Description
These Healthy Chocolate Snack Balls are a delicious, nutritious treat made from black beans, cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners. Perfect as a guilt-free snack or energy boost, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with optional peppermint or coffee flavors, with an optional chocolate coating for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can black beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or nut butter
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
Optional Additions
- 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract or pinch instant coffee
- Optional chocolate coating (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Prepare Beans: Drain and rinse the black beans very well to remove any canning liquid and improve texture.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor (preferred for best texture), combine the rinsed beans, cocoa powder or protein powder, coconut oil or nut butter, vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Optionally, add peppermint extract or instant coffee and blend again.
- Form Balls: Use a spoon or mini cookie scoop to form the mixture into roughly 18 to 20 small balls or truffles.
- Coat and Chill: Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined plate. Roll them in shredded coconut if desired, or proceed to refrigerate. Alternatively, prepare and coat with the optional chocolate coating recipe as preferred.
- Refrigerate: Chill the snack balls in the refrigerator to firm up before serving, about 30 minutes to 1 hour is typical for best texture.
Notes
- Using a food processor instead of a blender provides a smoother, better texture.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave for different sweeteners.
- For a keto-friendly version, omit maple syrup and replace with a low-carb sweetener; see the keto No Bake Brownie Bites.
- Roll snack balls in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder for added texture.
- Store snack balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Try pairing these with a healthy Protein Banana Bread for a more filling snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
