We’ve gone gluten free (is that how you say it?) and I’ve been in the kitchen more than ever as I try new recipes. I’ve created a yummy snack – Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Balls. These tasty little snack balls are packed with protein and because there’s no refined sugar, this simple recipe is a great way to enjoy a guilt-free chocolate fix. Even the kids will love it!
We found out three weeks ago that Nathan, our twelve year, has wheat intolerance. Since I’m still dealing with health issues myself (adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism), I decided our whole family needed to take the leap.
I tried the gluten free diet almost a year ago, but went back to regular eating after a few weeks. This time? It’s a lifestyle change. I even need to take it a step farther and go Paleo, depending on the results of my recent blood work.
Today is day 17 of being gluten free and aside from a somewhat reluctant husband (“I really have to give up pizza?!” Yes at least regular pizza.) and the occasional snafu (a kind friend gave my three younger children brownies yesterday without my knowledge), we’ve been doing pretty good. (Again, it’s my oldest we have to really watch.)
Oh my husband? He comes home from work a few days ago and says “I turned down pizza! That’s how much I love you!” (It’s true, that IS a big deal.) Then later he says, “I had a cookie at work though. Does that have gluten?” Um, yeah it does, hon. Sigh.
Anyways.
I’ve tried to show my kids that it’s not the end of the world and we can still enjoy delicious food without wheat. That’s where I created this simple Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Ball recipe.
With 7 simple ingredients and a super quick prep time – just 5 minutes, you can enjoy these delicious chocolate snack balls in no time. You can eat them right away after making them or refrigerate them to let the flavors blend together. These snack balls are yummy either way!
If your children are used to sweeter things, you may want to increase the amount of honey slightly (see the recipe notes section). My kids weren’t a huge fan of my original chocolate protein balls recipe because it wasn’t sweet enough for their liking. I simply increased the honey and used peanut butter instead of almond butter and they were thrilled. I still prefer less honey and use unsweetened almond butter for a more clean snack. That’s up to you.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Balls:
The ingredients are simple: (gluten free) oats, almond butter, flaxseed, honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and cacao powder. Together these ingredients pack a lot of goodness and flavor into a small little protein ball.
*I recommend steel cut oats for this recipe, though you can use regular oats. Just make sure they are gluten free if you’re avoiding wheat. On the morning I was taking photos for this post, I discovered my kids had fed the rest of our steel cut oats to the chickens so I had to settle for regular oatmeal. Sigh. Such is life! Still it goes to show that this chocolate protein balls recipe works either way.
I recommend using a food processor to make these protein balls, but you can use a regular mixer instead. The food processor simply blends everything quicker and more evenly.
Put all the ingredients into your food processor:
Process for a few seconds or so until everything is mixed.
Shape into 1-inch balls.
Enjoy right away or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Prep Time:
Yield:
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PinDescription
With no refined sugar, this simple chocolate protein balls recipe is a great way to enjoy a guilt-free chocolate fix.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free steel cut oats
- 3/4 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)*
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 Tablespoons honey*
- 1/2 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons cacao powder
Instructions
- Add the ingredients into a food processor or mixing bowl. Process or mix until combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
*For kid-approved chocolate snack balls, use peanut butter and add 1 or 2 tablespoons more honey.
Jenna Wood says
Yum, we make a vegan and gluten free ball that is similar but blueberry- I’ll definitely be trying this!
Jeannette says
Wow – these look amazing! I’ve been trying to snack better and this would be a snack that totally gave me energy! I can’t wait to try making them.
Vera Sweeney says
I had to go Gluten Free for health reasons and it is crazy how much gluten is in things. This sounds amazing going to have to try these out!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Those look great! I bet my kids would enjoy these as a daytime snack!
Danielle H. says
These look delicious! I need to make these asap.
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers says
I love trying out gluten free recipes. This one sounds super tasty!
Krystal says
I recently made something similar and it was SO delicious! I really loved how I could take them to work!
Sarah says
Yum! these look really easy and so good. I’ll have to give them a try.
Mykidsguide says
The chocolate protein balls look absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
OMYum! These look absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely be making these for my kids.
Amanda says
These look awesome. I love the idea of making protein balls.I bet you could sub the cocoa powder for shakeology
emma says
Great recipe!
Here is another good chocolate brownie balls recipe. Very easy to make. Best I’ve ever had!
http://skinnygirlsguide.com/raw-chocolate-brownie-protein-balls-recipe/
★★★★★
Erika says
Thanks, Emma. Your chocolate brownie balls look delicious!
Kayla says
Erika, I found your recipe on Pinterest and I have a gluten intolerance because I have a genetic mutation called MTHFR based on what you and your son are dealing with i would HIGHLY suggest getting tested for this as 50% of people have the mutation do research as well because not many doctors know of this mutation although it is so common and it causes many issues I hope you are doing well God Bless!
Erika says
Hi Kayla, I’m so happy to find someone else who knows about MTHFR! Yes, both my son and I – actually my whole family – have MTHFR. We discovered this about 3 years ago. It’s quite fascinating really. I’ll be posting an article about MTHFR next week. God bless you too!
Anna says
Do you know the carbs, fats, and protein amounts for your protein balls?
Thank you! …And they are delicious!
Lukalouise says
How many calories per ball?
Heather C. says
This re pie looks yummy! Are they “chewie”? I have a recipe I’ve been making for a few weeks, they are relish but dry. Looking for new recipe to try!
Erika says
Yes, I think they are chewy! 🙂
jo valencia says
Do you know calorie count per serving (1)?
robyn says
They look great but I would love to know the calorie and fat numbers per ball. Even though they are healthy, I still have to count! thanks
Erika says
Hi Robyn, we are working on adding nutritional info to the recipes on my site. This is coming soon. 🙂 In the meantime, you can plug in the ingredients into a free calorie calculator site to find out. Thanks for visiting!