No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Energy Balls
These peanut butter cup energy balls have a truffle-like texture, a salty and crunchy peanut coating, and all the rich chocolatey flavor you want in a sweet treat. They're naturally sweetened with a little protein boost, making them a great on-the-go snack
Servings: 18 balls
Equipment
- food processor
- measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted about 6-8 dates
- ⅓ cup all-natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons protein powder*
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Crunchy Peanut Coating
- ⅓-1/2 cup salted and roasted peanuts, crushed
Instructions
- Soak dates: Remove the pits from the dates if needed and add them to a bowl. Cover with hot water and set aside for 10 minutes until soft.
- Combine and pulse: Add the peanut butter, protein powder, cacao powder, vanilla, salt, and water to a food processor. Drain the dates and add them as well. Pulse until smooth, about 20 seconds.
- Roll into balls: using a tablespoon, scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Repeat until the batter is gone, getting about 16–20 balls.
- Coat: crush about ⅓-1/2 cup of peanuts and add to a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the crushed peanuts until fully coated, then place on a plate or parchment-lined board.
- Chill: Place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or until set.
Notes
I've tested this with unflavored pea protein and vanilla protein powder. Both work well; use your favorite. Depending on your protein powder thickness, you may need to add a bit more water. If the mixture is too dry to roll, add water half a teaspoon at a time. If it's too sticky, add a little more protein powder or cacao.