You know that craving you get for a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper? It’s a pretty killer flavor combo. While we couldn’t carbonate these protein balls, we were able to capture that taste we all love. Only we did it with real cherries and real vanilla and zero caramel coloring. We didn’t even use high fructose corn syrup or Red #40.
Nope, we’ve got six very natural, very wholesome ingredients literally rolled in to one ball of tasty, craveable goodness. Pop one, pop two, it’s a taste that will take you back to your childhood while satisfying your very grownup hunger before or after you hit the gym.
See, we copy-catted the Lara bar. Yes, what you buy for a couple bucks a piece, you can make yourself for less! And they’re fun to make! They really only take a couple of minutes, and if you’ve got little hands around the house, you should definitely get them in on the action. Toss it all in your food processor and then scoop out one tablespoon of the crumbs to shape balls. It’s quick culinary therapy for you; it’s really valuable time in the kitchen for the kids. Everyone gets rewarded with a treat you totally feel good about sharing!
Think no bake cookie, but better for you. The dates, cherries, almonds, oats, and chia seeds provide an awesome dose of fiber and protein for a reasonable amount of calories. Just two balls comes in under 150 calories with about 4 grams each of protein and fiber. There’s also only 10 grams of sugar; even a Larabar has about 23 grams! So when your kids want a cookie … or you want a cookie … you don’t even have to think twice. These little gems are your post-workout, after-school snack savior.
Cherry Vanilla Chia Protein Balls
makes 10-12 balls
INGREDIENTS
10 pitted dates
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup almonds (unsalted, plain, whole almonds)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 vanilla bean (scoop out the flesh)
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the dates in a food processor and chop until broken in to small pieces. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until it forms a fine, crumbly mixture. If you can pinch the crumbs and they 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 dark chocolate over the tops.
recipe by DietsInReview.com; photos by Kacy Meinecke
TRY OUR OTHER PROTEIN BALL RECIPES
