Dark Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake, Low Carb)

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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.

Why You'll Love These Chocolate Protein Balls

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

top view of dark chocolate protein balls

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 rich chocolate protein powder. 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 type.
cacao powder: I used an organic cacao powder, but cocoa powder will work too
salt: to enhance the flavor. I use Himalayan pink salt in all of my recipes.
sunflower seed butter: I used unsweetened 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

ingredients in dark chocolate protein balls

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.

FAQ

Do I have to use pea protein?

I have only tested this recipe using Nuzest's 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?

I choose Nuzest protein over other pea proteins because of taste and texture and the fact that it's made without fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors.

It's paleo and vegan friendly since it's made without grains, gluten, dairy and refined sugar. I also love that 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.

Lastly, the peas are grown in France and are free of pesticides and herbicides - grown with organic farming practices

Do you have a 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.

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