Why I Love This Recipe
These No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are the perfect healthy treat when you’re craving something indulgent without the guilt! With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these fudgy, protein-packed fat bombs in no time. They combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into one delightful snack that is low-carb, keto-friendly, and even paleo, vegan, and gluten-free! Plus, they’re a great on-the-go snack, packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you full and satisfied. They’re the ultimate quick dessert or snack for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 40 Balls
Calories per Ball: 54 kcal
Net Carbs per Ball: 2g
Ingredients
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter (or any smooth nut or seed butter of choice)
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup sticky sweetener of choice (see notes)
- 2 cups sugar-free chocolate chips (see notes)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Tray:
Line a large plate or tray with parchment paper. Set aside. - Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut flour, and sweetener. Stir until fully combined. If the mixture feels too thick and crumbly, slowly add a bit of liquid (such as water or milk) to achieve a thick but moldable consistency. - Form the Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the parchment-lined tray. Continue until all the mixture has been rolled into balls. - Freeze:
Freeze the peanut butter protein balls for 10 minutes to allow them to firm up. - Melt the Chocolate:
While the balls are freezing, melt your sugar-free chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Stir frequently to avoid burning. - Coat the Balls in Chocolate:
Once the peanut butter balls are firm, remove them from the freezer. Use two forks to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are completely coated. Repeat this process for all the balls. - Refrigerate:
Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set. - Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is firm, your No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are ready to enjoy! They make the perfect snack or treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Nut Butter: You can easily substitute the peanut butter for any smooth nut or seed butter, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each one brings a slightly different flavor, but they all work perfectly in this recipe!
- Sweetener Options: I use a monk fruit sweetened maple syrup for a low-carb option, but you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. Keep in mind that using a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey (not strictly vegan) will make the mixture a bit looser, so you may need to add a touch more coconut flour to get the right consistency.
- Chocolate Coating Tip: If you prefer a thicker chocolate coating, you can double-dip the protein balls after the first coat of chocolate has set. Just place them back in the fridge to harden after each dip.
Notes
- No Peanut Butter? If you’re looking for a peanut-free version, simply use any other nut or seed butter that suits your dietary needs. Sunflower seed butter is a great option for those avoiding peanuts.
- Storage: These keto protein balls can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days. However, for longer freshness and to prevent them from becoming too soft, refrigerate them. These fat bombs are also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of sugar-free ones?
Yes! If you’re not following a keto diet, you can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer. Simply melt them and proceed with the recipe as directed.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These protein balls store well in the fridge for several days, or you can freeze them for future snacks. They’re perfect for meal prep!
3. What if I don’t have coconut flour?
Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so substituting it with another flour might alter the consistency. If you must substitute, try almond flour as a 1:1 replacement, though the texture may vary slightly.
4. How do I make these vegan?
The recipe is already vegan as long as you use a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener and choose a vegan chocolate option. Ensure that the chocolate chips are labeled dairy-free to keep the recipe fully vegan.
These Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, all while being low-carb and packed with protein. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an after-dinner treat, these fat bombs deliver both flavor and satisfaction