Chocolate Protein Balls Chickpeas and Almond Snack

These Chocolate Protein Balls with Chickpeas and Almonds are an easy recipe for a quick, no-bake snack. Made with almond flour, chickpeas, and chocolate protein powder, they’re packed with added protein and rich flavor, and no one will ever guess they have chickpeas! Perfect for meal prep or a post-workout bite.

A bowl of chocolate protein balls with chickpeas and protein powder.

These Chocolate Protein Balls with Chickpeas and Almonds are your answer to a quick, no-bake snack that’s simple to make and packed with rich chocolate flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples like almond flour, chickpeas, and chocolate protein powder, this easy recipe is a lifesaver when you need fuss-free, easy treats. 

As a home cook who loves creating satisfying recipes, I’ve refined this one to save you time while delivering added protein and the perfect balance of texture and taste. Store them in the fridge or freezer, and no one will ever guess they have chickpeas! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving a post-workout bite, these protein balls are about to become your go-to snack.

YouTube video

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Protein Balls with Chickpeas and Almonds

  • Decadent Chocolate Flavor: Fudgy and rich with bursts of chocolate in every bite.
  • Ready in 15 Minutes: No baking, minimal mess, and perfect for a quick snack fix.
  • No Special Equipment Needed: Just mix in a bowl—no food processor required.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for snacks all week long.
Chocolate protein ball ingredients.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best chocolate chickpea protein bites:

Chickpeas: Add a creamy texture and mild flavor. Swap with white beans like cannellini or great northern beans for a similar base.

Maple Syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener. Use honey or agave nectar as alternatives to adjust the sweetness.

Almond Butter: Provides richness and a nutty flavor. Replace with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.

Almond Flour: Adds a tender texture and helps bind the dough. Use coconut flour or oat flour, adjusting as needed for moisture balance.

Chocolate Protein Powder: Acts as a base ingredient while boosting protein content. Substitute vanilla protein powder and add extra cocoa powder for a chocolate boost. This is my favorite organic plant-based chocolate protein powder that tastes delicious in this recipe.

Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor. Try Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper and richer taste.

Chia Seeds: Add a slight crunch and extra binding. Replace with ground flaxseeds or omit for a smoother consistency.

Mini Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of sweetness and chocolate flavor. Opt for chopped dark chocolate, cacao nibs, or dairy-free options as substitutes.

Close-up of protein chocolate bites in a glass bowl.

How to Make My Chocolate Protein Balls Recipe

Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my chickpea chocolate bites. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

Step 1: Blend the Chocolate Dough

In a food processor add 1 cup chickpeas, 1/3 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and blend until smooth and creamy.

Add 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.

Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Adding the wet ingredients to the food processor.
Chocolate protein ball dough mixed in the food processor.

Step 2: Roll into Balls

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up, then enjoy!

Scooping out a ball of chocolate chickpea dough.
Rolling the chickpea chocolate dough into a round ball.
A glass bowl of chocolate protein bites with almond butter and chickpeas.

Expert Recipe Tips

Achieve a Smooth Texture: Mash the chickpeas thoroughly for a consistent base.

Adjust Consistency: If the dough feels sticky, chill for 10 minutes or add a tablespoon of almond flour.

Customize Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup to suit your taste.

Even Portions: Use a cookie scoop for uniform protein balls.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

  • Pre-Workout Snack: Enjoy two balls for quick energy before exercise. These chocolate coconut balls are perfect for a protein boost.
  • Mid-Morning Treat: Pair with coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate balls for a satisfying pick-me-up.
  • Lunchbox Hero: Perfect for kids and adults alike as an on-the-go snack, and they’ll never guess they have chickpeas!
  • Dessert Board Addition: Serve alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and other treats. Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes or powdered sugar for extra appeal.
  • Smoothie Bowl Topper: Crumble over smoothie bowls with desiccated coconut for added crunch and protein.
  • Gift Idea: Wrap in a reusable container with a chocolate coating or white chocolate drizzle for a thoughtful homemade gift.
  • Healthy Party Snack: Display as part of a balanced snack platter featuring hot cocoa balls, peanut butter dough bites, and other easy treats.

Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Freeze: Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container or bag. Store for up to three months.

On-the-Go: Store in a cool, dry place for up to two days.

Can I make these chocolate protein balls without a food processor?
Yes! Mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher and mix everything by hand for a slightly chunkier texture. This makes it a great option for quick and easy snack prep without specialized tools.

Do I need to cook the chickpeas first?
Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked and ready to use. Just rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium and ensure the best flavor for your chocolate protein balls.

Can I use another chocolate protein powder?
Absolutely! Use any protein powder you prefer, including plant-based, whey, or collagen. Adjust liquid or dry ingredient ratios based on the powder’s absorbency to get the right texture for rolling.

What if the chocolate dough is sticky?
Add more almond flour, protein powder, or even rolled oats a little at a time until the dough firms up. Sticky dough can also be chilled briefly to make it easier to handle.

How do I make this recipe nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter and oat flour instead of almond-based ingredients. This keeps the recipe accessible for those with nut allergies.

Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! Store in the freezer for up to three months. Freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container for easy grab-and-go snacks. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

What’s the best way to customize these protein balls?
Try adding shredded coconut, chia seeds, or crushed nuts for extra texture. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily! Just double the ingredients and store extras in the fridge or freezer for meal prep or snack emergencies.

A bowl of chocolate protein balls with chickpeas and protein powder.

Chocolate Protein Balls: Chickpeas Almond Snack

Dairy-Free diet-friendly recipe
Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
These Chocolate Protein Balls with Chickpeas and Almonds are an easy recipe for a quick, no-bake snack. Made with almond flour, chickpeas, and chocolate protein powder, they’re packed with added protein and rich flavor, and no one will ever guess they have chickpeas! Perfect for meal prep or a post-workout bite.
5 from 3 votes
Servings 10
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor add 1 cup chickpeas, 1/3 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and blend until smooth and creamy.
    Add 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
    Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up, then enjoy!

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Achieve a Smooth Texture: Mash the chickpeas thoroughly for a consistent base.
Adjust Consistency: If the dough feels sticky, chill for 10 minutes or add a tablespoon of almond flour.
Customize Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup to suit your taste.
Even Portions: Use a cookie scoop for uniform protein balls.

Nutrition

Serving: 3ballsCalories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chickpeas, chocolate, energy balls, energy bites, protein snack
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

4 Comments

  1. These are so easy to make and incredibly moreish. I dipped a few in some melted dark chocolate I had going spare which took them to the next level. With or without the chocolate they are great. Love how they are made without dates or nut butter too. So good I have to keep them in the freezer to stop me from eating too many in one sitting x

  2. My teenage son can’t get enough of these! I’ll have to make another batch and hide it for myself 🙂 I love how easy this recipe is and the protein powder is really good too. I’ve been looking for a powder that doesn’t have aspartame in it. Thank you!

5 from 3 votes

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