Description
Protein-packed energy balls showcase Brazil’s beloved chocolate brigadeiro in a nutritious twist. Rolled with cocoa, nuts, and protein powder, these bite-sized treats deliver quick nutrition for active individuals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ¼ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mixing: Combine rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and protein powder in a large bowl, blending thoroughly until the mixture becomes cohesive and slightly sticky.
- Customization: Fold in dark chocolate chips or ground flaxseed, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough for added texture and nutritional boost.
- Shaping: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll between palms to create uniform, compact spheres, roughly one inch in diameter, working efficiently to maintain consistent size.
- Chilling: Arrange protein balls on a chilled surface, keeping them separated, and refrigerate for 25 minutes to set and firm up the mixture, enhancing structural stability.
- Storage: Transfer the solidified protein orbs to an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for three months to preserve freshness and quality.
Notes
- Customize Protein Content: Adjust protein powder type and quantity to match dietary needs or fitness goals, ensuring the right nutritional balance for your specific requirements.
- Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly coat hands with cooking spray or cold water before rolling balls to prevent mixture from sticking and create smoother, more uniform spheres.
- Enhance Texture Variation: Experiment with mix-ins like chia seeds, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes to add crunch and boost nutritional profile without compromising the base recipe.
- Optimize Storage Strategy: Use parchment paper between layers when storing in containers to prevent protein balls from sticking together and maintain individual shape and integrity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg