High-Protein Chocolate Energy Balls

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If you’re a chocolate lover looking for a protein-packed snack that actually satisfies, these high-protein chocolate energy balls are about to be your new go-to. They’ve got everything—rich cocoa flavor, a fudgy texture, and a nice dose of plant-based protein to help keep you going. I like making a batch at the beginning of the week and grabbing one (or two) when I need a quick snack that feels more like dessert than a health food.

No baking, no fuss—just mix, roll, and chill. Let’s get into it.

What You Need

These energy balls come together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and you can easily tweak them depending on what you like or have on hand.

Start with ¾ cup of nut butter. I love using creamy peanut butter for a classic chocolate–peanut combo, but almond butter gives it a slightly lighter, nuttier vibe. Just make sure it’s a smooth variety—not one of those extra-runny ones—so your mixture holds up well.

Next, add ¼ cup of agave or maple syrup. Either one works great, giving you a natural sweetness that blends perfectly with the cocoa. Agave is a little more neutral in flavor, while maple adds a cozy depth.

Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that warm, bakery-style background note that makes chocolate taste even better.

For the base, you’ll need ½ cup of quick oats. These soften quickly and help everything hold together without making the mixture too dense.

Add ⅓ cup of chocolate protein powder for a plant-powered boost. It gives these energy balls their high-protein punch and deepens the chocolate flavor.

To really drive home the chocolate factor, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Go with the amount based on how rich you want them—2 tablespoons for a milder flavor, 3 if you want that intense, brownie-like vibe.

Then toss in 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds. Not only do they add fiber and healthy fats, but they also help bind everything together without changing the flavor.

A small ¼ teaspoon of salt rounds it all out. It enhances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate beautifully.

Finally, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for little pockets of melty goodness in every bite. I usually go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, but any kind will do.

Depending on your mixture, you might need 1–2 tablespoons of milk to help bring it all together. Use plant-based milk if you’d like to keep it dairy-free. Just add it a little at a time—you want the dough to be soft and pliable, not wet.

Tool Requirements

Nothing fancy needed here:

• A medium mixing bowl to stir everything together.
• A spoon or silicone spatula to mix the dough (it’ll be thick).
• Your hands or a small cookie scoop to roll them into balls.
• A plate or tray to chill them on before storing.

Easy cleanup, zero cooking required.

Preparation Instructions

Start by mixing the nut butter, agave or maple syrup, and vanilla extract together in your bowl until smooth and fully combined.

Next, add the oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, flax seeds, and salt. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the dough starts to come together.

If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk—just enough to help the dough hold its shape. If it ends up too sticky, add a few extra oats or a pinch more protein powder.

Once the texture is right, fold in the chocolate chips. It should be thick, slightly sticky, and easy to roll.

Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the dough into bite-sized balls. Set them on a plate or tray and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Storage Tips

Once the energy balls are firm, transfer them to an airtight container.

Keep them in the fridge for up to a week—they’ll stay nice and chewy without drying out.

If you want to stash some for later, they also freeze well. Just store them in a sealed container or freezer bag and they’ll last for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temp for a few minutes before eating, or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for an extra-soft treat.

High-Protein Chocolate Energy Balls

These high-protein chocolate energy balls are the perfect no bake vegan snack to power you through your day. Rich, chocolatey, and wholesome, they double as an easy, healthy vegan dessert you’ll love reaching for again and again.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 energy balls

Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ¾ cup nut butter creamy peanut or almond butter; avoid runny types
• ¼ cup agave syrup or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup quick oats
• ⅓ cup chocolate protein powder
• 2 –3 tbsp cocoa powder adjust for desired richness
• 2 tbsp ground flax seeds
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark recommended
• 1 –2 tbsp plant-based milk as needed, for texture

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, mix the nut butter, syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Add oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, flax seeds, and salt. Stir until well combined.
• If too dry, add 1–2 tbsp of milk. If too sticky, add more oats or a pinch of protein powder.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Roll mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1–1½ inches).
• Place on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 5gFat: 7g

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.