Almond Butter Chocolate Protein Balls

Do you find it hard to resist your favorite candy bars when you’re having a stressful day at work or school? Instead of reaching for that traditional chocolate candy bar filled with refined sugars, try these Almond Butter Chocolate Protein Balls. They are the perfect sweet treat to take with you on the go. I love snacking on them after a good workout! They’re filled with protein, healthy fats and fiber, perfect to keep you energized throughout the day.

Almond Butter Chocolate Protein Balls

SERVES: 25 small balls

EQUIPMENT: food processor, rubber spatula, small cookie scoop

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of almonds (preferably sprouted)
1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
½ cup dates, pitted and roughly chopped
¼ cup water (or more if your dates are really dry)
2 tablespoons cacao powder, unsweetened
2 tablespoons cacao nibs (or extra cacao powder)
½ tablespoon chia seeds
½ tablespoon hemp seeds (or extra chia seeds)
½ teaspoon Maca powder (optional, for a caramel flavor & energy boost)
¼ teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt or sea salt
½ cup buckwheat, soaked overnight and dehydrated until crunchy (or extra almonds, cashews…)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add the almonds to a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Mix until coarsely ground.
2. Add the coconut oil and the dates. Mix until finely ground and well combined.
3. Add the water, cacao powder, cacao nibs, chia seeds, hemp seeds, maca powder and salt. Process again.
4. Finally, add the sprouted buckwheat and pulse to combine. You only want to add this last so it stays crunchy.
5. Shape the dough into small truffles and roll them in goji berry powder, cacao powder, maca powder, dried coconut, crushed cacao nibs… Whatever you’ve got on hand!

JULIE’S TIPS & TRICKS:

• These almond butter chocolate protein balls will stay fresh for at least 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• If you like to have a healthy sweet snack on hand, make a double (or triple) batch of these truffles and store them in the freezer.
• Sprouted buckwheat is a great source of fiber, iron and magnesium. It adds a nice crunchy texture to the protein balls. If you don’t have it at home, you could replace it with almonds, cashews or other nuts/seeds of your choice.
• Chia and hemp seeds are a great source of protein, omega-3-fats and calcium. They contain all essential amino acids your body needs to stay energized, burn fat and build lean muscles.

Now I would love to hear from you! What do you like to snack on when you need a little pick-me-up or when you’re craving something sweet? Let me know by leaving a comment down below.