Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites

I received such an amazing response from our Facebook Group, I couldn’t wait to share these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites with you.

These can easily be made in the food processor in less than 8 minutes. If you do not like peanut butter, you may substitute with cashew butter or almond butter instead.

You will not believe what the secret ingredient is in these protein balls…

Black beans.. yep. I figured a little extra fiber is helpful and also darkens the color. A small amount of dates were used to sweeten these treats, along with chocolate protein powder.

Now about the protein powder… I used a chocolate pea protein from Unjury. While you do not need to use Unjury, I HIGHLY recommend using a plant protein powder. The whey protein powder will change the texture and will break apart more easily.

You may notice I place them in the freezer. I prefer them really cold but you could also put them in the refrigerator.

I used a small amount of dark chocolate chips as the topping to give a little more sweetness but this is optional.

While these do have added protein and a lower amount of carbohydrates than most treats, I still want to encourage you to be mindful while eating these. It can be easy to overeat things that are considered healthier. This batch makes about 20 protein bites, so that comes out to about 4 g protein per ball and 6 g of net carbs.

I would suggest not using these in the pureed stage. The sugar from the dates may be too much for your sensitve stomach and it may be too thick for you tolerate. Plus many surgery centers like the puree consistency to be thinner than these protein bites.

Although these might fit into your surgeons guidelines if you are in the soft diet phase, I would also suggest not eating these in the soft diet stage. Your pouch is still small and healing. The space that you do have should be used more for protein dense foods like chicken or fish. The dates in these may too much sugar for your body to tolerate.

If you are in the regular phase then these can make a yummy snack or dessert. They can be prepped ahead of time to eat throughout the week. I suggest no more than 2 at a serving.

Diet Modifications:

Pureed:

• No suggested

Soft:

• Not suggested

Regular:

• Serve as is
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  Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites

  

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  A delicious high protein treat that may help satisfy that chocolate craving.

  • Author: Kristin Willard, RDN
  • Total Time: 8
  • Category: Dessert

  Ingredients

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  • 1/4 cup Pitted Dates (packed)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 scoops of Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder
  • 1/4 cup All Natural Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tbsp Cacao Powder
  • 1/4 cup Organic Dark Chocolate Chips (optional)

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  Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine dates, black beans, chocolate protein powder, peanut butter, sea salt, and cacao powder in the bowl of your food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the covered baking sheet. Should make around 20 balls.
  4. To make the optional chocolate drizzle: melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler and drizzle over balls.
  5. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to set or freeze them. Enjoy!

  Notes

  Pureed:

  • Not suggested

  Soft

  • Not suggested

  Regular:

  • Serve as is

  Keywords: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites