These Chocolate Tahini Energy Balls are made with oats, creamy tahini and raw cacao. They’re packed with protein and make the perfect little snack or post-dinner treat!
My tahini obsession is still going strong over here. For a time, I only really thought of it as an ingredient to use in hummus, but turns out it is absolutely delicious used in a variety dishes, both sweet and savoury.
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s full of healthy fats and contains fibre which helps with blood sugar balance and digestive health. It’s also a delicious source of protein and contains essential minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. It’s simply one of those pantry staples I can’t go without. It’s great for adding deep, nutty, earthy flavour to recipes, that I especially love paired with chocolate!
These energy balls are a great way to get your tahini fix and are super easy to make. No food processor or oven required! They’re also balanced with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein for a more blood-sugar balancing snack or treat to keep you energized.
Chocolate tahini energy ball ingredients:
- rolled oats – if you’re gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. I typically use One Degree Sprouted Organic Rolled Oats.
- chocolate protein powder – adds a little more protein to these balls. You can definitely use vanilla protein powder if that’s what you have – you may just want to add a little more cacao powder, depending on how chocolatey you want them.
- cacao powder – contains nutrients that boost mood and is rich in magnesium and antioxidants.
- chia seeds – packed with healthy fats and fibre while adding a little extra texture and crunch.
- sea salt – to bring all the flavours together.
- tahini – this gives these balls their unique flavour that pairs amazingly with the cacao. Although it will change the flavour profile a bit, you can also use another nut or seed butter.
- raw honey – adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the earthy flavour of the tahini. If using an unsweetened protein powder, you may wish you add a little more sweetener. You could also swap the honey for maple syrup if you’re looking for a vegan option.
- plant-based milk – I used almond milk, but feel free to use any milk here!
- cacao nibs – made from crushed cacao beans and are exceptionally rich in antioxidants. These are completely optional, but they add a great crunch and texture to the balls.
Chocolate Tahini Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 3 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 2-3 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk (or more as needed)
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs (optional, but they add a nice crunch. You could also try them with mini dark chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Add the oats, protein powder, cacao powder, chia seeds and sea salt to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the tahini and honey and stir until fully combined. You can also use your hands for this. Depending on the protein powder used and how sweet it is, you may wish to add a little more honey.
- 1 tbsp at a time, add the milk until you have a consistency that will stick together and you can form into balls.
- Add the cacao nibs if using and mix again. Roll into balls and store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
