Three words for you… Treat. Yo. Self. If you know Parks and Rec, you know the reference. Only we believe in treating yourself all the time, not just one day a year. Especially after a workout!
When you’re on a run, crushing the weights, or sweating through a cycling class it’s easy to get tunnel vision and feel like there is no light at the end. These little Chocolate Covered Pretzel Protein Balls are that light. Finish the grind, then treat. yo. self.
We love making these because they’re ridiculously easy. We also love making these because they’re ridiculously delicious. Just five ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your well-stocked pantry, and five minutes of prep is all you need for yummy, indulgent, homemade copycat Larabars.
Just load up with your food processor with dates, almonds, oats, mini pretzels, and dark chocolate. That is it! Turn that bad boy on and watch it whirl in to a big crumbly mess. A big mess that turns into some beautiful hand-crafted protein ball bites!
It’s the same clean eating, tasty ingredient idea as a Larabar that you’ll pay a couple of bucks for, but ours only costs a few bucks to make! When you roll out 12 balls, you come in just under the serving size of a full Larabar, for fewer calories and more protein! One of our snack bites rolls in (get it? it’s a ball!) at 124 calories and 2.8 grams of protein.
You get all of your protein from the raw almonds and dates. Fiber from the dates, almonds, and oats. The pretzels give you some carbs for a quick pick-me-up. And the dark chocolate is the touch of sweetness you’ve totally earned.
Regular chocolate covered pretzels fall flat on the nutrition scale. But these little post-workout, end-of-a-long-day, just a little after-dinner-something bites are super guilt free. Pack in a container to keep in your gym bag, purse, or even in the fridge. All sealed up, they last for a while.
And the next time you’ve got to share sweets at the office, a cookie swap, or to lift a friend’s spirits, treat them, and yo self, with a batch!
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Protein Balls
serves 10-12 bites
INGREDIENTS
18 pitted dates
1/2 cup unsalted almonds
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup unsalted mini pretzels
1/4 cup dark chocolate pieces
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the dates in a food processor and chop until broken in to small pieces. Then add the remaining ingredients and mix until a fine, crumbly mixture remains. If you can pinch the batter and it sticks between your fingers, you’re there.
2. Measure 1 Tbsp. scoops and carefully form the balls with your hands.
3. Optional Prep: A) Press into a cake pan to make bars. B) Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops.
Think these are just TO DIE for? We make a Pumpkin Spice Protein Ball, too. Just sayin’!
ALSO TRY:
Strawberry Banana Crunch Smoothie Bowl
Recipe by DietsInReview.com; Photos by Kacy Meinecke