Sugar-Free Protein Balls – Peanut Butter Chocolate & Packed with Protein

These little bites check all the boxes: chocolatey, peanut buttery, protein-packed, and just sweet enough. They’re no-bake, gluten-free, and easy to keep in the fridge for whenever you need a quick win. Think Reese’s cup meets energy bite, but made with real ingredients and none of the junk.

💡 Why These Actually Work (Low-Sugar, High-Protein Edition)

These deliver that sweet-salty balance thanks to:

• Peanut butter powder for flavor + protein without the fat overload
• Applesauce to bind and add natural sweetness
• A pinch of sea salt to make the flavors pop
• A chocolate shell made with sugar-free chocolate and a little coconut oil

No protein powders, no fake syrups, no sugar bombs.

🧾 Ingredients That Keep It Clean and Lean

• ¾ cup peanut butter powder – High protein, low fat. Great way to get PB flavor without carbs.
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce – Moisture + subtle natural sweetness. Low sugar when used sparingly.
• Pinch of sea salt – Brings out the peanut flavor.
• 1 tbsp honey (optional) – Skip for strict keto; use 1 tsp allulose or monk fruit if needed.

Chocolate Coating:

• ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips – ChocZero or Lily’s recommended.
• 1 tsp coconut oil – Thins the chocolate so it coats evenly.

🔁 Low-Carb Substitutions That Hold Up

Swap	What It Does	Keto-Approved?
Allulose or monk fruit for honey	Sweetens without sugar	✅
Pumpkin puree for applesauce	Lowers carbs, adds fiber	✅
Almond butter + whey protein	Boosts protein + fat	✅

⚠️ Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Dough too sticky	Applesauce too wet or warm	Chill mixture 10 mins before rolling
Chocolate clumped	Overheated chips	Melt in short 30-sec bursts + stir
Coating too thick	Not enough coconut oil	Add ½–1 tsp more to thin the mix
Balls fell apart	Not packed tightly	Roll firmly—press the dough into shape

👩‍🍳 How to Make Them (Step-by-Step)

1. Line a plate or tray with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter powder, applesauce, salt, and optional sweetener until thick dough forms.
3. Roll into 16 small balls.
4. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips + coconut oil in microwave (30 sec, stir, repeat until smooth).
5. Dip each ball into chocolate using a fork, then place on tray.
6. Chill in fridge for 10–15 minutes until set.
7. Store covered in the fridge.

🧠 Tricks That Made This Work Better

• Use a mini cookie scoop for uniform size and faster rolling.
• Want a crunch? Roll in chopped peanuts or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets.
• Mix in chia seeds or collagen powder to level up the nutrition.

🧊 Storage Tips That Actually Work

• Fridge: Store up to 10 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Defrost at room temp for 10 minutes before eating.
• Best eaten cold or just barely softened for perfect texture.

❓ What I Googled Before Making This

Are these keto?
They can be—skip the honey and swap in monk fruit or allulose. Also watch the applesauce—use pumpkin for stricter macros.

Is peanut butter powder keto?
Yes, in moderation. It’s lower carb than full-fat peanut butter, with added protein.

What’s the protein content?
About 5–6g per ball, depending on your exact ingredients.

Will this spike blood sugar?
Not if you skip the honey and use sugar-free chocolate + low-glycemic sweeteners.

📊 Full Nutrition Facts – Per Ball (Out of 16, Keto Version)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~90 kcal
Total Fat	5 g
– Saturated Fat	2 g
Protein	5–6 g
Total Carbs	4 g
– Fiber**	1 g
– Sugar Alcohols**	2 g
– Net Carbs	1 g
Sodium	~50 mg

Check out More Recipes:

• Low Carb Keto Protein Ice Cream
• Low Carb Keto High Protein Tuna Salad
• Low Carb Keto Protein Bars