These Brownie Batter Protein Balls are a yummy treat you can feel good about! Packed with protein, they taste just like brownie batter but without the guilt.
Making them is a breeze—just mix, chill, and snack! I love popping a few in my bag for a quick bite during the day. Who said healthy can’t be delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: This ingredient gives a nice texture and nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have it on hand, try using oat flour or all-purpose flour as a substitute. Just know that it might change the taste a bit!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that brownie taste. You could swap it with dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor, or use carob powder if you want a caffeine-free option.
Protein Powder: Chocolate protein powder pairs well with the other flavors, but if you prefer vanilla, that’s fine too. You can also use plant-based protein if you’re looking for a vegan option; just check if it works well in baking.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds a lovely taste, but honey works just as well. If you need a sugar-free alternative, consider using agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener that measures like sugar.
Nut Butters: Almond butter is my choice for its creamy texture, but peanut butter will also work well. You can even use sunbutter if you need a nut-free option!
How Do I Get the Right Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough just right is key to rolling these protein balls smoothly. You want it thick but still sticky. Start with a well-mixed dry and wet combo. If it feels dry at any point, adding almond milk bit by bit helps bring it together.
- Keep mixing until there are no dry spots.
- Add milk slowly, just one tablespoon at a time. This lets you avoid turning it into a runny blob!
- Don’t worry if it feels a little messy; that’s normal. Use your hands to roll them into balls—it helps them stick better.
How to Make Brownie Batter Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
Optional:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So in total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty snack balls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Add in your almond flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, and salt. Mix everything together really well to make sure there are no clumps left behind. A whisk works great for this!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the maple syrup (or honey), almond butter (or peanut butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is nicely combined and smooth. This will add some sweetness and richness to your protein balls!
3. Create the Dough:
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until you create a thick and sticky dough. If it feels too dry, don’t worry! Just add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a nice, workable consistency.
4. Add Optional Chocolate Chips:
If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in the chocolate chips at this stage. This step is totally optional, but who can resist more chocolate?
5. Roll Into Balls:
Wash your hands and take small amounts of the dough to roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. You can wet your hands a bit to keep the dough from sticking too much.
6. Chill and Store:
Place the rolled protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps them set up nicely! Once they are firm, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Brownie Batter Protein Balls anytime you want a snack or post-workout treat!
Can I Substitute Almond Flour with Another Flour?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have almond flour, you can use oat flour or all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly. If using all-purpose flour, you may need to adjust the amount depending on consistency.
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey works great as a substitute. For a vegan option, consider agave syrup or brown rice syrup. Just remember that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Add Other Add-ins to the Protein Balls?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate. Just keep the overall wet and dry balance in mind to maintain the right consistency. Enjoy customizing them to your taste!
