Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls (Printable)

No-bake chocolate peanut butter energy balls with protein powder, oats, and maple syrup. Ready in 15 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup rolled oats, certified gluten-free
02 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
04 - 1/4 cup plant-based protein powder, vanilla or chocolate flavor
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
07 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, protein powder, and sea salt.
02 - In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
03 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms.
04 - If the mixture is too dry, add non-dairy milk one teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together.
05 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough to form 16 balls.
06 - Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
07 - Transfer cooled balls to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're genuinely no-bake, meaning you can make a whole batch while your coffee brews.
  • The texture is that perfect balance between chewy and slightly crumbly that makes you want to eat three in a row.
  • One ball actually satisfies a chocolate craving without the guilt that usually follows.
02 -
  • The first time I made these without chilling them, they fell apart the second I picked one up—thirty minutes in the fridge is the bare minimum, not a suggestion.
  • I once tried using cocoa powder that had sugar already mixed in, and the balls turned out weirdly grainy; unsweetened is the only way to get that silky texture.
03 -
  • Room temperature peanut butter mixes into the maple syrup infinitely faster than cold peanut butter straight from the fridge.
  • These are perfect for meal prep because they're portion-controlled and grab-and-go, making them ideal for anyone who actually wants to eat something nutritious instead of reaching for the vending machine.
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