These Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls are the most easy protein snack to make in less than 20 minutes.
Plus, they are also refined sugar-free, packed with 8.5 grams of protein per serving for an easy grab-and-go protein treat.
You might have already tried some of my many protein ball recipes, like my Low Calorie Protein Balls, Vegan Protein Balls, or Banana Protein Balls, but this is the first chocolate coconut energy ball recipe.
Chocolate and coconut are made to be together, and if you like healthy snacking, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Ingredients and Substitutions
All you need to whip a batch of this chocolate coconut protein ball recipes are:
- Shredded Coconut – I use unsweetened coconut to avoid added sugar.
- Cashew Butter – This is the best nut butter for this recipe because it has a neutral flavor that won’t be too overpowering or hide the coconut chocolate flavors. Of course, if you don’t mind the taste of almonds or peanuts, try peanut butter or almond butter.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – sweetened cocoa powder brings too much sweetness for the maple syrup.
- Maple Syrup or any liquid sweetener like brown rice syrup or agave syrup.
- Vanilla Extract – for flavors.
- Coconut Milk – Canned or packaged, both options work great. The unsweetened packaged coconut milk has fewer calories and less fat.
- Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut to roll the protein balls.
How To Make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
It’s so simple to make protein balls, and so much cheaper than store-bought protein balls.
Preparation
- In a food processor, using the S blade attachment, blend cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder (photo 1). The mixture will be thick, and a bit dry that’s normal.
- Add in 3 tablespoons of coconut milk and shredded coconut (photo 2). If the batter is too dry, add the extra tablespoon of coconut milk and process again.
- Blend again until the ingredients combine into a moist, sticky chocolate mixture. If it gets difficult to blend, scrape down the sides of the bowl using a silicone spatula and repeat until all the ingredients are well combined into a moist chocolate mixture.
Add-Ons
Now, feel free to add more ingredients to the bowl of the food processor for texture or a boost of proteins, like 1/3 cup of:
- Chocolate Chips
- Hemp Heart – These are packed with healthy fats and lots of proteins. It’s the best addition to these energy bites if you want to boost their protein content.
- Sunflower Seeds
- Rolled Oats – This dries out the mixture. You may want to add a few extra tablespoons of coconut milk to make the batter soft and moist again.
Pulse a few times to incorporate the add-ons evenly.
Rolling The Balls
- First, place the unsweetened desiccated coconut in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out some batter and release it to your lightly greased hands (photo 3).
- Roll into a ball between the palms of your hands (photo 4).
- Roll the energy ball into unsweetened desiccated coconut if you like to coat the protein bites (photo 5).
- Place each prepared ball onto a large airtight container or plate (photo 6). Repeat until all the batter has been turned into balls.
Storage Instructions
These coconut protein balls are perfect to meal prep a week of healthy snacks packed with plant-based proteins.
- Store the balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 6 days.
- You can place the protein balls in freezer bags and keep them for one month in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Allergy Swaps
Below are some ingredient substitutions if you need them.
- Gluten-Free – The recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Nut-Free – Swap the cashew butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Cocoa-Free – Use vanilla protein powder and carob powder instead of cocoa powder.
- Sugar-Free – Feel free to use a sugar-free syrup for this recipe and select a low-carb protein powder of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to your most common questions about this protein ball recipe.
If you have a sweet tooth, protein balls are better than a cookie or muffin to snack on.
It contains fewer calories, keeps you fuller, and lasts longer because of the amount of proteins and healthy fats.
Most energy balls are healthy if made from wholesome ingredients like dates, nuts, and seeds. If you buy store-bought energy balls, select some brands with no additives and refined sugar-free.
Protein balls usually contain an average of 150 kcal or up to 200 kcal if more proteins are added.
More Energy Balls
If you like energy balls, you’ll love these:
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Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup Shredded Coconut
- ½ cup Cashew Butter
- ½ cup Chocolate Protein Powder
- 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 3 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3-4 tablespoons Coconut Milk
Optional Add-Ons
- ⅓ cup Hemp Hearts - or chocolate chips
To roll the protein balls
Instructions
- In a food processor with the S-blade attachment, add cashew butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and protein powder.
- Process until it comes together into a thick mixture – it might look dry, and that's normal.
- Add 3 tablespoons coconut milk and shredded coconut and process again to incorporate. You may have to scrape down the sides of the bowl to bring the mixture next to the blade.
- If it is too dry, add the extra coconut milk and process to incorporate.
- Add the chocolate chips or seeds if used, and pulse a few times to incorporate.
- Lightly grease your hands – the batter is sticky and that's normal, grab 1 1/2 tablespoons of batter, and roll it into protein balls.
- Roll the ball into unsweetened desiccated coconut to coat.
Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 5-6 days in an airtight container or 1 month in the freezer in freezer bags.
Nutrition
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Not sure what happened but I ended up with one sticky, incohesive mess! I added about half a cup of rolled oats and 1 tbsp Chia seeds and this greatly helped! With these modifications I will make this recipe again. I love chocolate coconut combo!
The dough should be sticky indeed, but if you grease your hand with a bit of coconut oil, easy to roll into ball without adding any extra ingredients