How can you go wrong when you mix chocolate and peanut butter, you can't! I typically don't eat peanut butter since it is a legume not a nut. I did however have one of these and there is something about peanut butter that's just a little bit tastier than almond butter. An exception would be Justin's Nut Butter Maple and Vanilla Almond Butter. Those would be ridiculously good in this recipe! These could certainly be made with any kind of nut butter or sunflower seed butter (which is awesome! I prefer Marantha brand over any of the others) if you have nut allergies. I will be creating a coconut butter truffle in the near future as well.
These little guys are packed with protein from the peanut butter and the added vanilla egg white protein powder. It adds a little bit of vanilla flavor and is so hidden in there, no one would know they were eating it! I imagine it can be replaced with a vanilla whey protein powder if you can handle dairy (whey is typically not the issue for people, it's the casein that is found in dairy products such as cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.) It could also be left out completely but I suggest taking advantage of the additional protein content!
I used Cacao butter (literally the pure oil of the cacao bean, which comes directly from the cacao tree, and is what white chocolate is made of) and dark chocolate chips for the chocolate coating. The butter is what gives it the smooth hard texture. Cacao butter has no sugar in it and is full of nutrients! Cacao Butter, Cacao Beans, Cacao Powder, Cacao Nibs and Cacao Paste are packed with minerals and antioxidants, including polyphenols, catechins and epicatechins that help to fight off free radicals, giving you a healthy, complete superfood. In addition, flavonols help the body produce Nitric Oxide, a compound essential for proper heart function. So enjoy these treats knowing you are eating something with great health benefits instead of eating a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup!!
Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein BallsIngredientsChocolate Coating:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (I prefer fresh grind from Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage)
- 1/3 cup honey or Swerve for low sugar option
- 1 Tbsp refined coconut oil, melted (virgin if you want a coconut taste to it)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp if you are not adding vanilla flavored protein powder)
- 1/4-1/2 cup almond flour, depending on liquid or granulated sweetener used (I use Bob's Red Mill)
- 1/4 cup vanilla egg white protein (use 1/4 cup more almond flour if you don't add this in)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (omit if using jarred peanut butter with added salt)
- 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 tbsp cacao butter (refined coconut oil will work)
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients (except chocolate coating) in a bowl
- Roll the mixture into one inch balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes
- In a double broiler or in a sauce pan over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips and cacao butter. Let cool for a few minutes
- Dip the balls into the chocolate with a spoon and place back on the cookie sheet
- Return the balls to the freezer until chocolate hardens
- Store in the frig or freezer in an airtight container
Quick notesThis makes about 16 balls. Whole Foods sells single serve packets of the Jay Robb Vanilla Egg White Protein if you don't want to buy an entire container. The packet is 1/4 cup.
VariationsIf you want to decrease the sugar in the recipe, I suggest using Nature's Hollow Honey made with Xylitol.
If you want to try Swerve or need to order more, use coupon code KATE10 for a 10% discount. Swerve is my favorite sugar replacement. It is the only sugar alcohol that will not cause tummy troubles and it does not raise blood glucose levels.
If you are an Amazon shopper, would you be so kind to use my affiliate link to make your purchases. It is at no cost to you, it does provide a tiny kickback to Kate’s Healthy Cupboard. This allows me to continue making and testing recipes for free. Thanks so much!!
If you want to try Swerve or need to order more, use coupon code KATE10 for a 10% discount. Swerve is my favorite sugar replacement. It is the only sugar alcohol that will not cause tummy troubles and it does not raise blood glucose levels.
If you are an Amazon shopper, would you be so kind to use my affiliate link to make your purchases. It is at no cost to you, it does provide a tiny kickback to Kate’s Healthy Cupboard. This allows me to continue making and testing recipes for free. Thanks so much!!
*I have recently switched all of my skincare and makeup to a company that is free of 1,500 chemicals!! I am so particular about what goes into my body, I need to be just as picky as to what goes on my body! Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs chemicals into the bloodstream faster than the gut does! I am vain when it comes to my skin and was so thrilled to find products that are anti-aging and work!!! Check out BeautyCounter for more info!! You will love it!!
