MAKE: No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Bites

No-bake chocolate-peanut butter protein bites | Photo by Becca Boyd

I know: These chocolate-peanut butter bites look unappealing. I probably wouldn’t make them for anything the teensiest bit elegant, i.e. baby shower, bridal shower, or brunch. What can you make these for? Your hungry husband, your growing children, your after-dinner healthy snack, your bestie who just had a baby, the trillions of relatives staying in your house for Thanksgiving, or for your pre-workout mini breakfast. For those things, this actually couldn’t be more perfect.

Each fall I take part in a charitable act that is entirely selfish. I donate my kid’s Halloween candy. They’re not at an age yet where they even notice, and the sad fact is that I just can’t have it around. In an attempt to withdraw from peanut butter cups in a healthful way, I make these protein bites.

And not only do I ride the “no-bake cookie” train, I drive it. Yes, no-bake anything is generally unattractive, but when we’re late for soccer and can’t find the shin-guard socks, it’s the best feeling ever to throw these at the kids in their car seats, knowing that they will get the protein, carbs and fats they need. Slacking on breakfast as your days get busier? Two or three of these with coffee will get the job done nicely. Oh, and for all you “non-bakers,” I know you can press “on” on a food processor. Happy no-bake snacking!

Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Bites
Makes about 50 bites

Ingredients
2 c. oats
2 c. dates
1 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1/2 c. chocolate protein powder
1/4 c. ground flax seed
1/2 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. kosher salt

Method
1. Place oats and dates in food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
2. Add peanut butter, cocoa powder, protein powder, flax, honey, vanilla and salt. Process until smoothly combined.
3. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place in airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

Per serving (3 balls): 249 calories, 9.7 grams fat, 2.1 grams saturated fat, 188 milligrams sodium, 352 milligrams potassium, 37 grams carbs, 4.7 grams dietary fiber, 24.5 grams sugar, 7.9 grams protein.

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Becca Boyd is a wife and mom who creates healthy and delicious recipes in her West Chester kitchen. She blogs about them on her website, Home Beccanomics.

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