4-Ingredient Cashew Chocolate Protein Energy Balls [paleo, Whole30]

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

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!

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

How to Make…

4-Ingredient Cashew Chocolate Protein Energy Balls

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.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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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!

Recipes 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 Author: Ashley Yield: About 30 balls 1x

Keywords: whole30 snacks, RXBAR copycat, Paleo snack recipes

tools used for this recipe

Breville Food Processor

round measuring spoons 

aluminum baking sheet 

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