Description
These dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free protein balls are a creamy, fudgy, no-bake snack made with just five simple ingredients. They provide a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, offering a healthy energy boost without refined sugars.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (stirred well)
- ½ cup Medjool dates (pitted)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- If dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Pit the dates using a small knife.
- Add oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds (if using), and salt to a food processor. Pulse until the oats resemble coarse sand.
- Add peanut butter, pitted dates, and vanilla extract to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture clumps together.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water or dairy-free milk. If too wet, add a tablespoon of oats. The dough should hold together when squeezed.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between palms to form balls. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Alternatively, freeze for 15 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Use natural peanut butter with no added oils or sugars. Ensure dates are soft; if dry, soak them first. Chill thoroughly before serving for the best fudgy texture. These freeze well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: protein balls, no-bake, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, healthy snack, peanut butter, chocolate, meal prep