Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls are gluten-free, vegan, and make a healthy snack your whole family will love!
I have this thing with beans. I keep putting them in places they aren’t intended to be. Brownies? Sure. Cookies? Why not? The thing is, beans are awesome. Nutritionally, they are powerhouses. Seriously. Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and magnesium. All important nutrients of which I want to make sure my kids are getting enough. Why save them for dinner?
I promise you that you won’t know that these chocolate peanut butter energy balls have black beans as their base. Even if you don’t love beans. The inspiration for these came from my High Protein Energy Balls recipe that uses chickpeas as the base. Black beans were a natural swap and they worked beautifully.
These chocolate peanut butter energy balls are the perfect snack for anyone, but they are especially great for kids. Healthy snacks are so important for growing kids, so why not choose a snack that will not only fill their bellies but also help fulfill their nutritional needs? The best part is my kids think they are having a treat when they are eating these.
Check out these awesome nutritional stats! Each ball contains:
64 calories
3.9 grams fat
2.6 grams protein
2.6 grams sugar
1.5 grams fiber
Low in calories, fat, and sugar, and high in fiber and protein. Yet it tastes like you are eating fudge! Well, almost. Yes, despite cutting sugar from my diet, I did try these. I can’t serve my children something I haven’t tried, right?! Although I probably could have just taken their word for it that they were good judging from their reactions. All I heard was “Yum! Yum! Yummmmy!” from both of them.
If you have a food processor, these are super easy! By far, my favorite kitchen appliance. Watch for yourself how EASY these are!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
5 simple ingredients is all you need to create this kid-approved, healthy snack. A perfect way to get an energy boost and satisfy that chocolate craving!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes in freezer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 34 balls 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed well
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter of choice)
- 1/4 cup honey (or other liquid sweetener of choice like agave nectar or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a food processor, process the almonds until they are a fine crumb. Add the beans and process until they are well incorporated. Add the peanut butter, honey, and cocoa powder and process until the mixture is smooth.
- Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper if you prefer). These can be eaten right away, but I like to put them in the freezer for 10-20 minutes to help them firm up a bit first.
- Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 76
- Sugar: 2.8g
- Sodium: 26.1mg
- Fat: 4.1g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5g
- Protein: 2.6g
Keywords: energy bites
The chickpea peanut butter energy balls have been a family favorite since I first made them three years ago. Remember when Meghan was stealing balls during the photo shoot?
Seriously: where does the time go?! When I developed that recipe, I was pregnant with Luke. This time, Luke was the 2 year old and he decided it was his turn to be the energy ball thief. So funny!
I hope you are having a great week and you get a chance to try this healthy snack recipe!
This post was first published in 2014. Video was added in 2019. Please note that links to products are affiliate links.
Lisa says
May 14, 2014 at 3:09 pmWe just made the chickpea peanut butter energy balls earlier this week. Still working on getting through the bag in the freezer. These are next! Thanks.
Maryea says
May 15, 2014 at 5:31 pmI can’t believe it took my almost 3 years to think to try these with black beans and cocoa powder! I hope you enjoy this version, too. 🙂
Maryea says
May 16, 2014 at 6:25 am*me*
Fran says
May 14, 2014 at 5:12 pmI hope there will be some left when I get there, they look delicious.
Maryea says
May 15, 2014 at 5:31 pmWe can always make more. 😉
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
May 14, 2014 at 5:30 pmI am SO going to try these next week! They look delicious!
Maryea says
May 15, 2014 at 5:31 pmLet me know what you think!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
June 24, 2014 at 11:43 pmFinally made these tonight as a snack to bring to work, but then I had one for dessert. They are tasty! The hubs loves the chocolate PB combo. I feel like the texture is a little weird at first but it grows on ya. Thanks for the recipe!
Maryea says
June 25, 2014 at 7:19 amYou’re welcome, Kelli!
Jillian says
May 14, 2014 at 9:43 pmThese look great! I just got a food processor for Mother’s Day and I am excited to try these.
Maryea says
May 15, 2014 at 5:30 pmYour life is going to change so much with that food processor! 😉 Can’t imagine not having my food processor. Hope you guys enjoy these.
Bree says
May 14, 2014 at 9:45 pmI’m assuming soy nut butter would work fine with these. Am I right? My daughter seems partial to soy nut butter.
Maryea says
May 16, 2014 at 6:25 amYes, soy nut butter would work here, too. I hope your daughter enjoys these. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
May 15, 2014 at 8:23 amWhat beautiful children you have! And these energy balls look so delicious and easy!
