These chunky monkey protein balls are made with 5 ingredients. Walnuts and dates mixed with bananas, chocolate chips and protein powder, making the perfect healthy snacks to have in the freezer!

chunky monkey balls are on a small plate and there are chocolate chips & walnuts sprinkled around.

These chunky monkey protein balls make the perfect pre-workout energy bites or afternoon pick-me-up snacks.

I love that these balls are packed with all of my favorite flavors and ingredients! From chocolate and banana to walnuts and dates. You will also fall in love with these no bake bites.

If you enjoy banana walnut treats as much as I do- then you must try out these Maple Walnut Banana Bread Bars! They are seriously so decadent, and the bars are so soft, and fluffy!

The other great thing about making no bake bites is that there is hardly any clean up involved since everything is mixed in the food processor- and there is no need to even turn on the stove!

Where did the chunky monkey flavor originate

Can you believe this flavor was brainstormed and brought to life by a New Hampshire college student?!

Thats right!

They thought the combo of walnuts, bananas, and fudge was a great combo…and I would HAVE to agree!

From there- Ben & Jerrys did quite a bit of testing, but an iconic star was born… and it is still one of the top flavors today.

Ingredients needed for chunky monkey protein balls

There are only 5 main ingredients needed for these chunky monkey balls- 6 if you choose to use protein powder!

Bananas– You will want to use spotty ripe bananas, as this will give you the most pungent banana flavor!

Chocolate Chips– You could use chocolate chunks, morsels, mini chips…or cut up your favorite chocolate bar into pieces!

Ground Flax

Walnuts

Dates- I love using dates as both a binder and a natural sweetener. make sure to soak them for a few hours before making these though!

Protein Powder- I like to use Nuzest Vanilla Protein Powder for this recipe. You can use “SHUANGY15” to get 15% off. 

Another great optional add in, is collagen powder! You can’t even taste it!

Why Soaking Nuts and Seeds?

If I use raw nuts in my recipes, chances are I will be soaking them in hot water for at least 2 hours with a pinch of salt. Here are some of the reasons I do it:

  1. Improved taste- soaking removes the dust, residue, and tannins from the skin.
  2. Gooey Protein Balls – without the tannins, the consistency is so much smoother.
  3. Better to Digest
  4. Easier food preparation – now that the walnuts are softer, they are so much easier to work with!

Instructions on making chunky monkey no bake balls

Before you begin making these decadent little treats- you will want to soak the walnuts and dates overnight- or in hot water for 2 before making these!

In a food processor, place your soaked walnuts and dates.
Next, add in your Ground flax, your protein powder…or both.
Pulse ingredients until they are smooth.
Next, add in ripe bananas, and chocolate chips,
Make sure not to fully blend and leave some chunks.
Lastly, use a 1-inch scooper to begin forming the no bake bites.

Lastly you will want to freezer or put these into the fridge to enjoy!

Why I Love These Chunky Monkey Balls

Aside from being quick, easy, and basically mess-free, I love how easy it is to customize these chunky monkey balls so that the whole family can enjoy them.

If banana treats are your jam- and you want a toddler-friendly treat, then you must try out these Banana Bread Cookies.

You can try taking half of the batch and mixing it with other fun ingredients to make it more kid-friendly or spread it out in a pan instead of rolling them into balls and then cut them into squares. 

There are a lot of possibilities with a basic, simple recipe like this so it’s a good recipe to have in your arsenal!

Ways to Enjoy These Energy Balls

there are chunky monkey balls with walnuts sprinkled around and a sliced banana

Personally, I think these no bake bites are perfect to eat on their own for a pre-workout, on the go, or breakfast treat.

But, if you want you could always enjoy them with a hot cup of tea- or some fresh Cashew Milk.

Or if you are having a little get together, you could serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and some cinnamon dashed on top!

Have fun with it- and enjoy the flavor explosion in your mouth!

Storing Them in The Freezer

Once you’ve chilled your chunky monkey no bake balls, simply put them in a storage bag or airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

So, feel free to batch up for some meal prep!

a bite is taken out of a chunky monkey ball and set on a plate

Get the recipe:Chunky Monkey Protein Balls {5 Ingredients}

Prep Time: 15 minutes
These chunky monkey protein balls are the perfect mix of sweet & nutty and choocolately goodness! They are gluten free, vegan, and the perfect snack for any time of day!
4.67 stars (6 reviews)
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw walnuts, *plus some extra
  • 6-8 large medjool dates, *pitted
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup banana chunks, *2 small/medium bananas
  • 1/3 cup protein powder of your choice, I use Nuzest Just Natural flavor which only has one single ingredient which is pea protein.
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds or chia, optional

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Instructions 

  • Begin by soaking walnuts in water overnight- or in hot water for 2 hrs.
    Then rinse and drain.
  • In a food processor- blend together 2 cups of walnuts, medjool dates, protein powder, and ground flax until smooth.
  • Mash in the bananas with a spatula, and fold in the chocolate chips, and remainder walnuts.
  • Pulse a few times, or make sure well combined with a spatula.
    Leaving bigger or smaller chunks of bananas, based on your preference.
  • Roll into balls and store in the freezer.

The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.

Author: Shuang Shuang Liang
Course: Snack

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