Peanut butter has always been my go-to comfort food—reminds me of childhood sandwiches, sticky fingers, and all. These keto low-carb peanut butter protein balls are like little bursts of nostalgia, but with a modern twist for those watching carbs. I whipped them up last weekend, hoping to find a quick snack—turns out, they vanished faster than the last season of that hit show everyone’s been talking about!
Steps
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and butter, then heat until they are melted and can be mixed smoothly together.
- Incorporate the protein powder, sweetener, almond flour, hemp seeds, and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture. Stir until a uniform dough forms that can be rolled into firm balls.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the dough into balls roughly 1 inch in diameter, aiming to make about 20 in total. Place them in the refrigerator until they are set and firm.
Ingredients
- Natural creamy peanut butter
- Protein powder (such as a whey protein isolate)
- Powdered sweetener (like Swerve Confectioners)
- Almond flour (or alternatives like peanut flour or coconut flour)
- Hemp seeds (optional)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Butter or oil
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 960kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 121g | Fat: 146g | Fiber: 30g
FAQ
- What makes peanut butter protein balls a good snack option?
- Peanut butter protein balls are a great snack choice because they are easy to prepare and convenient to carry with you. They provide a substantial energy boost, thanks to their ideal mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helping you stay full and energized throughout the day.
- How many carbohydrates are in each serving of protein balls?
- Each serving of these protein balls contains 6.8 grams of carbohydrates, with 3 grams of fiber. This results in a net carb count of 3.8 grams for every two protein balls.
- What is the best way to store peanut butter protein balls?
- The protein balls can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For long-term storage, they can be frozen and kept for several months.
- Can I customize the ingredients in the keto protein balls?
- Yes, you can customize these protein balls by using different nut or seed butters and various types of protein powders. You can also adjust the sweetness to your preference. If the dough is too stiff, add more oil, and if it is too loose, mix in more flour.
- What are some alternative protein powder options for this recipe?
- In addition to whey protein isolate, you can use egg white protein, plant-based proteins like pea or hemp, or collagen peptides. Just be aware that different proteins may alter the texture and consistency of the dough, so adjustments may be necessary.
Tips
- Choose Your Nut Butter Wisely: Opt for a natural creamy peanut butter for the best texture. If your peanut butter separates, make sure to thoroughly mix in the oil at the top. Alternatively, almond butter or other nut butters can be used as substitutes.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If your dough is too stiff and challenging to shape into balls, add a bit more oil to loosen it. Conversely, if the dough is too sticky, incorporate a little more flour to achieve the right consistency.
- Sweetener Choices Matter: For a smoother texture, use confectioner’s style powdered sweeteners like Swerve. Avoid granular sweeteners, which may not blend well, and adjust the amount of flour if using liquid sweeteners to maintain the dough’s balance.
- Protein Powder Variations: Depending on your preference, you can use whey, egg white, plant-based, or collagen protein powders. Each type may affect the dough differently, so be prepared to make slight adjustments, such as adding more flour for collagen protein.
Equipment
- Silicone spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
