If you love the taste of chocolate and coffee, you must try this chocolate coffee protein balls recipe.
Chocolate coffee protein balls are packed with healthy fat, fiber, and protein — and they’re easy to make!
The basic recipe for protein balls is quite simple. You only need some dry ingredients (like oats, nuts, and protein powder) and a sticky ingredient to hold the protein balls together (like dates, honey, or maple syrup).
You can also add other ingredients like:
- Chia, flax, etc. to boost the nutrition
- Fruit, cocoa powder, etc. to boost the flavor
Ingredients:
- Chocolate protein powder
- Oats
- Walnuts
- Cold brew coffee
- Dates
- Chia seeds
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
Method:
Once you have all your ingredients, you must combine them in a food processor. Process for about 20 seconds, or until the mixture starts to clump together. Then, roll them into balls, and store them in the fridge for up to four days.
Coffee Protein Balls Health Benefits
The ingredients in these coffee protein balls offer many health benefits, including:
Protein Powder
I don’t use protein powder regularly, but I always keep some for making snacks like coffee protein balls and baking. Protein is a macronutrient that provides a satiating effect, which can help you feel full longer.
Oats
This whole grain is a good source of soluble fiber. This fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Walnuts
This nut contains high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Walnut is also a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants.
Cold Brew Coffee
Despite the bad reputation, coffee has beneficial effects when consumed moderately. Consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine, about four to five cups of coffee, per day seems to be safe for most healthy adults. In addition, cold brew coffee is prepared differently, which makes it less acidic and less bitter.
You may also be interested in reading our guide on how to make cold brew coffee at home.
Dates
Dates serve as the sweetener in this recipe. Dates are a concentrated source of natural sugars but contain other nutrients like antioxidants and fiber, which offer many health benefits.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a good source of healthy fats and fiber. They also add an extra layer of texture to the coffee protein balls.
Other Coffee Protein Balls Recipe
Coffee Whey Protein Balls
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of cashew butter
- A quarter cup of rice malt syrup
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Three teaspoons of instant coffee granules dissolved in four teaspoons of boiling water
- Six teaspoons of coconut flour
- Half a cup of unflavored whey protein isolate
- A pinch of sea salt
- A handful of almonds for coating (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Mix
Mix the cashew butter, rice malt syrup, vanilla extract, dissolved instant coffee granules, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
Add the whey protein powder and coconut flour, then mix until you get a dough.
Note: If your mixture is too sticky, you can add a bit of extra coconut flour. If it is too dry, add a few drops of water.
Step 2: Split Up Mixture
Divide the mixture into 16 portions. To do this, you can roll the mixture into a large sausage, split it in two, then split each half in two, and repeat the process until you get 16. You can also crush a small handful of almonds if you want some coating for your coffee protein balls.
Roll a portion of the mixture into a bite-sized ball, then roll it in the crushed almonds (optional). Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
Step 3: Store
You can put your coffee protein balls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for one to two days.
You can wrap the remaining balls in a foil or a ziplock bag and freeze them. As needed, defrost in the fridge for a few hours.
Check out these mocha coffee energy balls recipes.
Coffee Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of gluten-free oats
- One-third of a cup of collagen powder
- Two tablespoons of mini chocolate chips
- Two teaspoons of instant coffee
- Five tablespoons of cashew butter
- Three tablespoons of pure maple syrup
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
- A pinch of cinnamon
Method:
Step 1: Grind The Oats
Grind the gluten-free oats coarsely in a food processor.
Step 2: Mix
Mix the ground oats, collagen powder, mini chocolate chips, instant coffee, sea salt, and cinnamon. Add the cashew butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir properly until mixed well.
Step 3: Shape
Roll into 10 to 12 balls and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
You can store the coffee chocolate chip protein balls in your fridge if you want, but the texture is better if you store them at room temperature.
Vegan Coconut Coffee Protein Balls
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of pitted dates
- Two scoops of chocolate, mocha, peanut, or vanilla flavored protein powder
- Half a cup of strongly brewed coffee
- One cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
Method:
Step 1: Soak The Dates
Place the pitted dates in a bowl, add hot water, and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
If the dates are nice and soft, you can skip soaking.
Step 2: Add The Ingredients
Drain the dates well, then add the rest of the ingredients to a food processor. Mix into a thick dough — one that you can press together between your fingers.
Step 3: Shape
Roll the dough using your hand into about 18 balls.
You can roll the balls in coconut, cinnamon, or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
Storage
Put the vegan coconut coffee protein balls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. For better texture, you can store them at room temperature for one to two days.
Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients:
- One and a half cups of old-fashioned oats
- A quarter cup of vanilla whey protein powder
- A quarter teaspoon of salt
- One teaspoon of instant coffee
- Half a cup of almond butter
- Half a cup of maple syrup (or honey)
- A quarter cup of white chocolate chips
Method:
Step 1: Mix The Ingredients
Mix the old-fashioned oats, vanilla whey protein powder, salt, and coffee in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Heat
Combine the almond butter and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave for 30 seconds. Stir properly until mixed well.
Step 3: Add The Almond Butter
Add the almond butter mixture to the old-fashioned oats mixture. Stir properly until mixed well.
Step 4: Shape
Put the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes. When the dough is firm, roll it into 20 balls.
Store the balls in an airtight container. The vanilla espresso almond butter protein balls can be stored in your fridge for seven to 10 days.
Coffee Protein Balls Recipe FAQs
What Kind Of Protein Powder Should I Use?
You can use any protein powder, including any plant-based options.
What Should The Consistency Be?
The mixture should not be too dry but should not be too wet either. The perfect sweet spot is where it is a bit tacky, so you can easily roll them into balls.
If the mixture is too sticky or too wet when you try to roll it, you can add a few spoonfuls of oats and then process again. If it is too dry, add one more tablespoon of cold brew coffee.
What If I Don’t Have A Food Processor?
The coffee protein balls recipe uses a food processor. However, if you don’t have a food processor at home, you can use a blender to mix your dry and wet ingredients separately or mix them by hand.
Remember that if you try to blend all the ingredients in a blender, they won’t combine properly — so make sure to blend them separately!
You may also be interested in reading our guide on the best coffee grinder alternatives.
Can You Make Coffee Protein Balls With Steel-Cut Oats?
Unfortunately, no. Steel-cut oats are too hard for a coffee protein ball recipe. So, just save them for your breakfast!
Related Article: Can You Mix Protein Powder With Coffee? The Good And Bad Side
