These Chocolate Energy Balls are a fun, protein-packed snack made with oats, protein powder, cocoa, honey, and peanut butter.
author’s note
I Keep a Stash of These in the Freezer at All Times!
I’ve made a lot of energy bites over the years, but this chocolate version is the one I always come back to. It’s the one my family asks for, the one I keep in the freezer, and the one I never get tired of.
These Chocolate Energy Balls honestly saved me during the early postpartum days after my second baby. I needed something quick, filling, and easy to eat with one hand, and these were it. When meals were rushed or skipped, I could grab one, feel full, and keep going.
As my kids got older, they became just as helpful in a different way. They’re the perfect size for a toddler snack. Soft, easy to eat, and made with ingredients that actually keep little bellies full without a sugar crash.
That’s why this recipe is a staple in my kitchen. It feels like dessert, but it works for real life.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | Use creamy, all-natural. Almond butter also works |
| Honey | Maple syrup works, but the chocolate energy balls will be slightly softer |
| Dutch-Process Cocoa | Use Dutch-process, not regular cocoa, for best flavor |
| Chocolate Protein Powder | Any chocolate whey works. Choose low-sugar if possible. Here’s my favorite. Use extras in this chocolate protein shake. |
| Old-Fashioned Oats | Do not use quick or steel-cut oats |
| Dark Chocolate | Milk or semi-sweet chips also work |
How To Make Chocolate Energy Balls
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces.
- Mix everything in one bowl using a hand mixer until thick and fully combined.
- Scoop and roll into small balls.
- Freeze briefly until firm, then enjoy.
Tips For Chocolate Energy Balls
- Beat the mixture with a hand mixer; it’s thick and sticky.
- Allow time for the oats to absorb the liquid: At first, these bites may seem too wet, but after they sit for a bit, they firm up as the oats absorb the wet ingredients.
- Use a cookie scoop. Scoop and drop instead of rolling.
Storage
- Fridge: Store chocolate energy balls in an airtight container for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. I keep a bag in the freezer and grab one whenever I want something sweet and filling. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before eating.
More Poppable Snacks You’ll Love:
Chocolate Energy Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips coarsely chopped
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder see note 1
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons chocolate protein powder
- 1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Coarsely chop the chocolate into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped chocolate, creamy peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, sea salt, chocolate protein powder, old-fashioned oats, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat until the mixture is well combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop even-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place on a parchment paper lined plate and freeze for 15 minutes before eating.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this today and it was awesome! Just as good as a no bake cookie, maybe better! I swapped honey for agave nectar and it was great.
YAY! What a compliment! So thrilled you enjoyed this! Thanks Julie! 🙂
sounds great, not good for low carb diet.
This is a fresh new idea I haven’t yet seen. Looking forward to trying it out!
What a wonderful Idea
I’m sure kids would love these 🙂
I love this idea.