These chocolate coconut peanut butter balls use just eight wholesome ingredients and provide about 5 grams of protein per ball. They make a great afternoon pick-me-up or a lunchbox addition for kids. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Like my other favorites — peanut butter oatmeal bars and protein brownie balls — these bites are made from simple, nutrient-dense ingredients and come together quickly.
I worried my girls might not like the coconut at first, but they surprised me — they love these. The coconut flavor is subtle, so even if you’re not a huge fan of coconut, they’re worth trying. Rolled in coconut they also look lovely.
Because I aim for snacks with protein, I love that each bite has about 5 grams. If you enjoy protein-packed treats, you might also like my chocolate protein pancakes, chocolate banana bread, high protein overnight oats, and no-bake chocolate protein bars.
HOW TO MAKE THESE CHOCOLATE COCONUT PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey, melted coconut oil, and cacao powder until smooth.
- In a larger bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, 1/4 cup of the shredded coconut, and the salt.
- Add the peanut butter mixture to the oat mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and the mixture holds together. Using clean hands can help achieve an even mix.
- Working with about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, form into balls and roll each one in the remaining shredded coconut.
5. Using about 2 tbsp. of “dough”, form into balls and then roll each ball in shredded coconut.
Notes on Ingredients
Below are a few ingredient suggestions to keep the recipe simple and clean.
Peanut butter — Choose a natural peanut butter that lists only peanuts (or peanuts and salt). Avoid brands with added oils or sugars for the cleanest option.
Oats — Rolled oats are a nutritious whole grain. If you need gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Naturally sweetened — This recipe uses raw honey as the sweetener for a natural touch.
Cacao — The chocolate flavor comes from cacao powder rather than processed cocoa. Cacao is less processed and retains more antioxidants.
What’s the Difference Between Cocoa and Cacao?
Both come from the same cocoa bean, but processing sets them apart:
Cacao — Cold-pressed and minimally processed, preserving more enzymes and antioxidants.
Cocoa — Processed at higher temperatures, which reduces some nutrients and antioxidant content.
Cacao is often considered the less-processed, more nutrient-dense option. If you want the most benefits, look for certified organic raw cacao powder.
How Should I Store These?
Storing: Keep the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container. They thaw quickly and remain a convenient grab-and-go snack.
More Clean Eating Snacks to Try!
- How to Roast Cashews
- Carrot Cake Energy Balls
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars
Eat Clean. Be Healthy!
-Sara
Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
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mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 3 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 2 ¼ cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ tsp. fine sea salt
- ½ cup shredded, unsweetened coconut, divided
Instructions
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Mix the peanut butter, honey, cacao powder, and melted coconut oil in a small bowl.
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In a separate large bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, ¼ cup shredded coconut, and salt.
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Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir until combined and sticky.
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls.
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Place the remaining ¼ cup shredded coconut in a small bowl and roll each ball to coat.
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Store in the refrigerator or freeze. They will keep in the fridge for about a week.
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Enjoy!
Notes
- If the peanut butter mixture is firm, warming the peanut butter and honey slightly makes mixing easier. Don’t heat it so much that it’s too hot to handle when forming balls.
- Consistency varies by peanut butter brand. If the mixture seems dry, add a touch more honey or a splash of milk to help it bind.