Rich chocolate packed with sweet coconut, these Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls are the perfect no-bake snack. Made with 9 grams of protein per serving and coated in hardened chocolate, they’re a simple way to curb a sweet craving.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 30 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 4
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 285 kcals and 9 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Shredded coconut, protein powder, cacao butter, honey, almond milk, chocolate chips
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: An easy to make dessert that you can enjoy without guilt.
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When it comes to healthy snacks, I’m a huge fan of anything bite-sized that I can pop into my mouth and enjoy in under thirty seconds (like mini peanut butter protein brownies!). As a busy mom, quick snacks like these coconut protein balls without dates are always a win, easy to grab, delicious, and perfect when you need a little pick-me-up.
These coconut protein balls are incredibly simple to make and even easier to eat, which is probably why they disappear so quickly in my house. They’re the same kind of easy, poppable treat as almond coconut thumbprint cookies, or chocolate protein balls without peanut butter.
Jump To
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- 💭Why You'll Love Them
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flavor Variations
- How To Make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
- Expert Tips To Make It
- Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls FAQs
- More Protein Ball Recipes You'll Love
- Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls (No-Bake, Gluten-Free, No Peanut Butter)
💭Why You'll Love Them
Better than store-bought: With minimal, everyday ingredients, these coconut protein balls not only taste better but they're healthier too!
Easy to make: No baking required to whip up these protein balls, all you need to do is mix, roll, and dip for them to come together.
Texture: They're ultra sweet and have a chewy center from the coconut with a hard chocolate coating.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Vanilla Protein Powder: This recipe uses a vegan blend (learn more below) because it absorbs liquid the best, which helps hold the protein balls together. However, they can be made with other blends.
- Shredded coconut: Use unsweetened shredded coconut, or the protein balls will be just a little TOO sweet. This is what I do in matcha protein bars and my bounce protein ball recipe, too.
- Hemp Milk: I use homemade hemp milk, but any store-bought, plant-based milk will do!
- Chocolate chips: Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep these balls allergy-friendly!
- Cacao butter: This was originally used along with the cacao powder to coat the chocolate. However, I have since revamped the recipe so that it's no longer needed.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Double chocolate: Use a chocolate-based protein powder to make these balls have a double chocolate flavor. A sprinkle of salt on top wouldn't hurt either.
Toppings: While the chocolate is still tacky, sprinkle some extra coconut, chopped pecans, or sprinkles on top to make them look festive.
How To Make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Step 1: Combine the coconut and vegan protein powder in a bowl
Step 2: Add in the wet ingredients and mix (it will seem dry!).
Step 3: Use your hands to portion them into balls and place in the freezer.
Step 4: Melt together the chocolate coating over low heat. Toss the balls and place them back in the freezer to set.
Expert Tips To Make It
This protein ball recipe with coconut is totally sweet. If you don't have a sweet tooth, it may not be the recipe for you.
Every protein powder absorbs liquid differently. Using a different protein powder will affect the texture of the gluten-free protein balls, and you may need to add more liquid.
Tweaking the recipe based on protein powder:
- Originally made with a vegan protein powder, which absorbs liquid like crazy.
- If using a whey protein or collagen powder, you may not need as much honey or milk, so add those last and slowly, as they don't absorb as much. Learn more about what collagen powder is.
- I use beef isolate protein powder now for health reasons, and it works well. When making them, though, don't add as much liquid and let the batter chill in the fridge for 5-10 minutes before rolling the balls. They hold together better this way.
The cacao butter helps the chocolate thicken up so that the chocolate coating isn't too runny. This also means that you need to double coat the protein balls, or the "shell" is too thin.
Store leftover protein balls in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer, taking care to store them in a single layer. To enjoy, let them come to room temperature.
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls FAQs
The short version is yes! Getting more protein into your diet helps keep you full and snack less. Plus, protein helps boost our immune system and replenish muscle mass. And protein balls are an easy way to boost your intake.
Because vegan protein powder absorbs liquid, you tend to need quite a bit. If your protein balls are not sticking together, try adding a bit of water or plant-based milk. Add only a little at a time until the mixture becomes a bit more "tacky". Then really press the mixture together to get them to hold. If it's still not working, chill the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling.
More Protein Ball Recipes You'll Love
If you tried this Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls (No-Bake, Gluten-Free, No Peanut Butter)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
For the coconut protein balls
- 1 cup Shredded coconut unsweetened
- ⅓ cup Vanilla protein powder About 1 Scoop
- ⅛ cup raw honey
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoon almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 tbs water
For the chocolate coating
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons Chocolate chips dairy-free as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the shredded coconut and vanilla protein powder.
- Measure out the honey and pour it and the almond extract into the powder
- Mix and mix well- it will seem dry. Add in the almond milk, water and mix again until everything is at least combined.
- Line a tray with parchment paper and rub some coconut oil onto your hands (to help prevent sticking).
- Using your hands (grease them with coconut oil first!), portion and roll the mixture into little balls (8 them). Place them on the tray
- Place the tray into the freezer to set.
- In a small pot, melt the coconut oil, chocolate chips and cacao butter over medium to low. Whisk until smooth.
- Place the frozen balls into the pot and toss until coated. Place them back on the parchment paper and into the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat the process and coat the balls one more time, placing them back into the freezer.
- When ready to eat, let the protein balls thaw for five minutes before popping them into your mouth.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby S says
These are the best little sweet treat! Super tasty with the chocolate and honey and just the right amount of bite-sized portion.
Daniela says
Coconut and chocolate! Two of my favorite things in the world! Yum!
Megan Stevens says
I love egg-free treats! How nice to have that added dose of protein! Thanks for these!
Raia says
I love easy snacks like this! Plus chocolate... definitely a winner!
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Anything simple and no bake is a win lol