Coffee Protein Balls (gluten-free, Paleo)

Gluten-free protein balls on a plate surrounded by walnuts, dates and protein powder.

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Coffee Protein Balls (gluten-free, Paleo)

These Coffee Protein Balls are an easy, whole snack. They're packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats and a bit of caffeine to keep you full and energized. Plus you only need 4 ingredients!

And they're gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and can easily be made vegan and Paleo friendly.

Prep Time10

Cook Time0

Total Time10

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: balls

Calories: 216kcal

Author: Don Baiocchi

Ingredients

1 cup chopped walnuts
8 large, soft dates, such as Medjool about 1 cup
½ cup unflavored protein powder
4 teaspoons coffee or espresso cold or room temperature

Instructions

Add the walnuts to a food processor.
Rip open the dates to take out and discard the pits. Rip the dates into large pieces and add to the food processor.
Pulse until the walnuts and dates are both roughly the same size, like coarse sand.
Add the protein powder and coffee/espresso. Pulse until the mixture comes together. I like the mixture to still have some texture rather than become a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl if necessary part way through the processing.
Line a plate or container with paper towels. Use two tablespoons or a medium cookie scoop to scoop up about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture (make sure it's tightly packed). Roll between your palms to create a ball shape (roughly the size of a golf ball), then place on a paper towel-lined plate or container. If the mixture crumbles a little in your hands, that's fine. Just smush it together and continue rolling. Repeat until you've made all the balls.
Your hands might get a bit wet/oily from the oils in the nuts. The balls might also seem too oily at first but that's what the paper towels are for. You can also pat each one dry with more paper towels if you wish.
The balls can be enjoyed right away or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Once they're chilled in the fridge they won't be as oily.

Notes

Substitutions

You can use chopped almonds, pecans, cashews or hazelnuts instead of the walnuts.

You can use any unflavored, vanilla or protein powder you like. Look for a dairy-free, vegan or Paleo version if necessary.

Make ahead

The balls can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer info

To freeze them, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet (make sure they're not touching) and place in the freezer until they're frozen through, about 2-3 hours. Transfer the balls to an airtight container or baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition