These Cashew Chocolate Protein Energy Balls require just four ingredients, a food processor or heavy duty blender and a little bit of ball rolling time! They are paleo and whole30 compliant. You can even leave out the protein if looking for a vegan-friendly option.
This past weekend Drew and I decided to head up north to Silver Lake Sand Dunes to spend some time with friends up there. We realized this weekend was going to be our last weekend to get away before September, so when our friends invited us up to their place we jumped at the opportunity. Have you heard of Silver Lake Sand Dunes? If you’re from Michigan I would guess yes. But if not, it’s this huge area of sand dunes up north on Lake Michigan where you can drive around on the dunes. You can take dune buggies out there, four wheelers, dirt bikes, trucks, you name it. It’s actually pretty fun. Drew and I used to go up with our friends when we were in college but I haven’t been back up in probably eight or nine years.
We didn’t really have any service up there so it also was a good reminder to just be present. I couldn’t post to Instagram, check Facebook, email, or do much of anything that required internet.  I will admit that at first I was slightly annoyed. But then I felt like a teenager and thought to myself, “Alright, get over it. You could use a little break from your phone, Ashley.”
Does anyone else sometimes wish our phones didn’t have so much control over us? I realize we are the ones who are in control of how much we are on our phones, but the addiction is real. Of course it is also a part of my job–to be on social media posting and connecting. But it’s the constant need to feel like we must check in all. of. the. time. And in reality that is just not necessary, you know? I guess I am one of those people that NEED the break from my phone to feel like a real person. I can’t be the only one right?
I suppose I am just thinking out loud here. I don’t have any answers. I feel like we may be navigating these roads of balancing technology for quite some time. Do you have any tips for staying balanced?
.
.
.
But now it is time to talk about these
Cashew Chocolate Protein Energy Balls
I made these on a whim because I was craving chocolate, but wanted something on the healthier side. Obviously I don’t ALWAYS want something healthier – you guys know I am a huge proponent of listening to your body, cravings, and balancing it all out. And these cashew chocolate protein energy balls have really been a great treat. AND they are SIMPLE. Just four ingredients:
Medjool dates
cashews
cocoa powder
egg white protein powder
They’re actually a rendition of my 4-ingredient Homemade Protein Bars – an RXBAR copycat – which are also Whole30 compliant too (no added sugars).
They come together in your food processor or heavy duty blender, and then you just use a rounded tablespoon to scoop out the mixture into balls.
Protein energy balls are easily one of my favorite snacks. I love them as a little pre-workout boost. Plus they’re quick, no-bake, made with simple ingredients and taste awesome.
I used egg white protein powder but you can also use collagen peptides like I did with these bars. If you’re vegan, you can try subbing your favorite plant-based protein powder. You just may need to add a little bit more water for the mixture to come together and stick. Plant protein powders will absorb the wet ingredients differently so just watch for that.
Once you start making energy balls, it is hard to stop!
Let me know if you try them out – I love seeing what you all make!
4-Ingredient Cashew Chocolate Protein Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews (raw or toasted)
- 1 cup pure egg white protein
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocao powder (or cacao, or carob)
- 18 large Medjool dates, soaked for 5 minutes in warm water and pitted (weighed at 10 ounces)
- 2-4 TBS water
Instructions
1. In the bowl of your food processor process cashews, egg white protein, and cocoa powder until nuts have broken down into small pieces. Don't process them too much, you still want pieces remaining.
2. Add in pitted dates and process until combined–the mixture will look a little dry. With the motor running about 1 tablespoon of water at a time until mixture is sticky and everything comes together. Depending on if your dates were juicy or dry, you may need less or more water. Careful not to add too much water or mixture will be too sticky.
3. Remove S blade from bowl of processor. Using tablespoon, scoop mixture and roll into balls between the palms of your hand. Place on a baking sheet and continue this process. You should have about 30 energy balls.