Maryea says
May 15, 2014 at 5:29 pmYou are so sweet! Thank you. 🙂
Allison @ Clean Wellness says
May 15, 2014 at 8:43 amI love using beans in treats! They work like magic. These look incredible. Must make these this weekend! Peanut butter chickpea also sounds amazing. Yum!
Audrey says
May 16, 2014 at 9:05 amI was wondering how big you made the balls. Did you use a measured scoop at all? (like 1 Tbsp, 2 Tbsp, etc)
Maryea says
May 16, 2014 at 4:46 pmI didn’t use a measured scoop but the balls were about 1 inch tall.
dina says
May 16, 2014 at 9:56 amthis is a fun, healthy snack.
Maryea says
May 16, 2014 at 4:47 pmThanks, Dina!
Angie says
May 16, 2014 at 12:51 pmI just made these to have as a quick afternoon snack and let me tell you they are scrumptious. Like brownie batter rolled into a ball. My daughter walked into the kitchen as I was rolling them and I got a “*GASP* thank you mom!” without even a taste. We love chocolate in this house, so I have a feeling these will be made again without a doubt.
Maryea says
May 16, 2014 at 4:41 pmMy so glad you liked these! Thanks for commenting and letting me know. 🙂
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
May 17, 2014 at 1:24 pmThese are the best!! I made the raw “donut holes” from Barre this week and they’re almost gone so these are next. Beans in errthang!!!
Shannon Rathbun says
May 20, 2014 at 7:44 pmGenius! Thank you! Lily requested Nutella Balls so I just used the rest of a jar of raw hazelnut butter. Ironically it’s my son who can’t get enough. Thanks again!
Maryea says
May 20, 2014 at 9:12 pmOoh sounds fabulous!!
Jordan says
May 21, 2014 at 4:52 pmHi Maryea! I just came across your blog when searching for new recipes! Looks like we have the same ideals about food and cook very similarly. I make a recipe very similar to this, but I’ve never tried black beans before, I like this twist a lot-adding some protein and fiber, great idea.
Maryea says
May 21, 2014 at 5:09 pmThanks, Jordan! You should definitely give these a try–they are such a fun, healthy treat. 🙂
Teresa says
May 23, 2014 at 7:04 pmI suppose standard can sizes are a little different here in Canada – my tin of beans was 19 oz instead of 15 oz. So… I just added a little extra cocoa and a little extra honey. And I had almond meal on hand, so I used that instead of grinding up whole almonds.
So delicious! I love snacks like this that have nutritional value… and taste so wonderful that no one would ever guess 😉 . My doctor recommends I have a small high-in-protein snack in the evening and this might be just the thing. Thank you!!
Maryea says
May 26, 2014 at 9:14 pmYou’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed these.
Teresa~Iowa says
January 22, 2015 at 11:54 amMaryea, Can I substitute almond meal for the almonds, as I do not have a food processor? If so, would I still use 1/2 cup? Thank you, Teresa
Maryea says
January 25, 2015 at 2:22 pmYes, that should work just fine. Although I haven’t measured out the almonds after processing, I think 1/2 cup almond meal would be a safe bet. Please let me know how they work out with your changes!
Teresa~Iowa says
January 25, 2015 at 2:58 pmI did use 1/2 cup of almond meal and they turned out great. My 19 year old loves them as he is always looking for ways to get more protein in his diet since he lifts weights. I had to “mash” the beans with a fork and this worked good. I also added just a little more honey and used a little less cocao. I put the ingredients in an oven-safe bowl and put them in the oven on low for about 5 minutes to soften everything up so it would mix easier. Worked like a charm! Thank you for the great recipe!
Maryea says
January 25, 2015 at 8:36 pmThanks so much for sharing how you made it work without a food processor! I’m glad you and your son enjoyed these. 🙂
Jamie says
February 9, 2015 at 6:35 pmI made these today and my kids loved them. Thank you! I’m new to your blog and I’m pretty excited about what you have to offer :). What kind of food processor do you have/recommend? Thank you, Jamie
Maryea says
February 9, 2015 at 7:10 pmThank you, Jamie! I have a Cuisinart and love it. 🙂
Jamie says
February 9, 2015 at 7:13 pmThanks!
Kim says
March 25, 2015 at 5:35 pmI just made these. Added 3/4tsp of almond extract. So Good!!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Carolyn J says
May 5, 2015 at 6:46 pmI found these on Pinterest a week or two ago and finally made them tonight… amazing!! From my past experience making recipes using honey as a sweetener, I figured they would be a little bitter for my taste – so I added 1 and 1/2 capfuls of vanilla extract and a sprinkling of splenda -probably a table spoon or less? I should have measured of course… these are great tho! I’ve got them chilling in the freezer right now and they taste like brownie dough bites. So neat!! thanks for a great healthy recipe for a chocolate fix.
