VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS

Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Energy Balls (Only 5 Ingredients, No Bake)

If you have a sweet tooth like I do, these protein energy balls will be your secret weapon for keeping those sugar cravings away. They’re the perfect healthy midday snack, quick breakfast, or to fuel your workout.

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats

• 1/4 cup hemp hearts

• 1 cup peanut butter or almond butter

• 12 Medjool dates (pitted) 

• 1/4 cup vegan mini chocolate chips

METHOD

1. Add all the ingredients EXCEPT the mini chocolate chips to a food processor. Be sure to add them in the order I have them listed. This will help keep the dates from getting sticky and clumping together.

2. Process ingredients until well combined, about 2 minutes. It should look like a thick oatmeal cookie dough consistency. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times.

3. Remove the blade from the food processor and stir in the chocolate chips with a spoon.

4. Using clean hands, roll dough into bite-sized 1 inch balls. They should weigh about 18 grams each. Put them on a cookie sheet and place in the fridge to chill for about an hour. ENJOY!!!

Makes about 32 bite-sized energy balls

NOTES:

1. If your Medjool dates aren’t pitted, simply remove the pit first by tearing the dates in half with your fingers and pull out the pit.

2. If your Medjool dates aren’t soft, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften and pat dry.

3. Store energy balls in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. My favorite vegan chocolate chip brand is the Enjoy brand.

5. For a nut-free version you can use sunflower butter.