4. Store protein energy balls in airtight container in fridge up to two weeks, or freezer about 3-4 months. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
I typically have 2-3 energy balls as 1 serving, depending on time of day/activity level.
Making this recipe? I would love to see it!
Tag @fitmittenkitchen and hashtag #fitmittenkitchen
tools used for this recipe
Breville Food Processor 
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, with no extra cost to you. Should you choose to purchase through those links, I will receive a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting Fit Mitten Kitchen!
Man, I am on my phone too much. I’m constantly scrolling through that instagram feed. We have phone free weekends every once in a while over here and it is so refreshing.
SAME. I love the idea of phone-free weekends though!
Ok this recipe has convinced me to try egg white protein again. I had a VERY bad experience with it back when I first started “eating healthy” – very very bad! But using it in energy bites might be the perfect solution! I’m all about cashews and cacao!
Oh yikes! Do I even want to know? 😉 The powder is great for recipes like this though!
I love easy, minimal ingredient recipes – and anything with chocolate 😉 These sound delicious!
Always chocolate! Glad we’re on the same page 😀
How delicious! I’ll have to replace the egg white protein with a vegan protein powder, but I hope it turns out well!
Yes it should be okay! I would suggest starting with half the amount of plant protein powder and seeing how it comes together. You may have to adjust liquid ratios too. Let me know if you try!
These sound like such a great quick and easy snack to make AND eat! My favorite kind of snack! 🙂
Yes they are one of my favorites!
These sound awesome! I’ve never tried an egg white protein or see it in stores around me, so I’d probably just use a plant-based protein…it should work ok, hey? I just got back from a camping trip and didn’t have my phone for 4 days. IT WAS AWESOME. The best part about not having your phone for a while..even 1/2 a day, is all the notifications you get when you look at it again! hahaha…it’s like, ooooh..I’m so popular! lol. Thanks for the recipe!
Lol on the phone notifications. That is funny but true 😀
And yes I think a plant protein would work out okay, but maybe only using 1/2 the amount and you may need to adjust liquid too! Plant protein powders tend to absorb those ingredients differently, as I am sure you might suspect!
Yes!!! I remember my dad forcing me to get a phone when I turned 16 and got my llicense. I didn’t want one bc I didn’t want people to be able to get a hold of me all the time! How things change! Lol
lol that is funny.
These look SO delicious! Love that they only have 4 ingredients. Also, love the reminder to be present! Always a challenging but great reminder 😉
Challenging but fulfilling when you can do it!
I LOVE snack ball recipes like these. We used to buy egg protein all the time, but haven’t in ages. I think I’ll pick some up soon as it works so well in bites like these.
It really is the best to throw into recipes like this. Makes for a great workout snack
I live on all things Energy Bites and cashews are my favorite base as well. I’m going to need to give this egg white protein!
The egg white protein is perfect for energy ball recipes like these!
I could use a break from my phone and social media too! It’s a little like an obsession. Ugh!
These little bites looks so good – LOVE cashews and dates. Thanks for the vegan sub too!
It totally is an obsession – hard to get ourselves to take the break!
Quick, easy and oh so yummy! These little balls of deliciousness would make a great afternoon snack.
A great chocolatey afternoon pick-me-up 🙂
I need these energy balls in my life! These look so delicious! Love how easy they are to make!
Energy balls are the best <3
I need to be eating these! I love how easy they are to make! My kind of snack for sure!
They are just the best snack!
I am obsessed with anything with cocoa powder, these look so yummy! I love that they are only 4 ingredients that I usually have in my pantry too!
Thanks Emily! I hope you make 🙂
I made these and added too much water. how to fix? I just have it sitting in the bowl in the fridge. URGHHHH. but they taste good.
Hi Rene! Did you try adding coconut flour? You should be able to add a little bit at a time until the mixture comes back together. Almond flour may also work, or oats if not grain-free. Hope that helps!