Description

Chunky Monkey Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients including raw walnuts, medjool dates, banana, dark chocolate chips, and protein powder. These no-bake energy bites provide a perfect blend of natural sweetness, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, making them an ideal grab-and-go treat for a quick energy boost or post-workout recovery. Easy to prepare and customizable with optional ground flaxseeds or chia, these protein balls are freezer-friendly and packed with texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups raw walnuts, plus extra for mixing
6–8 large medjool dates, pitted
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup banana chunks (about 2 small or medium bananas)
1/3 cup protein powder (pea protein recommended, such as Nuzest Just Natural)

Optional Ingredients

1/4 cup ground flaxseeds or chia seeds

Instructions

Soak Walnuts: Soak 2 cups of raw walnuts overnight in water or for at least 2 hours in hot water. This softens the nuts, making them easier to blend and improving digestibility. After soaking, rinse and drain the walnuts thoroughly.
Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked walnuts, pitted medjool dates, protein powder, and ground flaxseeds (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth and starts to come together.
Add Bananas and Chocolate: Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and mash in the banana chunks using a spatula. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and the reserved extra walnuts to add texture.
Combine Mixture: Return the mixture briefly to the food processor and pulse a few times or fold everything well with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Adjust texture by leaving bigger or smaller banana chunks according to your preference.
Form Balls and Store: Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls. Place the protein balls in an airtight container and store them in the freezer to keep fresh and firm until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Using medjool dates adds natural sweetness to the protein balls without any refined sugar.
Soaking walnuts softens them for easier blending and better texture.
Choose your favorite plant-based protein powder; pea protein works well and keeps the recipe vegan.
The ground flaxseeds or chia seeds are optional but add beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Store protein balls in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness.
Feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips with cacao nibs for a less sweet option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time: overnight or 2 hours)
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake, Food Processor
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 protein ball (approx. 20 g)
Calories: 110 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: protein balls, no-bake snack, healthy snack, vegan protein, medjool dates, walnuts, banana, protein powder, energy bites