Chunky Monkey Protein Balls
These vegan chunky monkey balls are made with simple and wholesome ingredients. All you need are 6 simple ingredients, and you have these healthy, delicious, vegan, and gluten-free energy bites- that will remind you of Ben & Jerrys ice cream.
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– An excellent source of fiber to add to your diet!
Walnuts– Not only do they give you a nice crunch, but walnuts are also rich in antioxidants, and packed with Omega-3s according to this article.
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 taste it- and it’s an easy way to get in some extra added nutrients.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SOAK SEEDS & NUTS BEFORE CONSUMPTION?
Generally, soaking nuts has several benefits to the both the recipe and your body:
- Nutrient absorption – soaking nuts and seeds improves your body’s ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals.
- Improved taste- soaking removes the dust, residue, and tannins from the skin.
- Gooey Protein Balls – without the tannins, the consistency is so much smoother.
- Better for digestion – removes phytic acid which causes indigestion.
- Easier food preparation – now that the pecans are softer, they are so much easier to work with!
Additionally, read more about the logic of soaking nuts in this article from healthline.
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!
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!
How to serve chunky monkey protein Balls
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!
How to Store chunky monkey protein Balls
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 2 weeks.
Or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
So, feel free to batch up for some meal prep!
Get the recipe:Chunky Monkey Protein Balls {5 Ingredients}
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.
I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
Hi would these work with almonds instead of walnuts?
Hi Eveline,
It should work, however since we haven’t tried this we aren’t sure. It could change the texture of the bites.
Let us know if you try it out!
Happy Baking,
Constance