Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls have the perfect mix of sweet and salty, plus the smooth chocolate coating with a crunchy inside! With only 8 ingredients, these easy-to-make protein balls will be your new favourite snack!
The first time I got the inspiration for these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls was when I was in dire need of food. I’m sure you know that feeling of “hanger” too. The most convenient option for food was at a nearby Body Energy Club- a Vancouver-based health food store and smoothie bar. I picked up a package of their protein balls and fell in love! It was the crunchy texture that held together, and of course the flavour, that sold it. Whenever I can recreate a recipe at home, with my own ingredients, I will try my best to do so. So with the knowledge of the flavour and texture I was after, I set off to make my All Nutrition version. And now you can make this recipe yourself with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients needed
- Peanut butter
- I used regular Kraft peanut butter in this recipe but a natural or organic option would work as well. You may need to add 1-2 tbsp of water for the dough to roll better if the nut butter is too dry.
- You can also try different types of nut or seed butter if you prefer.
- Coconut oil
- This allows for the dough to solidify more instead of crumbling after taking one bite.
- Maple syrup
- A little bit of sweetness goes a long way! If your protein powder is already sweetened, you may not need this maple syrup. It’s up to you and your preference.
- Vanilla extract
- This is another ingredient that may not be vital if you have a flavoured protein powder. However, I used vanilla protein powder and still used this vanilla extract so feel free to double up too!
- Shredded coconut
- This coconut enhances the flavour from the coconut oil and adds some texture! Depending on your sweet preference, you can opt for sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Protein Powder
- Rice Krispies
- It’s the special ingredient that adds the ultimate crunch factor. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, these would be a good substitute.
And for the chocolate coating: you just need dark chocolate chips and coconut oil! The coconut oil helps solidify the chocolate, giving it an extra crunchy bite.
Dessert, snack or protein ball?
It was hard to classify these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls because they can fall within many categories. They are delicious desserts that satisfy a sweet tooth. They could be an uplifting and energizing afternoon snack. Alternatively, they can also classify as a protein ball, given the variety of ingredients. The peanut butter and protein powder together give each ball roughly 4 grams of protein. This is close to the range of protein recommended for a nourishing snack. Whichever way you want to categorize them, dessert, snack or protein ball, I think they will meet all of your needs!
I hope you get the chance to try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls! Let me know how you enjoy them in your day.
Don’t forget to check out some of these other delicious chocolate recipes:
If you make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls I would love to see your comment and rating below. It also makes my day seeing your creations of my recipes on Instagram- don’t forget to tag @allnutrition.rd!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 40 g scoop protein powder, unflavoured or vanilla
- 1/4 cup Rice Krispies, or other puffed rice cereal
- 1 tbsp water
Chocolate coating
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Add in the shredded coconut, protein powder and Rice Krispies and stir until well combined.
- Roll about 1 tbsp of the mixture into a ball and place on a plate or baking tray lined with parchment paper. If the dough isn't rolling smoothly, add 1 tbsp of water and mix into the dough. Roll the remaining dough into balls and place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- While the balls are in the freezer, make the chocolate coating. In a small, microwaveable bowl, add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between each, until it is melted and smooth.
- Prepare your coating station. You can use the lined plate or baking tray, or place a piece of parchment paper under a baking cooling rack.
- Drop the frozen ball into the melted chocolate and roll it until it is evenly coated. Gently remove it from the chocolate and place it on a plate, tray or rack. (I like to use a fork to make this process easier). Repeat with the remaining balls.
- Place the coated crunch balls in the freezer or fridge for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened. Enjoy!
Notes
- It's your choice to use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut, depending on your taste preference.
- Protein powder: 1 40 gram scoop is just less than 1/2 cup of protein powder.
- Storage: Store in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 weeks!
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! I work at BEC and been spending all my salary in these balls haha can’t wait to try making them myself
Thanks so much for trying them Mari! I hope they live up to the real deal for you!