Print

Healthy Chocolate Snack Balls Recipe

4.5 from 61 reviews

These Healthy Chocolate Snack Balls are a delicious and nutritious treat made primarily from black beans, cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners. They are easy to prepare, vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a guilt-free snack or dessert. The recipe uses a food processor to blend all ingredients into a smooth, rich mixture that forms into bite-sized balls with optional coatings for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil or nut butter
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract or a pinch of instant coffee
  • Optional chocolate coating (recipe not included here)
  • Shredded coconut for rolling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove any excess liquid and reduce any bean taste that may affect the flavor of the snack balls.
  2. Blend Ingredients: Place the rinsed beans, cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder, coconut oil or nut butter, vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup into a food processor. Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth. Using a food processor ensures the best texture and consistency compared to a blender.
  3. Form the Balls: Use a spoon or a mini cookie scoop to portion the mixture into small, bite-sized balls or truffles. This makes the snack easy to eat and nicely uniform in size.
  4. Optional Rolling or Coating: Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined plate. You can roll them in shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor. Alternatively, refrigerate them while you prepare an optional chocolate coating to dip them in for an added rich chocolate layer.
  5. Chill and Serve: Chill the formed snack balls in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes, before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

  • Using a food processor is recommended for the smoothest texture; a blender can work but might yield a different consistency.
  • If opting for the optional peppermint extract or instant coffee, add it along with the other ingredients before blending for enhanced flavor.
  • These snack balls are vegan and gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
  • The chocolate coating recipe mentioned is optional and not included here; you can coat with melted dark chocolate if desired.
  • Store snack balls in the refrigerator to maintain firmness and freshness.

Keywords: healthy chocolate snack balls, vegan chocolate snacks, black bean dessert, no bake chocolate balls, gluten free snack