Maryea says
May 7, 2015 at 6:56 amYou’re welcome, Carolyn! I’m glad you found my site and I’m glad you liked these. 🙂
Shannon says
May 8, 2015 at 7:42 pmI love that these use black beans. Most other recipes call for chickpeas!
Aurelia says
July 9, 2015 at 12:49 amThese look great! I haven’t tried using black beans in energy balls yet. If I was using almond meal instead of processing my own, how much do you think I should use?
Maryea says
July 9, 2015 at 8:50 amI would start with a little less than 1/2 cup. Then you can add more if you think you need it. Please let me know how they turn out!
Alexa says
August 6, 2015 at 8:03 pmCan I sub oats in for almonds? I’m allergic to nuts (was already planning to use toasted soy butter instead of pb) Thanks!
Maryea says
August 7, 2015 at 6:59 amI think oats would work great! Will you let me know how it turns out?
Lucia says
August 20, 2015 at 5:37 pmHello , I make a query ; beans are incorporated into the cooked , right recipe? that way you cook ? in my country , but the beans are not easily get used to eating. From already thank you very much. Cheers
Maryea says
August 20, 2015 at 9:55 pmYes, the beans should be cooked before you use them in the recipe. 🙂
K says
October 2, 2015 at 2:48 amTried them yesterday with a few moderations (http://worthredoing.com/2015/10/02/the-8-hour-diet-healthy-peanutbutter-balls/). Very good and also kid approved from our house
Maryea says
October 5, 2015 at 9:52 pmI’m glad to hear these were a hit!
Emmalee says
March 2, 2016 at 4:09 pmCould these be frozen?
Maryea says
March 2, 2016 at 9:00 pmYes, I have!
Connie says
March 21, 2016 at 8:57 amI am going to try pressing this recipe into a pan and topping with peanuts, rice cereal and maybe a version of your vegan caramel sauce – drizzled with melted chocolate. I am just tired of buying my kids protein bars from the store. Wish me luck! Thanks for all your great ideas!
Maryea says
March 21, 2016 at 7:02 pmWow what a great idea! Will you please let me know how it turns out?
Maryea says
March 21, 2016 at 7:02 pmWow what a great idea! Will you please let me know how it turns out?
Avalonnae says
April 9, 2016 at 4:36 pmI just made these, but added some shredded coconut so that I can kill yet another craving in one shot. How yummy! Of course my 3 yr old was angry and said that I ‘ruined them’ with the coconut, though she liked coconut just fine until today, but I guess that means another batch very soon. (After I purchase a new processor, as I killed my ninja just now. NOOOOOO!) I think I would use less cocoa powder next time though, as they border on too bitter for my usual liking, but easily fixed and the recipe you have here is awesome. I can’t wait to try the original with chickpeas as they are a huge staple in our home. Thank u!
Maryea says
April 10, 2016 at 7:33 amThanks for your feedback!
cathy D unn says
September 25, 2016 at 9:54 pmhow many smart point are they
Maryea says
September 26, 2016 at 6:16 amHi Cathy! I’m sorry I don’t have those calculations for you.
plasterers bristol says
October 13, 2016 at 12:49 pmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxx6apKvtis
Karen Howard says
March 28, 2017 at 2:25 pmHi Maryea. I just copied this recipe & can’t wait to try it. It’ll help me use up all the black beans & P. butter I get from the food bank & give me something delicious & healthy as well. Thank You. I’m going to try the Chickpea P. Butter Balls too!
Maryea says
March 29, 2017 at 6:57 amI hope you love this Karen! Please let me know how you like the recipes. 🙂
Hannah says
September 7, 2018 at 1:39 pmI’ve played around with this recipe (honey amount or using sweetened cocoa powder – hubby likes things sweet) and we really love always it. The other day I made it as written Just Cause and was shocked how deliciously and CHOCOLATY it was! Might just make as written from now on. I asked hubby to taste and he didn’t think the original recipe needed any additional sweetening either. We didn’t find it bitter at all (though we like dark chocolate…) and it really tastes like chocolate and the texture is much preferred to the grainy/chewy/lumpy texture of many ball recipes.
★★★★★
Maryea says
September 9, 2018 at 1:19 pmAwesome!!
Maryea says
July 28, 2015 at 8:14 pmYes, frozen berries work as well!