Chocolate Chia Balls: A Quick and Healthy Snack

Looking for a delicious and nutritious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping you energized? These Chocolate Chia Balls are the perfect bite-sized treat! Packed with wholesome ingredients like chia seeds, oats, almond butter, and dark chocolate, they’re rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Best of all, they’re super easy to make and require no baking!

Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week or just want something quick and healthy to enjoy, these chocolate chia balls are a great choice. They’re also perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ cup almond butter
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup raw cacao powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chia seeds. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

2. Melt Almond Butter & Honey:

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the almond butter and honey, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. Add Cocoa and Flavoring:

Once melted, remove the almond butter and honey mixture from the heat. Stir in the raw cacao powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes rich and chocolaty.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat and chia seed combination. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.

5. Cool the Mixture:

Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. This will prevent the dark chocolate chips from melting when added.

6. Add Chocolate Chips:

Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the dark chocolate chips.

7. Form into Balls:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and roll it into balls. Place the rolled balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Refrigerate to Set:

Place the baking sheet in the fridge and allow the balls to chill for at least 30 minutes to harden. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 16 balls
• Calories per Ball: 110 kcal

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chia Balls:

• No-Bake & Easy: These energy balls come together quickly and require no oven time, making them a convenient snack to prepare.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with chia seeds, oats, almond butter, and raw cacao, these treats are full of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
• Naturally Sweetened: Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re great to grab whenever you need a healthy snack!

Variations and Add-Ins:

• Nut-Free Option: Swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to give these bites an extra protein punch.
• Different Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can replace the honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly version.
• Extra Texture: For some added crunch, stir in chopped nuts or seeds along with the dark chocolate chips.

Tips for Success:

• Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the cooling step before adding the chocolate chips—it helps prevent them from melting into the mixture.
• Consistency: If the mixture feels too sticky to roll into balls, refrigerate it for a few extra minutes until it firms up.
• Storage: Keep the chocolate chia balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts:

These Chocolate Chia Balls are a fun, tasty, and healthy snack that you can easily whip up in minutes. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet treat without the guilt and are packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

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