I was hunting for a low sugar, chocolatey protien bite to add to my meal prep menu a few months ago. Naturally, I turn to Pinterest and Google for inspiration. I came across a recipe from one of my favorite food blogs, The Real Food Dieticians. (They make some pretty fantastic recipes that you should check out!) Their Paleo Almond Joy Protien bites checked all those boxes and then some.
They are chewy, chocolatey, just the right amount of sweet, and well-rounded with protien, fat, and fiber. Simple and quick to make is also plus. For the kids’ backpacks, swap out those fruit snacks and individual bags of cookies and chips for these protein bites. A little fat and protien will keep them energized much longer than only sugar and carbs. Serve these bites as a healthier treat after dinner, or a bridge snack to help you make it between meals. They taste indulgent, but are loaded with good things!
I adapted the original recipe from The Real Food RDs by adding less maple syrup, chocolate flavored collagen powder, and an additional half teaspoon almond extract. They turned about lovely.
Can’t Believe They’re Paleo
Paleo treats are naturally dairy, gluten, and refined sugar free. However, be sure to check your chocolate chips if you are sensitive to dairy or trying to avoid 100% refined sugar. I highly reccommend, Hu, Lily’s, and Bake Believe Brands for a healthier chocolate option. You could sub cocao nibs or just leave the chocolate chips out completely.
If you want to make these keto friendly, use monkfruit maple syrup and your favorite sugar-free chocolate chips. Looking for a vegan option? Use a plant-based protein powder and dairy free chocolate chips.
Ingredients
I used almond flour, but almond meal would also work well. Do not sub coconut flour as you won’t get the same dough consistency! (Coconut flour absorbs alot more liquid than almond flour.) Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a great texture and while the extracts give a candy-like flavor. Almond butter provides the cookie-dough consistency and the chopped almonds give these bites a good crunch along with those tasty chocolate chips. A little vanilla and almond extract elevates these bites into an even more decadent treat.
So Simple to Make
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix by hand or using a wooden spoon. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out into a rounded balls and pop in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden. After that, store them in in airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Almond Joy Protein Bites
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- measuring cups/spoons
- Food processor or sharp chopping knife
- cutting board
- Cookie scoop
- parchment paper
- Cookie sheet
- wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup almond flour or almond meal
- ⅔ cup shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp maple syrup add an additional TBSP for more sweetness
- ½ cup almond butter drippy kind works best
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
- ¼-⅓ cup almonds, chopped
- ¼ cup chocolate chips minis, regular, or a chopped chocolate bar all work!
- 1-3 tsp nut milk of choice only if dough seems dry. Add more if needed.
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix with your hands forms. Should be thick enough to roll into balls without falling apart. Add nut milk if needed until dough forms.
- Using a 1 or 2-inch cookie scoop, scoop out onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until firm. Transfer to a plastic bag or storage container and store in the freezer for a few weeks or refridgerator for up to one week. Enjoy!
