These date almond coconut protein balls are a bite-sized snack made with tasty, energy boosting ingredients.
Protein bites are an easy snack to keep stored in the fridge for whenever hunger hits. They are made with simple ingredients and come together in less than ten minutes.
The coconut and almond combination is drool-worthy and is a wonderful vegan alternative to Kind bars. Also, being bite-sized make them an easy travel or beach snack that is nutrient dense thanks to dates, nuts, and additional protein powder.
Why dates? They are added for natural sweetness and to help the balls stick together. They are also high in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. Hello superfood! Read more about dates here.
Looking for an indulgent treat or dessert? Melt your favorite chocolate and roll or dip the date almond coconut protein balls in. Check out the variation section below for a few ideas! Also be sure to check out these tasty treats;
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Ingredients for date almond coconut protein balls
- Medjool dates
- Coconut flakes / desiccated coconut
- Raw pecans
- Raw almonds
- Vanilla protein powder (I used KOS)
- Himilayan sea salt
- Water
For exact measurements and detailed step-by-step directions, scroll to the recipe card below.
How to make protein balls with dates and almonds
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend/pulse on high for 30 seconds
- Scoop (with a tablespoon or cookie scoop) and roll into balls
- Place in fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove and enjoy! Optional; coat or dip into melted chocolate and/or top with additional coconut, crushed nuts, or hemp seeds.
Substitutions
Sliced almonds: slivered or whole almonds can be used as well. Alternatively, use raw cashews or hazelnuts.
Pecans: walnuts or pistachios can be used instead, however the flavor will change slightly as pecans are naturally sweet and buttery.
Protein powder: I love vanilla protein powder (I used KOS) but any flavor should work. Two tablespoons are enough to give a bit of extra nutrients into the balls, while not overpowering the taste or creating a chalky or powdery texture. Feel free to experiment if you prefer more.
Sea salt: I used pink Himalayan but feel free to swap with your favorite salt.
Variations of date almond coconut protein balls
The protein balls are wonderful as they are, especially for a quick and easy snack. However, if you're looking for a dessert (or a more indulgent snack), dip them in chocolate!
To make chocolate covered protein balls:
- Melt chocolate (semi-sweet, dark, or white) with a bit of coconut oil in the microwave
- Dip / roll balls into the chocolate, place into mini baking cups or onto parchment paper
- Sprinkle with additional coconut shreds, crushed nuts, sea salt, or hemp seeds
- Place balls on a parchment lined plate or in mini muffin cups
- Place back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to harden the chocolate. Remove and enjoy!
These can be stored in the fridge (for up to a week) or in the freezer (for a month or so).
Other ways to enjoy protein bites
- Keep as a crumble and sprinkle a spoonful or two over yogurt bowls or in ice cream
- Make mini balls and enjoy in oatmeal, smoothies, or ice cream
- Roll in additional coconut, crushed nuts, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
- Add to chia seed pudding
Storage tips
Do protein bites have to be refrigerated? Not necessarily, none of the ingredients are required to be refrigerated. However, it does help them stay together and is a cool snack for hot days.
How long do protein bites last in the fridge? 1-2 weeks for optimal taste. I like to store them in a mason jar at home but this also works perfectly for taking them to the office or on-the-go, too!
Are protein bites freezer friendly? Yes! They will last a few months stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
📋 Recipe
Date Almond Coconut Protein Balls
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted (about 8-10 dates)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup pecans
- ½ cup fair-trade coconut shreds
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (I used KOS)
- 2 tablespoons water
- pinch Himalayan sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse on high for 20-30 seconds until a crumble forms.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie/ice cream scoop, scoop out crumble and form into bite-sized balls. Place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill. Remove and enjoy!*optional; before placing in fridge, the balls can be rolled in additional coconut if desired.
- For chocolate dipped or coated protein balls: Add ½ cup chocolate to a microwave safe glass with ½ a teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir well (place back in microwave if needed, watching it carefully so the chocolate doesn't burn). Remove and dip each ball into the chocolate, then place on parchment paper and sprinkle with coconut, crushed nuts, or hemp seeds. Place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before eating. Enjoy!
Notes
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