Energising Chocolate Protein Balls
Including oats in this recipe ensures a balanced nutritious snack making them not only perfect if you’re out of time for breakfast but also a versatile snack throughout the day, whether you’re in need of a pick-me-up mid-afternoon or you’re craving a sweet treat at the end of your evening meal, these little energising protein balls will hit the spot! The variations are endless, but I always like to use raw cacao for an indulgent chocolate fix and “feelgood” factor – know what I mean?! These anti-inflammatory protein balls are rich in flavanols, Omega-3s and provide plenty of antioxidants that protect against free-radical damage. They will keep in the fridge for a week or so (if they last that long!) as well as the freezer, making them a perfect snack to grab at the beginning of the day for later.
Ingredients
To make these Bliss Balls, you’ll need….
- 50 g almonds whole or ground
- 50 g cashews whole
- 100 g pitted dried dates can use mixture of dates and dried figs
- 30 g raw cacao
- 30 g chia seeds
- 60 g oats
- 85 g coconut oil
- 2-3 tbsp vanilla extract
- desiccated coconut – for coating optional
Instructions
Here’s how…
- If using whole almonds and cashews, start by blending them in a food processor to a coarse texture. Then add the dates along with all the other ingredients and pulse until well combined and finely blended.
- Start by adding 2 tbsp coconut oil to bind the mixture. If it is still crumbly and difficult to form into a ball after combining, use a little more. I usually have to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times to ensure the mixture is well combined and a good consistency.
- They are now ready to roll into small balls. Put the dessicated coconut onto a small shallow plate and roll each ball around until fully coated.
- Refrigerate for a firmer texture for an hour before serving.
Notes
Variations:
- Use dried apricots instead of dates for a more tangy, less sweet ball.
- For a smoother texture, you can leave out the oats.
- Replace the oats with shredded coconut
- Add ground cinnamon or ground ginger for a spicy alternative