Easy Gluten-Free Protein Balls (Almond, Date, Coconut, Protein Powder)

My kid's love these!  They are a healthy, filling snack...great for the afternoon when everyone needs a little something to hold them over until dinner.  This is actually a recipe I made up myself and it is naturally gluten-free.  My husband loves to have 2 with his morning coffee.  You definitely won't feel like your "being good" while eating these, but you are!

Protein Balls (makes 30 large balls)

2 cups Almonds
1 cup Dates
1/2 cup cocoa (I prefer dark cocoa, natural is better for you than dutch or alkalized)
1/2 cup coconut oil (regular or extra virgin, whichever you prefer)
1/2 cup organic shredded coconut (unsweetened) + 1/4 cup for coating balls
2 scoops or about 4 T of protein powder (whey, soy, brown rice or pea, we use the 2 latter)
Stevia or maple syrup to taste
2 T almond milk (optional, if needed)

First, put your almonds in a food processor and process until they are fine crumbs.  Next, add the dates and process until they are completely mixed in.  Add the coconut oil, cocoa, coconut and protein powder and pulse until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.  Taste a little tidbit and then add stevia or maple syrup as needed.  They will already have some sweetness from the dates but you may need a bit more.  These will harden up and not be so "greasy" looking once you put them in the fridge but if they seem too greasy or wet, you can add in a little more coconut or protein powder.  If the mixture seems too dry, I usually just add in a little almond milk or you could add more oil or maple syrup.  Once the mixture is sweetened to your taste, grab about 1 tablespoon or so and roll it into a ball.  Place some shredded coconut in a bowl or plastic bag and roll the almond ball in the coconut.  Place finished balls on a plate and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer to harden up then they can be placed in a storage container or plastic bag.  Makes about 30 large balls (like the ones pictured).  I keep mine in the fridge or freezer but they are tastiest at room temperature or even slightly warmed.  Grab a couple in the morning, put them in your bag and they will be perfect by the time you are feeling snacky, mid-morning.

Click here for printable recipe:  GF Protein Balls Printable Recipe