What I love about Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bites
These GF Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bites have been on rotation in our house for so long! The idea of these little protein bites is absolutely revolutionary. Whoever came up with them is a genius. I mean, how many times do we get home from work and just need dinner like RIGHT NOW because we’re so hungry. Well, these protein bites were made for those times! When you just need to grab something quick to curb your appetite while you prepare dinner or running from here to there, these are great to have on hand.
Not only do these GF Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bites solve a problem, but they’re delicious! There is no refined sugar in them too; they are primarily sweetened with dates and a little maple syrup. And, of course they are also gluten-free. They have so many nutritious ingredients from chia seeds to protein powder to give your body the boost that it needs … and a few chocolate chunks for fun because, why not!
Recipe Notes
A few things to keep in mind:
- Oats – I like to use sprouted oats when possible for easier digestion and absorption in the gut. I recommend large-flake, rolled or old-fashioned oats for this recipe.
- Almond butter – You can use any kind of nut butter here, but I love the combo of almond butter and chocolate. So tasty! I also recommend using a smooth nut butter as opposed to a chunky nut butter.
- Protein powder – This recipe calls for unflavoured/plain protein powder. I find vanilla protein powders can taste a little artificial. If all you have is vanilla protein powder it can work but the protein bites may be a bit sweeter. If you are going to use vanilla protein powder, you can omit the vanilla extract.
- Coconut – Coconut also pairs so deliciously with chocolate! I added it for extra texture and flavour. I recommend using unsweetened, shredded or desiccated coconut for this recipe.
- Hemp hearts – I also love to add hemp hearts for protein and other nutrients like omega-3s. Be sure to use hemp hearts, not hemp seeds.
The Steps
Step 1: Break down the dates.
Add the dates to a food processor and process on low until the dates are just broken down into small pea-sized pieces.
Step 2: Break down the oats.
Add the oats to the food processor along with the dates and process again on low until the oats are just broken down, but not as far as into oat flour.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients.
Add the almond butter, maple syrup, chocolate, coconut, vanilla and salt to the food processor and process until completely combined. Transfer the mixture in a medium-sized bowl.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients.
Add the protein powder, chia seeds and hemp hearts to the bowl with the protein bite mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Sometimes, I have to get in there with my hands and mix it so that everything is evenly dispersed.
Step 5: Scoop into balls.
Using a cookie scoop, make 13 protein bites and store them in an air-tight container in the fridge until needed!
FAQ:
Other nut butters that I would recommend substituting for almond butter are peanut butter and cashew butter. Both would be delicious. You can really use any kind of nut or seed butter for this recipe, but it will alter the flavour.
Yes, you can although it will make the protein bites sweeter than intended, since flavoured protein powders are sweetened. I like to use plain whey protein powder because I find it doesn’t taste as artificial, but you can definitely use chocolate or vanilla. Vegan protein powders work fine as well.
I recommend storing them in the fridge and they will last fresh for about a week in there. As time goes on they may start to dry out. I haven’t really let it get to that point since we go through a batch within a week, easy!
Honey or agave would work as well if you don’t have maple syrup.
Yes, although I would reduce the amount of chocolate chips or coconut listed in the recipe then. If you just add more mix-ins, there won’t be enough wet ingredients for them to stick to.
Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Bites
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
Ingredients
- 8 pitted dates
- 1 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded or desiccated coconut
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 scoop unflavoured/plain whey protein powder (about 5 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts
Instructions
- Add the dates to a food processor and pulse a few times until they are broken down into small pieces. Add the oats and pulse again until they're slightly broken down as well.
- Then, add the almond butter, maple syrup, chocolate chunks, shredded coconut, vanilla extract and salt and process on low speed until everything is combined and mixed into one large ball. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the protein powder, chia seeds and hemp hearts to the bowl with the other ingredients and mix with your hands until everything is combined.
- Using a small cookie scoop, make 18 protein balls, squeezing and compressing with your hands to make them firm and compact.
- Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply