If you’re looking to change up your mid-morning or post-workout snack, these Cacao Almond Protein Bites are just what you need! They include cacao powder and almonds, as well as quinoa flakes, dates, protein powder and moringa powder. So you get a little extra protein and fibre with an added energy boost!
We are rolling into the Victoria Day long weekend here in Canada, and while we sometimes get snow in Newfoundland, it really does feel like the unofficial start of summer! So to those celebrating this holiday, do you have any plans for the long weekend? Camping? Road tripping? Barbecuing?
If the weather cooperates, we are definitely firing up the grill for some steaks or turkey burgers, and we will probably go on a hike or two. And what better fuel for a hike than these Cacao Almond Protein Bites!?
Why do protein bites make a great healthy snack?
They’re called by many names – energy bites, protein balls, bliss balls – but the common denominator is that they’re usually packed with clean eating and filling ingredients like nuts and seeds, dried fruit, nut butters, oats and various superfood powders.
If you’re a long-time reader of Crumb Top Baking, you know I love my energy bites! The ingredient combinations are endless, and they’re such an easy snack to make ahead for busy weeks. Just throw the ingredients into your food processor, roll into balls and store in your freezer!
These chocolate hazelnut bites are one of my favourites, as well as these dark chocolate cherry bites. Are you sensing a theme? I like chocolate in my energy bites!
What you’ll need to make these Cacao Almond Protein Bites
- Raw almonds and almond butter. You can sub in another type of nut butter, but stick with the raw almonds. They don’t get as oily as some other nuts when processed in the food processor, and they create little crunchy bits in the protein bites!
- Cacao powder. It’s less processed that cocoa and adds a nice chocolatey taste to these bites. Of course, if you like your protein bites sweeter or only have cocoa on hand, go ahead and substitute. If you’re curious about the difference between cacao and cocoa powder, I briefly explain it in this post.
- Vanilla protein powder. For the first time ever, I added protein powder to my energy bites. It adds a subtle vanilla flavor and a little sweetness, and of course, some extra protein.
- Instead of rolled oats, I added quinoa flakes for additional fibre. I find the smaller texture of the flakes work really well in energy bites.
- And lastly, I added a tbsp of moringa powder, which adds a little extra nutrition to these protein bites.
What is moringa powder?
According to the March 2018 issue of Clean Eating Magazine, moringa is the new matcha! I’ve never quite taken to matcha so this is perfect for me. Moringa is considered a superfood since the leaves are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A and C and iron, and they have anti-inflammatory properties. I’ve also read that moringa can act as an energy booster, and can also help lower blood pressure and aid in sleep. Again, these are just things I’ve read, but I’ve been adding it to my smoothies for the last few months, so I thought a tablespoon of the powder would work well in these Cacao Almond Protein Bites! If you’re skeptical, you can totally leave this out of the recipe.
Now that you know all the goodies that go into these Cacao Almond Protein Bites, I hope you give them a try! You can pin for later or let me know what you think in the comments below!
PrintCacao Almond Protein Bites
These Cacao Almond Protein Bites make a perfect mid-morning or post-workout snack! They include cacao powder and almonds, as well as quinoa flakes, dates, protein powder and moringa powder. So you get a little extra fibre and protein with an added energy boost!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus time for dates to soak)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 balls 1x
- Category: Snacks
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dates, dried or medjool
- 3 tbsp hot water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter
- 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
- 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp moringa powder
- 1 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips
- Optional: toasted coconut and cacao powder for rolling
Instructions
- In a small dish, combine the dates with the hot water, maple syrup and vanilla and let soak for 20-30 minutes.
- Add the date mixture (including the liquid) to a food processor and process on high until the dates are broken up (about 30 seconds).
- Next, add the almonds and almond butter and process on high until the almonds are chopped but not too fine. Add the quinoa flakes, coconut, cacao, protein powder and moringa powder, and process on high until well combined. This should only take a minute or two. It’s okay if the mixture is still a little bit chunky, but it should be a bit sticky. You may need to stop the processor a few times to scrape down the sides or break apart the mixture.
- Add the chocolate chips and pulse for a few seconds. Shape the mixture into 12-14 balls, and roll in toasted coconut or cacao powder (optional).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for later enjoyment.
Notes
- The dates soften up in the hot water, which makes them easier to process in the food processor.
- You can substitute cocoa powder for cacao powder. Just note that the protein bites will taste sweeter.
- If you don’t have moringa powder, you can leave it out.
Yum, yum, yum!! Have been looking for a new protein bite recipe and this has all of my fav ingredients! Can’t wait to try them out!
Thanks so much Jessica! I hope you like them!
ooh these sound so good! i’ve never heard of moringa powder, but it sounds very interesting (:
Thanks Heather! I hadn’t heard of moringa until a few months ago, but I came across it and had to try it!
These bites look delicious! Now, I’ll have to try moringa!
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Thanks Cathy! It’s definitely worth a try!
These are a must do and a must taste. 🙂
I would have to agree! 😉 Thanks Lily!
These energy bites look yummy, Leanne. I also have not heard of moringa powder and will look for it. I am a huge fan of using protein powder in snacks such as these. I am looking forward to trying your recipe. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks Denise! Let me know what you think if you make them! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Ah, this looks like it would be perfect for an energy boost on mornings when I play to go out for a long bike ride!
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Thanks Riz. One or two of these would be perfect before a morning bike ride!
They look like the perfect ready to go snack for the week! I love the information you have about mornings here, I’m very interested in trying it. Adding these to my next meal plan 🙂
Thanks Tanya! I store them in the freezer and just grab one when I need a snack. So convenient! I hope you get a chance to try moringa. I’ve been enjoying it in these energy bites and in smoothie bowls.
I’m always looking for new little energy bites like these Leanne! They sound delish! I can’t wait to try.
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Thanks Mary Ann! I hope you like them!
I do love this kind of sweets made with lots of nuts and dried fruit. The problem is that it’s so hard to stop eating them which makes it a less healthier treat:) Love the addition of quinoa flakes – I’ve never tried it, but I’m going to get some!
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Haha! So true Ben! Everything in moderation;). I bake with quinoa flakes quite a bit and they’re a great substitute for oats in energy bites. Would love to know what you think if you try them!
These look awesome! Love the extra protein from the protein powder! I’ve never heard of moringa powder but I’m definitely getting some!
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Thanks Lisa! I’m always trying to incorporate a little extra protein in my snacks. Let me know what you think if you try moringa powder!
These sound wonderful! I l definitely love the addition of protein powder, moringa powder and quinoa flakes! I like the chocolate theme, of course! 🙂 Happy weekend Leanne!
Thanks Kim! I crammed a lot into these bites! Glad you like the combo! Happy weekend!
These are such perfect little bites! I’ve never worked with moringa powder so I’ll have to look into it. I’m always looking for new superfoods! Have a great long weekend, Leanne!
Thanks Kelsie! I’ve only been using moringa powder for a few months, but I’m really liking it in smoothie bowls and energy bites! Happy weekend!
I’m always look for variations for protein bites…these look amazing!
Thanks for the info on moringa powder….new to me but sounds like a great idea
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Thanks Terry! Let me know if you try these bites, and what you think of the moringa powder!
These look like a great snack for the start of summer
Thanks Patrick!!
Yay for the addition of protein powder! And love the almonds too – one of my favourite snacks. These would be a welcomed treat any time of day! So excited about the long weekend. We have lots of fun stuff planned, including going to a movie, to lunch and lots of bbqs. Hope the weather cooperates 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, Leanne!
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Your weekend sounds lovely Dawn! I’m excited that the sun is shining, so a hike and a BBQ may happen after all!! Enjoy the holiday!