Almond Joy Protein Balls

$- 1 cup almond flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably dairy-free) - 1/4 cup whole almonds (for garnish) - 1 cup = 240 ml - 1/2 cup = 120 ml - 1/4 cup = 60 ml - 1/3 cup = 80 ml These conversions help you switch between cups and milliliters. They make measuring easy, no matter your tools! You can swap almond flour for oat flour if you like. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. If you want a sweeter taste, try agave syrup in place of honey. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer. These swaps keep the treat fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of almond flour and 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Use a whisk or spoon to mix until they blend well. This step sets a solid base for your protein balls. Now, it’s time to make the wet mixture. To the dry mix, add 1/4 cup of raw honey or maple syrup, depending on your taste. Then, include 1/4 cup of almond butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir everything together with a spatula. You want a sticky, cohesive dough, so mix well until it all comes together. Once your dough is ready, take about 1 tablespoon of it and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a touch of crunch and flair, press a whole almond into the top of each ball. This not only adds flavor but also makes them look great! After forming all the balls, transfer the baking sheet to the fridge. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling them helps the flavors meld and makes the balls firmer. You’ll love how they taste once they're set! When making Almond Joy Protein Balls, be careful with the measurements. Too much almond flour can make them dry. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Also, avoid overmixing; this can lead to tough balls. Make sure to chill them long enough. This helps them firm up and enhances the taste. If they are too sticky, your hands might need a light dusting of almond flour. You can boost the flavors in your protein balls easily. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt. Both can enhance the sweetness. If you like more chocolate, increase the dark chocolate chips. For a coconut twist, add a bit more shredded coconut. You can also use roasted almonds for more depth. Having the right tools makes the process smooth. Use a large mixing bowl for easy stirring. A spatula helps combine the ingredients well. A tablespoon scoop makes rolling the balls quick and uniform. Don’t forget parchment paper for easy cleanup! Lastly, a good fridge is key for chilling. This helps set the texture just right. Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Allowing the protein balls to chill for at least 30 minutes not only helps them firm up but also enhances the blending of flavors, resulting in a more delicious treat. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with flavored nut butters for added taste. Mix-In Variations: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins such as chopped dried fruits, seeds, or protein powder to create unique flavor combinations and boost nutritional value. Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing of your protein balls. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to track serving sizes. {{image_4}} You can use honey or maple syrup in this recipe. Honey gives a richer taste. It adds a lovely sweetness. Maple syrup is a great vegan option. It has a different flavor and is still sweet. Try both to see which you like best! You can add fun mix-ins to your protein balls. Chopped nuts can boost the crunch. Try walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Seeds like chia or flax can add nutrients. You can even add dried fruit for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overdo it, or the balls might not stick together. Want to make these protein balls vegan? Easy! Just swap honey for maple syrup. Use a nut butter without added sugars. Check the chocolate chips too; use dairy-free ones. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty treat! To keep your Almond Joy Protein Balls fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack them in one layer or separate them with parchment paper. This helps prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the fridge for best results. If you wish to store them for a longer time, freezing works great. Place the protein balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When stored correctly in the fridge, protein balls can last for up to one week. Keep an eye on them for any signs of spoilage. If they start to look or smell off, it’s best to toss them. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them fresh or within a few days. Yes, you can use other nut butters. Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. Each will give a unique taste. The key is to keep the same amount. Using a different nut butter can change the flavor but still keep it tasty. To make Almond Joy Protein Balls gluten-free, use almond flour. It is naturally gluten-free and perfect for this recipe. Make sure any added ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten. Almond Joy Protein Balls have many benefits. They are rich in protein from almond flour and nut butter. The dark chocolate chips add antioxidants. Shredded coconut provides healthy fats and fiber. They are a balanced snack that fuels your body. Plus, they are low in refined sugars, making them a smart choice! In this post, we explored key ingredients and how to measure them. We walked through each step, from mixing dry and wet ingredients to creating and chilling your protein balls. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to enhance flavor. We also discussed ingredient variations and storage tips. Protein balls are fun to make and easy to enjoy. Tailor recipes to fit your taste and needs. With these tips, you can create delicious snacks that are healthy and satisfying. Enjoy making your own!$

Almond Joy Protein Balls

A delicious and nutritious snack packed with protein and flavor, perfect for post-workout energy.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably dairy-free)
1/4 cup whole almonds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour with 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Use a whisk or spoon to mix thoroughly until both ingredients are well integrated and the mixture is uniform in appearance.
Create the wet mix: To the dry mixture, add 1/4 cup of raw honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), 1/4 cup of almond butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir the mixture with a spatula or spoon until it transforms into a cohesive, sticky dough. This may require some elbow grease!
Incorporate the chocolate: Gently fold in 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful burst of sweetness in every bite.
Form the balls: Using clean hands, scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a smooth ball. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Add the garnish: For an extra crunch and a delightful nutty finish, press a whole almond firmly into the top of each protein ball. This will not only enhance flavor but also elevate the visual appeal.
Finish shaping: Continue forming the mixture into balls until the mixture is completely used up. You should yield about 12 to 15 protein balls.
Chill and set: Once all protein balls are formed, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes, which helps the flavors meld and firms up the consistency.
Enjoy: After chilling, your Almond Joy Protein Balls are ready to be enjoyed! They make for a tasty and nutritious snack or an energizing post-workout treat.

Notes

Arrange the protein balls on a decorative platter, perhaps dusted with a sprinkle of shredded coconut for an extra touch, and serve with fresh fruit for a colorful, wholesome snack display.

Keyword healthy, protein balls, snack