Chocolate Power Balls

Power balls are a tasty mouthful when you’re craving something sweet but are trying to stay clear of sugary treats.  With the combination of protein powder, nuts and coconut, they can serve as a healthy little snack.  But be forewarned, it is very easy to overindulge in these little guys!

There are so many different variations of power balls which makes it a perfect opportunity to mix and match according to what you have in your pantry.  I will usually start with the same foundational ingredients and then start adding whatever I have on hand and they always turn out yummy.  With that being said, I had to somehow put something down in writing in order to post this recipe but there is no need to be locked into these ingredients.  The key is getting the right consistency to be able to roll the mixture into balls.  This is easy to do at any stage of the process by simply adding more dry ingredients or a little extra liquid. 

Note:  This does make a big batch, so I will usually keep half in the refrigerate and the other half in the freezer for later.  

Ingredients (makes about 24 large balls)

• 10-12 dates, softened and pitted
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1½ cups any combination of nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews)
• 1/2 cup almond butter or other nut butter (no sugar or oil added)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup date water or other liquid of choice (may need more if mixture is too dry)
• 1/2 cup collagen powder and/or quality protein powder (could substitute with flaxseed meal)
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds/chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1/4-1/2 cup cacao nibs
• small amount of coconut oil for rolling

Directions

1. To soften dates, place in a microwave safe bowl and cover with water.  Microwave for 2 minutes and allow to cool slightly.  Remove the pits and reserve the water for later use.
2. Add nuts, dates, coconut flakes and 1/4 cup date water to a food processor.  Process on high until mixture is finely chopped and begins to form a paste.  You can continue to mix in the processor or transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add almond butter, vanilla, coconut oil and salt.  Mix well.
4. Add protein powder, hemp seeds, and cacao powder.  Mix until well combined.
5. The mixture should be somewhat sticky but also thick enough to roll into balls.  If too crumbly, add a small amount of liquid (water, almond milk).  If not thick enough or too sticky, add a small amount of collagen powder, hemp seeds.
6. Mix in the cacao nibs
7. Cover bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until mixture can more easily be formed into balls.
8. To roll into balls, have some coconut oil or coconut spray handy.  Spread a small amount on your hands and in a small scooper or spoon (this is the messy part).
9. Fill the scooper with desired amount and roll between palms of hand.  Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
10. Continue this process until all the balls are made.  Put the sheet pan in freezer for 10 minutes so the balls are easier to handle.
11. Place protein balls in a container and refrigerate (I usually put half in the freezer for later).