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    Home » Recipes

    UPDATED: Mar 26, 2021

    Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls with Chopped Almonds

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    These Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are the perfect treat after a workout or anytime you want a healthy delicious snack. 

    two bowls stacked filled with Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls on top of red napkin with more balls in background and foreground

    I was checking out at TJ Maxx and perusing all the goodies they make you walk through when you're standing in line (they know how to get you to buy more) when a huge wave of hunger hit me. I didn't eat enough for lunch and forgot my afternoon snack so at this point I was ready to chow down anything I could find that was vegan.

    Lucky for me I found a bag of energy balls that were dairy-free. The balls themselves were made of chocolate and cherries and covered with crushed almonds. While the store-bought balls were delicious I figured I could recreate them and make double the amount for the price I paid for the little bag.

    Jump to:
    • Easy to Make Energy Balls
    • Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews
    Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls in bowl with balls and red napkin next to bowl

    Easy to Make Energy Balls

    I have a thing with energy/protein balls. I think they're the perfect afternoon or post workout snack when you don't want a whole meal but need a little hit of carbs and protein.

    I've gotten great feedback on my Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls and my Vanilla Almond Balls so I figured, why not share some more of my favorites?

    My Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are refined sugar-free; they're sweetened with only cherries and dates. I used chocolate protein powder instead of pure cacao so they're more filling.

    Honestly, they're more like a dessert than a protein ball so I'll have one of these at night if I get a chocolate craving. Since they're healthy, I don't even have to feel guilty if I have too!

    overhead shot of Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls in bowl with red napkin and balls in background

    Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls

    Yes these Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are amazingly delicious but here are a few other reasons why I love them:

    • cherries are a good source of vitamin C
    • they're refined sugar-free
    • almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, and magnesium
    • they save me from eating something unhealthy when I get too hungry
    • I can eat them for dessert without feeling too guilty

    If you make this Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.

    Share your pictures of any of my recipes on Instagram and use #vnutrition or tag @maryellenvalverde so I won’t miss it!

    overhead shot of Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls

    📖 Recipe

    Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls

    Author: Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition
    These Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are the perfect treat after a workout or anytime you want a healthy delicious snack. 
    5 from 2 votes
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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20
    Calories 128 kcal
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    Ingredients
      

    • 10 pitted dates soaked in hot water for about 10 mins
    • 1 cup dried bing cherries
    • 1 cup chocolate protein powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2-4 TB water (plus more for dipping)
    • 1 cup chopped almonds

    Instructions
     

    • Add dates, into food processor and process until dates are mostly chopped.
    • Add cherries, protein powder, vanilla extract and 1 TB of water and continue to process. 
    • While processing, add 1 TB at a time of water if the mixture is too thick until the mixture forms into a ball.
    • Shape mixture into about 20 balls.
    • Dip balls into water quickly (this helps the almonds to stick to them). 
    • Roll balls into chopped almonds.
    • Keep in fridge until ready to eat. Will keep in the fridge for about a week.

    Notes

    * This recipe will make about 18-20 balls. Nutrition information is for 18 balls. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 9.6gFat: 3gFiber: 3gCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.4mg

    PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.

    Mary Ellen
    Mary Ellen

    Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. 

    Mary Ellen
    Website |  + postsBio

    Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz Taylor says

      May 14, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      Can thawed frozen cherries be used instead of dried cherries?

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition says

        May 16, 2022 at 10:05 am

        Hi Liz. I'm not sure that the frozen cherries would work. The dried ones help make the balls sick together. I think that the frozen ones would be wet so they might not stick together as well. If you do try it though, please let me know how it goes.

        Reply
    2. Kristyn says

      November 18, 2020 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      Made these today -- delicious -- thank you for creating this recipe!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        November 18, 2020 at 11:51 am

        Yay! So happy you liked them, Kristyn!

        Reply
    3. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

      October 06, 2017 at 8:15 am

      Ohhhh love the cherries in these! How unique. I can imagine how great these taste!
      The TJmaxx line gets me every time. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says

      September 08, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      I bet these are so much nicer than the ones you bought 🙂 I know that feeling though, when you so desperately want to find a vegan snack, and it's always wonderful when you can get your hands on one. It's lucky for us you did with these being the result!

      Reply
    5. Christine @ Run Plant Based says

      September 05, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Yum, these look and sound wonderful - can't wait to try. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        September 06, 2017 at 10:52 am

        Thanks so much Christine! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply

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