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?
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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
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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 30 balls 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
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.
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!
Notes
I typically have 2-3 energy balls as 1 serving, depending on time of day/activity level.
- Category: snacks
- Method: food processor
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: whole30 snacks, RXBAR copycat, Paleo snack recipes
tools used for this recipe
Breville Food Processor 
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Aimee says
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.
Ashley says
SAME. I love the idea of phone-free weekends though!
Sam @ Bites of Wellness says
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!
Ashley says
Oh yikes! Do I even want to know? 😉 The powder is great for recipes like this though!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says
I love easy, minimal ingredient recipes – and anything with chocolate 😉 These sound delicious!
Ashley says
Always chocolate! Glad we’re on the same page 😀
Cassie Autumn Tran says
How delicious! I’ll have to replace the egg white protein with a vegan protein powder, but I hope it turns out well!
Ashley says
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!
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says
These sound like such a great quick and easy snack to make AND eat! My favorite kind of snack! 🙂
Ashley says
Yes they are one of my favorites!
Deryn | Running on Real Food says
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!
Ashley says
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!
Laura says
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
Ashley says
lol that is funny.
Christine - Jar Of Lemons says
These look SO delicious! Love that they only have 4 ingredients. Also, love the reminder to be present! Always a challenging but great reminder 😉
Ashley says
Challenging but fulfilling when you can do it!
Alisa Fleming says
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.
Ashley says
It really is the best to throw into recipes like this. Makes for a great workout snack
Lorie says
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!
Ashley says
The egg white protein is perfect for energy ball recipes like these!
Jenn says
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!
Ashley says
It totally is an obsession – hard to get ourselves to take the break!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Quick, easy and oh so yummy! These little balls of deliciousness would make a great afternoon snack.
Ashley says
A great chocolatey afternoon pick-me-up 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
I need these energy balls in my life! These look so delicious! Love how easy they are to make!
Ashley says
Energy balls are the best <3
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
I need to be eating these! I love how easy they are to make! My kind of snack for sure!
Ashley says
They are just the best snack!
Emily Kyle says
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!
Ashley says
Thanks Emily! I hope you make 🙂
Rene says
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.
Ashley says
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!
Vered Samari says
These sounds soooooo delicious! and easy to make for a non-cook like me.
I am not a big fan of using protein powders in general…. anything else that can be used instead? thanks!
Ashley says
Hi Vered! You can actually leave out the protein powder entirely if you’d like. And then also omit the added water as well, unless it is needed at the end to help the mixture come together. Hope that helps!
Ross says
Hey, will these work with regular protein and walnuts? They look awesome
Ashley says
Hi Ross – using walnuts should work just fine! If using raw, I would recommend toasting them at 325 for about 6-7 minutes as it helps their flavor profile a bit. For protein I assume you mean whey? It will likely work, but I haven’t tried that myself with this particular recipe. It may make the mixture more sticky so you could try adding more cocoa powder if needed. Let me know if you decide to try!
Ross says
Thank you for your reply. I discovered recently that I am allergic to eggs, almond, peanuts, cashew, hazelnuts and coconut oil. So that rules out most of the flour that I used to bake with. Any suggestions to replace hazelnut or almond flour? I have tried gluten free flour and an egg replacer but needed to extend the baking time. Sure killed the joy of baking. HELP
Ashley says
Oh wow that is a lot! Gosh I am not super familiar with replacing nut flours for baking. My best suggestion would be to find more baking recipes by searching for nut-free within pinterest or google. That way it takes out most of the guess work when you’re trying to sub. That may not be very helpful but best of luck! Allergies suck!
Celine says
Do you have the nutritional facts?
Ashley says
Hi Celine,
I do not have the nutrition facts handy but if you plug the recipe into something like myfitnesspal.com you will get some approximate info. The reason I do not include nutrition facts is being that I try to practice intuitive eating and focus on real food, real ingredients – and preach the same to my audience. I used to be obsessive compulsive with tracking which is why I no longer calculate for my recipes here.