Nutella Protein Balls
Calling all Nutella lovers! These incredibly delicious Nutella protein balls made with creamy Nutella hazelnut chocolate spread, chocolate protein powder, quick oats, milk, hazelnuts, and maple syrup are easy to make, nutrient-packed, and taste like a decadent sweet treat! Makes 10 balls.
I love Nutella (who doesn’t?!), but it’s a sugar bomb as a stand-alone treat, so I’ve paired it with muscle-building protein powder, nuts for healthy fats, and oats resulting in a tasty treat that’s quick and easy to make. All you need is a handful of ingredients and you’ve got a tasty snack the whole family will love. These little bites pack a big flavor punch!
Why you’ll love this energy ball recipe
- These little bliss balls deliver an extra boost of energy in a portable no-bake treat.
- They’re deceptively nutritious, making the perfect kid-friendly healthy snack or dessert.
- Ingredients are easy to customize with recommended swaps and add-ins below.
- A quick grab-and-go snack on busy days.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Nutella– or your favorite creamy hazelnut spread.
- Coconut milk– I use canned coconut milk, but you can easily swap this for your favorite nut milk (unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, and hazelnut milk would be fab here), or regular milk.
- Chocolate whey protein powder– I used Legion Dutch Chocolate whey isolate protein powder for this recipe with delicious results. Go with a protein powder that you love the taste of here. Swap with plant-based if you can’t have dairy.
- Quick oats- The texture of quick oats works best in energy balls. You could swap them for whole oats since they will be mixed in a food processor. Instant oats can work, but you may need to add a couple of tablespoons more to get the right ball texture for rolling. Use certified GF oats for gluten-free energy balls.
- Cocoa powder– for rich, chocolatey flavor. You can also use cacao powder, but it’s a bit more bitter but contains more nutrients than more finely processed cocoa.
- Hazelnuts- you’ll need chopped unsalted hazelnuts.
- Maple syrup- make sure to use good quality real maple syrup here. This liquid sweetener adds a rich caramel-like flavor with subtle hints of vanilla.
How to make Nutella energy bites
Step 1. Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.
Step 2. Process until blended. The mixture should form into a dry, sticky ball.
Step 3. Roll into 10 heaping tablespoon-size balls and place them on a wax-paper or parchment-lined baking sheet pan or plate.
Step 4. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Recipe tips
- Be sure to chill the balls for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can mingle and the balls can firm up a bit.
- Don’t over-process the mixture. Pulse just until a firm mound starts to form.
Variations
These fudgy bites are easy to customize to suit your palate and macronutrient needs. Here are some other options:
- Lower carb bites- Swap the oats for unsweetened coconut flakes and leave out the maple syrup.
- Lower calorie bites- Swap the coconut milk for unsweetened almond milk and omit the maple syrup or swap it for a sugar-free liquid sweetener.
- Try different protein powders- You can use a vanilla or unflavored protein powder if you’re not a fan of chocolate.
- Toppings- You can roll the balls in finely ground coconut, hazelnuts, chia seeds, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.
Storing & freezing
Place Nutella balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. They will soften quickly once you thaw them.
They are good at room temperature, but best when chilled.
More energy ball recipes you might like
Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls
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Nutella Protein Balls
Equipment
- 1 food processor
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Nutella
- 3 tbsp canned coconut milk
- 50 grams chocolate whey protein I used Legion Dutch Chocolate whey protein powder
- 1/2 cup quick cook oats
- 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp good quality maple syrup
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.
- Process until blended. The mixture should form into a dry, sticky ball.
- Roll into heaping tablespoon-size balls and place them on a wax-paper or parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the balls for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can mingle and the balls can firm up a bit.
- Don’t over-process the mixture. Pulse just until a firm mound starts to form.
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