No-Bake Protein Coconut Energy Balls

Prep: 15 minCook: 45 min1 servingsmedium
No-Bake Protein Coconut Energy Balls

Nutrient-dense energy bites combining almonds, dates, and chocolate protein powder with cacao and coconut. No baking required. Process dates and almonds into a base, combine with protein and chocolate ingredients, then roll in coconut flakes and chill. Quick assembly for a protein-rich snack or dessert.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • ½ scoop NuBest Tall Protein Chocolate
    other chocolate protein powder1:1varies by brand

    varies by sweetness and ingredients

  • 1 cup almonds
    mixed nuts1:1vegangluten-freetree_nuts-free

    maintains texture and nutrition

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups dates, pitted
    prunes1:1vegangluten-free

    slightly less sweetness

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder
  • ½ cup water, lukewarm
  • cup coconut flakes
    chopped nuts1:1vegangluten-free

    adds crunch

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
    cacao nibs0.75:1vegangluten-free

    more bitter chocolate flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add dates, almonds, and water to a food processor and grind until combined with small chunks remaining.

  2. 2

    Transfer to a mixing bowl and combine with protein powder, cacao powder, and chocolate chips.

  3. 3

    Mix thoroughly with a spatula until well combined. If dry, add more water.

  4. 4

    Spread coconut flakes on a flat surface.

  5. 5

    Roll mixture into balls and coat by rolling in coconut flakes.

  6. 6

    Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Tips

Tip 1

Start with 0.5 scoop protein powder and add up to 1 scoop based on desired protein content and mixture consistency.

Tip 2

Keep mixture slightly moist during rolling for easier shaping and better coconut adherence.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.

Make Ahead

Prepare through rolling and refrigeration step up to two days in advance.

Serve With

Serve chilled as a snack or dessert.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip the water gradually when mixing to avoid a dry, crumbly mixture that will not hold together.

Watch

Do not over-process dates and almonds initially, as some texture helps the final mixture bind.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

almonds
mixed nuts1:1vegangluten-freetree_nuts-free

maintains texture and nutrition

Full guide →
dates
prunes1:1vegangluten-free

slightly less sweetness

Full guide →
coconut flakes
chopped nuts1:1vegangluten-free

adds crunch

Full guide →
chocolate chips
cacao nibs0.75:1vegangluten-free

more bitter chocolate flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

NuBest Tall Protein Chocolate
other chocolate protein powder1:1varies by brand

varies by sweetness and ingredients

Find more substitutions →