These Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are the perfect treat after a workout or anytime you want a healthy delicious snack.
I was checking out at TJ Maxx and perusing all the goodies they make you walk through when you're standing in line (they know how to get you to buy more) when a huge wave of hunger hit me. I didn't eat enough for lunch and forgot my afternoon snack so at this point I was ready to chow down anything I could find that was vegan.
Lucky for me I found a bag of energy balls that were dairy-free. The balls themselves were made of chocolate and cherries and covered with crushed almonds. While the store-bought balls were delicious I figured I could recreate them and make double the amount for the price I paid for the little bag.
Easy to Make Energy Balls
I have a thing with energy/protein balls. I think they're the perfect afternoon or post workout snack when you don't want a whole meal but need a little hit of carbs and protein.
I've gotten great feedback on my Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls and my Vanilla Almond Balls so I figured, why not share some more of my favorites?
My Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are refined sugar-free; they're sweetened with only cherries and dates. I used chocolate protein powder instead of pure cacao so they're more filling.
Honestly, they're more like a dessert than a protein ball so I'll have one of these at night if I get a chocolate craving. Since they're healthy, I don't even have to feel guilty if I have too!
Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls
Yes these Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are amazingly delicious but here are a few other reasons why I love them:
- cherries are a good source of vitamin C
- they're refined sugar-free
- almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, and magnesium
- they save me from eating something unhealthy when I get too hungry
- I can eat them for dessert without feeling too guilty
If you make this Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
Share your pictures of any of my recipes on Instagram and use #vnutrition or tag @maryellenvalverde so I won’t miss it!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 10 pitted dates soaked in hot water for about 10 mins
- 1 cup dried bing cherries
- 1 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 TB water (plus more for dipping)
- 1 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- Add dates, into food processor and process until dates are mostly chopped.
- Add cherries, protein powder, vanilla extract and 1 TB of water and continue to process.
- While processing, add 1 TB at a time of water if the mixture is too thick until the mixture forms into a ball.
- Shape mixture into about 20 balls.
- Dip balls into water quickly (this helps the almonds to stick to them).
- Roll balls into chopped almonds.
- Keep in fridge until ready to eat. Will keep in the fridge for about a week.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Liz Taylor says
Can thawed frozen cherries be used instead of dried cherries?
Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition says
Hi Liz. I'm not sure that the frozen cherries would work. The dried ones help make the balls sick together. I think that the frozen ones would be wet so they might not stick together as well. If you do try it though, please let me know how it goes.
Kristyn says
Made these today -- delicious -- thank you for creating this recipe!
Mary Ellen says
Yay! So happy you liked them, Kristyn!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Ohhhh love the cherries in these! How unique. I can imagine how great these taste!
The TJmaxx line gets me every time. 🙂
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I bet these are so much nicer than the ones you bought 🙂 I know that feeling though, when you so desperately want to find a vegan snack, and it's always wonderful when you can get your hands on one. It's lucky for us you did with these being the result!
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
Yum, these look and sound wonderful - can't wait to try. Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Christine! I hope you enjoy!