Chocolate Nut Butter Protein Balls (Vegan)

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These chocolatey, nut-buttery, vegan protein balls are so easy to make using just 7 ingredients and your food processor. They are filled with plant-based protein, making them a great option for a decadent dessert-like, healthy snack.

An overhead shot of a white bowl filled with vegan protein balls on a burlap napkin and ingredients on the side.

If you’re looking for a fun way to add your favorite protein powder to more than just a morning shake, look no further.

These little bite-sized balls of joy are filled with healthy ingredients like hemp seeds and nut butters, and sweetened by the natural sweetness of dates. And our favorite ingredient…a scoop of delicious protein powder to fuel your energy and add flavor.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE Vegan protein balls:

They’re easy to make! All you need is a food processor and 7 ingredients.
They’re super healthy. You’ll get added protein and Omega 3’s from hemp seeds (and even more from walnut butter), antioxidants from dates, and so much more.
They’re versatile. You can experiment with these balls, adding different types of nut butters, or make is as-is with homemade walnut butter, which is extremely nutritious and has a unique flavor you’ll quickly become addicted to.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

An image showing all of the ingredients for vegan protein balls; oats, cocoa powder, dates, protein powder, hemp seeds, and nut butters.

INGREDIENTS LIST:

Medjool Dates– it’s SUPER important to use soft dates for this recipe. Otherwise, the food processor may not be able to break up the dates and it will drastically change the texture and/or it will not blend properly. If your dates are not soft, soak in water for at least 15 minutes, or more, before using.
Vegan Protein Powder– We absolutely love the taste of protein powder in this recipe, but keep in mind, depending on which brand you use, it may change the taste of this recipe a little. We highly recommend using Chocolate Juice Plus Complete (the flavor rocks!), but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Walnut Butter– We love using this homemade walnut butter. It only takes 10 minutes of your time, but if you don’t have time to make it (or don’t feel like washing the food processor in between recipes), no worries! Just add in your favorite nut butter instead.
Hemp Seeds– Don’t have hemp seeds? Try chia seeds instead.

An overhead shot of a cutting board covered with Chocolate Nut Butter Protein Balls with a bowl of vegan protein powder on the side.

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the Walnut Butter.

If using, first make the Walnut Butter, adding the optional salt and maple syrup. Set aside, and wash and dry your food processor.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients.

Then, to a food processor, add the oats, protein powder, cocoa powder and hemp seeds. Process 20-30 seconds until broken into small pieces.

2 images showing the dry ingredients for protein balls added and processed in a food processor.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients.

Add the peanut butter, walnut butter (or nut butter of choice), and dates. Process until fully combined.

Test to make sure the mixture will form (and stay) in a ball. If it’s too dry, add a little nut butter (in 1 tablespoon increments). If too wet, add a little cocoa powder or hemp seeds.

2 images showing wet ingredients for protein balls blended together in food processor.

4. Form into Balls.

Form into balls. This recipe makes 12 balls total.

Enjoy immediately or refrigerate. We recommend enjoying these protein balls with a glass of Homemade Almond Milk. Yum!

A cutting board with chocolate nut butter protein balls on top and hemp seeds sprinkled around.

Storage Instructions:

Store these vegan protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

EXPERT TIPS & FAQ’S:

What kind of protein powder do I use?

We are a big fan of Chocolate Complete, but use whatever one is your fave. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor a little, depending on which protein powder you choose.

Do I need to make the Walnut Butter for this recipe? What other nut butters will work?

If you have time, we highly recommend making walnut butter, as it’s great in this recipe AND you’ll have 3/4 cup leftover for other uses (oatmeal, adding to smoothies, etc.). But if you don’t have time, you can just use another type of nut butter, like cashew or almond butter.

A bowl filled with chocolate nut butter protein balls on a burlap background.

We LOVE energy balls around here! Try one of our other creations:

If you make these Chocolate Nut Butter Vegan Protein Balls, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your photo with #veggie__chick on Instagram. We love to see our recipes being made in YOUR kitchen!