These Chocolate Energy Balls are a fun, protein-packed snack made with oats, protein powder, cocoa, honey, and peanut butter.
authorโs note
I Keep a Stash of These in the Freezer at All Times!
Iโve made a lot of energy bites over the years, but this chocolate version is the one I always come back to. Itโs 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. Theyโre 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.
Thatโs 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. Hereโs 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; itโs thick and sticky.ย
- 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 Youโll 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
Instructionsย
- 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 1โ -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 love these! I make large batches and store them in the freezer. My toddler loves them as well. We take them on vacations, road trips, everywhere. One of my go to snacks. Easy to make and so delicious. Taste like a Reeseโs to meโฆ but healthy ๐
Yay! Iโm so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Taylor!
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! ๐
sounds great, not good for low carb diet.
This is a fresh new idea I havenโt yet seen. Looking forward to trying it out!
What a wonderful Idea
Iโm sure kids would love these ๐
I love this idea.