Low Carb Almond Joy Protein Balls
No-bake protein balls combining almonds, plant-based protein powder, and cacao with coconut milk and honey, rolled in unsweetened coconut flakes. Naturally sweetened with stevia, these energy bites offer a low-carb take on the classic candy bar flavor with balanced macros from almonds and protein powder.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds, raw
- 1 cup plant-based protein powderwhey protein1:1maintains texture and bindingadds dairy
conf:4
- ¼ cup cacao powder, unsweetened
- 1 tbsp stevia extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 5 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut milk, light, canned
- 2 tsp vanilla extract, pure
- ½ cup coconut flakes, unsweetened, plus more for coating
Instructions
- 1
Add almonds, protein powder, cacao powder, stevia extract, and salt to a food processor and process until fine powder forms.
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together coconut oil, honey, coconut milk, and vanilla extract.
- 3
Add wet ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth dough forms, stopping to scrape the walls as needed.
- 4
Add coconut flakes and process until combined.
- 5
Place coconut flakes on a plate, scoop golf ball-sized portions of dough, roll into balls with your hands, and coat in the flakes.
- 6
Alternatively, place coconut flakes in a bag, add balls, and shake to coat.
- 7
Repeat until all dough is used.
Tips
Food processor may need breaks during mixing; 3-5 minutes total is typical.
If dough is too sticky to roll, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before shaping.
For easier coating, place flakes in a sealed bag and shake balls inside rather than rolling by hand.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
Prepare dough 1 day ahead and refrigerate; roll and coat on serving day.
Serve chilled as a post-workout snack or dessert alternative.
Common Mistakes
Over-process the wet ingredients to avoid a paste that won't hold shape.
Skip the break-time between food processor runs to avoid overheating and oily dough.
Under-coat balls in flakes to avoid insufficient texture and visual appeal.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
conf:4