A protein-packed snack, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls are easy to make, are naturally gluten-free and double has a healthy vegan dessert.
Back when I first went gluten-free, one of the things I struggled with most (and honestly still do), was snacks. Most granola bars were using gluten at the time, there weren't very many healthy options and I got majorly sick of carrots and hummus.
Nowadays it's definitely better, in terms of what you can find at the store, BUT it's also super simple to make healthy, energizing snacks at home.
Which is exactly what we're doing today! These are my Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls and they are incredible. Packed with amazing ingredients, super simple to make, and taste like a cross between a peanut butter cup and cookie dough!
For the energy balls you just need 7 ingredients and about 5 minutes to whip them up!
We're starting with Medjool dates which are what helps give the balls a sticky consistency, while also making them sweet. Medjool dates are amazing because they're high in iron, magnesium and B vitamins.
But Medjool dates are also fairly high in sugar which is why it's important that we pair them with healthy fats, protein and fiber.
The reason for this is because we don't want to have a pure carbohydrate without balancing it out with another macro. When we consume carbohydrates, they quickly convert to sugar inside of our body, spiking our blood sugar levels. But when we add them with fat, protein (and also fiber), that conversion process is slowed down and it keeps our blood sugar more level and consistent.
I actually reformulated this recipe (which was originally posted back in 2011), to include even more sources of healthy fat and protein.
These peanut butter energy balls have almonds, peanut butter, flaxseed meal and chia seeds, all of which are packed with healthy fats, but also contain protein. And bonus points for flax and chia for also containing omega-3 fatty acids!
And for an extra kick of fiber? We've got some rolled oats!
If you've never made energy balls before, you're going to love how simple they are. You basically just toss it all in a food processor, whizz it up until it forms a dough, roll them into balls and D-O-N-E!
I personally like to store my energy balls in the freezer; the texture when they're chilled is almost like decadent fudge. So good!
So let's recap why these peanut butter energy balls are so great…
Naturally gluten-free
Vegan
High protein
Packed with healthy fats & fiber
Use just 7 ingredients
Come together in about 5 minutes
And taste incredible!
How can you go wrong with a snack that's super healthy, and also tastes like a dessert? Answer: you can't!
You need to make these because I know they're going to become a constant in your snack rotation! Make sure to share a photo with me on Instagram when you do ❤ tag @simplyquinoa or #simplyquinoa so I can see!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also try my Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls.
xo
More Energy Ball Flavors To Try!
- Carrot Cake Bites
- Mango Coconut Energy Balls
- Lemon Blueberry Energy Balls
- Cherry Pie Energy Balls
- Golden Milk Energy Balls
- No-Bake Healthy Pumpkin Spice Truffles
- Coconut Chai Protein Quinoa Energy Bites
- Healthy Cake Batter Energy Bites
- Dark Chocolate Quinoa Truffles
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates about 8
- 1/2 cup almonds or nuts/seeds of choice
- 1/2 cup oats quick or classic rolled
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate chips of choice
- 1 – 2 tablespoons water as needed
Instructions
- Process the dates, almonds, oats and flax in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the peanut butter and pulse until a dough starts to form.
- Add the chia seeds and pulse to combine, adding water, 1 tablespoons at a time, until the dough starts to come together and you can form it into balls with your hands. Pulse in the chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them in the freezer until set, about 10 minutes.
- Store balls in the freezer for the best texture.
Video
Nutrition
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