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Low Carb Almond Joy Protein Balls

Prep
30 min
Yield
30 servings
Level
medium
Cuisine
American Ukrainian
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.

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Ingredients

30 servings
  • 1 cup almonds, raw
    mixed nuts1:1sub maintains protein and fat profiletree_nuts-free

    conf:5

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup plant-based protein powder
    whey protein1:1maintains texture and bindingadds dairy

    conf:4

  • ¼ cup cacao powder, unsweetened
  • 1 tbsp stevia extract
    monk fruit sweetener1:1tags:zero-calorie

    similar sweetness profile

    Full guide →
  • tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 5 tbsp honey or maple syrup
    agave nectar1:1tags:vegan

    similar sweetness and binding

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup coconut milk, light, canned
    heavy cream0.75:1richer textureadds dairy

    conf:3

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract, pure
  • ½ cup coconut flakes, unsweetened, plus more for coating

Method

7 steps
  1. 1

    Add almonds, protein powder, cacao powder, stevia extract, and salt to a food processor and process until fine powder forms.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, stir together coconut oil, honey, coconut milk, and vanilla extract.

  3. 3

    Add wet ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth dough forms, stopping to scrape the walls as needed.

  4. 4

    Add coconut flakes and process until combined.

  5. 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. 6

    Alternatively, place coconut flakes in a bag, add balls, and shake to coat.

  7. 7

    Repeat until all dough is used.

Tips

Tip 1

Food processor may need breaks during mixing; 3-5 minutes total is typical.

Tip 2

If dough is too sticky to roll, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before shaping.

Tip 3

For easier coating, place flakes in a sealed bag and shake balls inside rather than rolling by hand.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.

Make Ahead

Prepare dough 1 day ahead and refrigerate; roll and coat on serving day.

Serve With

Serve chilled as a post-workout snack or dessert alternative.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Over-process the wet ingredients to avoid a paste that won't hold shape.

Watch

Skip the break-time between food processor runs to avoid overheating and oily dough.

Watch

Under-coat balls in flakes to avoid insufficient texture and visual appeal.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey
agave nectar1:1tags:vegan

similar sweetness and binding

Full guide →

Nut-Free Alternatives

almonds
mixed nuts1:1sub maintains protein and fat profiletree_nuts-free

conf:5

Full guide →

General Alternatives

plant-based protein powder
whey protein1:1maintains texture and bindingadds dairy

conf:4

coconut milk
heavy cream0.75:1richer textureadds dairy

conf:3

Full guide →
stevia
monk fruit sweetener1:1tags:zero-calorie

similar sweetness profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →