is quite absorbent. Swapping this protein powder for something like whey protein will give you quite different results. You may have to add more protein powder to the recipe and/or remove the water from the ingredient list.

What's so great about Nuzest's protein powder?

Why do I like Nuzest's pea protein over any other brand? Because of the high quality standards they hold themselves to and the fact that their protein actually tastes good.

I've been using Nuzest protein powder for years. It's one of my top protein powder brands based off of taste, texture and quality.

Here's what you need to know:

• Vegan and Paleo friendly: no grains, no gluten, no dairy, no refined sugar
• easy to digest: it's processed using a low-heat, enzymatic isolation process (which is functionally very similar to fermenting or sprouting) and this effectively removes most of the phytate, lectins, saponins, and trypsin inhibitors that are associated with legumes.
• free of fillers, additives and artificial sweeteners
• tested for microbial activity, allergens and heavy metals
• certified gluten free and non GMO
• Peas grown in France and are free of pesticides and herbicides - grown with organic farming practices

I consider this one of the "cleanest" protein powders out there.  It's one I feel safe eating regularly and giving to my kids.  Plus, I love the taste.

Nuzest Discount Code

I have an affiliate discount code for Nuzest's protein powder. You can use the code BAKEITPALEO to get 15% off of any purchase.

How to Make Chocolate Protein Balls

This protein ball recipe doesn't require much work. The filling is made in one bowl, frozen for 30 minutes and then dipped in melted dark chocolate. Here's what you need to do:

Make the Filling

First, combine all dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl.

Add in the wet ingredients and mix first with a spatula, then use your hands to knead the dough. Note: if you're using a different protein powder then I recommend adding the water last - you may not need it.

Roll the dough into balls about one tablespoon in size. Place them on a small baking sheet or large plate.

Freeze the Filling

Next, freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes. This step is important if you want to dip the balls in dark chocolate. If you don't want the chocolate coating, then skip this step and go straight to eating! 😉

Coat Balls in Dark Chocolate

In a small sauce pan, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil over low heat, stirring frequently. Once fully melted, grab the protein balls from the freezer.

One at a time, dip the protein balls in to the dark chocolate. Place the dipped balls on a sheet of parchment paper to set.

Drizzle any extra chocolate over the protein balls and top with flaked sea salt.

Storage

These vegan chocolate protein balls need to kept in the fridge or freezer. Place them in an air tight baggie or container and keep them up to two weeks in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

More Recipes Using Pea Protein

• Healthy Vanilla Protein Waffles
• Vegan Banana Protein Bread
• Homemade Protein Snickers
• Birthday Cake Protein Bars

Enjoy!

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