Who doesn't adore a treat that's as tasty as it is nourishing? Especially when it's chock-full of chocolate and peanut butter, two of the world's most beloved flavors. We've got just the thing: Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls. Not only are they heavenly on your taste buds, but they also serve as the perfect pick-me-up for any time of the day.
Crafted with ingredients such as cacao powder, maple syrup, steel-cut oats, flax seed, and smooth peanut butter, these sweet spheres are guaranteed to fill you up with energy, keep you feeling satisfied, and bring a smile to your face with each bite. The best part? You don't even need an oven to create this lip-smacking goodness.
Looking for more delicious gluten-free treats? Check out some of my other recipes:
- Easy No-Knead Gluten-Free Bread
- Chocolate Covered Pineapple
- The Best Gluten-Free Pear Crumble
- How to Make the Best Oven-Dried Orange Slices
- Top Gluten-Free Cereal Brands for Breakfast
Key Ingredients
My Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls aren't just pretty faces; each ingredient packs a powerful punch. Here's why I've handpicked each one of these for my recipe:
- Cacao Powder: This isn't just your run-of-the-mill cocoa powder. Cacao is less processed, preserving more of its antioxidants and fiber. Plus, it gives our balls a deep, dark chocolatey taste that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
- Maple Syrup: Who said sweet can't be healthy? Maple syrup lends my energy balls a touch of natural sweetness, all the while supplying a range of antioxidants.
- Steel Cut Oats: I love One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Steel Cut Oats for my recipe. Not only are these oats gluten-free, but they're also glyphosate-free. Oats provide a steady release of energy, helping you feel full longer.
- Ground Flax Seed: Flax seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They're little nutritional powerhouses that give my energy balls an extra health kick.
- Vanilla Extract: This ingredient doesn't just make my energy balls taste great, it also has antioxidant properties.
- Smooth Peanut Butter: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, peanut butter is what makes these balls both incredibly delicious and energy-dense.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of creating these delightful chocolate peanut butter energy balls. Roll up your sleeves, and let's dive in.
- Toss all your ingredients - ⅓ cup cacao powder, 1.4 cup maple syrup, 2 cups steel cut oats, ½ cup ground flax seed, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 ½ cups smooth peanut butter - into a food processor.
- Give it a whirl until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Take out your trusty tablespoon scoop and start shaping your energy balls. Make sure they hold together nicely before lining them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Pop them into the fridge, and they're good to go for up to two weeks.
And voila! You've got yourself some chocolate peanut butter protein balls, no protein powder needed. Of course, if you're a protein fanatic, feel free to add up to ½ cup of your favorite protein powder.
FAQs
Q: Can I replace cacao powder with cocoa powder in my peanut butter oatmeal balls no bake recipe? A: You can, but remember that cacao powder has more antioxidants and fiber due to less processing.
Q: Are these peanut butter energy balls healthy? A: Absolutely! They're packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious and satisfying snack option.
Q: How can I add more protein to my chocolate peanut butter protein balls without using protein powder? A: You can add more ground flaxseed or use a high-protein nut butter in place of regular peanut butter.
Q: Can I use dates in my chocolate energy balls? A: Yes, dates would add a lovely, natural sweetness and more fiber to your chocolate energy balls with dates. Just make sure to adjust the other ingredients to maintain the right consistency.
Q: How long do these energy balls last? A: These healthy chocolate energy balls can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Equipment
- Tablespoon Scoop
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Cacao Powder
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- 2 cups Steel Cut Oats gluten-free
- ½ cup Ground Flax Seed
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cups Smooth Peanut Butter
- Optional: up to ½ cup Protein Powder
Instructions
- Combine cacao powder, maple syrup, steel cut oats, ground flax seed, vanilla extract, and smooth peanut butter in a food processor.
- Process until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Use a tablespoon scoop to form the mixture into balls.
- Place these balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Store the balls in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
Adding protein powder is optional. If you wish to increase protein content, you can add up to ½ cup of your preferred protein powder to the recipe.
Store these energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They're perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack.
If you prefer a sweeter energy ball, you can add more maple syrup. Just make sure to adjust the dry ingredients to maintain the right consistency.
