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Table of Contents
WHAT ARE PROTEIN BALLS?
Energy balls are no-bake bite-size snacks that you can make ahead and keep in your refrigerator for when you need an energy charge. They contain protein from nuts, protein powder, and nut butter, packed with important nutrients that will help replenish your body on a busy day.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROTEIN BALLS?
Protein balls will give you a definite boost in energy when you start feeling a little sluggish. They’re usually made with a combination of dried fruit and nuts or nut butter, which means they supply a serious amount of good fats and energy. For this recipe, I add a scoop of coconut protein powder to pack an extra punch of energy during the holiday season.
WHEN SHOULD YOU EAT PROTEIN BALLS?
Choose to eat a protein ball on a busy day when you have not had time to eat a balanced meal but do not want to fill up with caffeine. Cracking the books or just busy around the house? Try a protein ball or two to give yourself a boost to finish up your projects.
WHAT ARE PROTEIN BALLS MADE OF?
Protein balls are usually made with nut butter, seeds, protein powder, a variety of nuts, and dried fruit for sweetness such as dates or raisins. Some recipes have coconut, cocoa, matcha powder, banana, or chia seeds to flavor them and give a little more energy to the bite.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A PROTINE BALL FOR CHRISTMAS?
Christmas pudding protein balls are filled with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, a touch of orange and sweetened with dates and raisins. A hint of cocoa and coconut protein powder makes them the perfect sweet Christmas snack to share or a treat for yourself after a busy day of shopping.
WHAT ARE HEALTHY CHRISTMAS SNACKS?
Whipping up special recipes for Christmas time snacking is one of my favorite traditions during the holiday season. Sometimes it can get a little out of hand with all the sugary treats, however. For this reason, I wanted to create a healthy vegan treat that was also pretty enough to serve when guests were in our home.
The protein balls get their sweetness from natural sugars found in dates and raisins. Also, there is no processed or artificial sweetener, and they are packed with protein from pecans and protein powder. All seasoned with warm spices that lend to a sweet bite.
WHAT IS IN A CHRISTMAS PROTEIN BALL?
- dates pitted
- raisins
- protein powder
- pecans
- orange juice fresh-squeezed
- cinnamon
- allspice
- orange zest
- cocoa powder
- white vegan melting chocolate
- pumpkin seeds
- dried cranberries
TIPS FOR DECORATING CHRISTMAS PROTINE BALLS
- CREATE A DOUBLE BOILER TO MELT CHOCOLATE: Gather two pans, one that fits right inside the other. Fill the bottom pot with one or two inches of water. Next, add in the top pot and turn on your burner to a simmer. When the water heats up, and steam is released, the steam stays trapped between the two pots, which heats the chocolate in the top pot.
- Cut dried cranberries into thirds, then roll in your fingers to form balls for berry decorations.
- Be sure and choose whole pumpkin seeds for the leaves next to the cranberries to look more like holly.
HOW TO STORE CHRISTMAS PROTEIN BALLS
A great way to store protein balls in the refrigerator or freezer is by using a deviled egg tray carrier. This carrier will keep the protein balls separate and the decorations on top nice. It’s perfect for carrying them to a friend or a Christmas party.
Deviled Egg Tray Carrier with Lid
WHY ENJOY PROTEIN BALLS DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
It can get a little out of hand with all the sugary treats we make and enjoy during the holiday season. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a healthy vegan treat on hand when you are craving something sweet. These protein balls are a healthy Christmas pudding flavored indulgence.
HOW TO GIVE CHRISTMAS PROTINE BALLS AS A GIFT
They are simple to make; blend all the ingredients in a food processor, then roll into even-sized balls. Top with a dollop of white melting chocolate and decorate with cranberries and pumpkin seeds to give them a festive look. Once you make them, they store well in the refrigerator for a quick anytime healthy snack.
BAKIPACK 20 Truffle Box, Chocolate Box Packaging, Candy Boxes with 8-Piece Plastics Tray
Perfect size to hold up to 8 standard size, protein balls, chocolates, and candy. Has a clear viewing window for optimal product visibility. Tie a pretty bow around the box, and you have the perfect healthy Christmas treat gift.
MORE CHRISTMAS SNACKS
For more festive Christmas treats, be sure and try my Christmas Tree Pumpkin Hand Pies! If you love pumpkin pie, you will savor this version of miniature pumpkin hand pies filled with pumpkin purée, apples, maple, and a blend of inviting pumpkin pie spices.
BE SURE AND VISIT TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS
Christmas Pudding Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pitted
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup coconut protein powder or your favorite vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1 tablespoon orange juice fresh-squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon all spice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest fresh
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup white melting chocolate vegan
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds nice shaped pumpkin seeds for leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon dried cranberries
Instructions
- Blend together all of the ingredients in a food processor for 2-3 minutes or until a smooth consistency is obtained.
- Scoope the dough using a small cookies scoop into approximately 12 even-sized balls. Roll the ball in the palm of your hand to pack the mixture tight. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cut dried cranberries into thirds then roll in your fingers to form balls for berry decorations
- Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler. Remove balls from refrigerator and top with a dollop of chocolate encouraging slight drips down the side of the ball.
- Place two cranberry pieces and 2 pumpkin seeds on each Christmas pudding protine ball to decorate.
- Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator to allow the protein balls to harden for about 20 minutes. Store in refrigerator until you are ready to eat. Enjoy!
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