Almond Joy Protein Balls Recipe (No-Bake, Gluten-Free!)

Ever wish you could enjoy your favorite candy bar guilt-free? These Almond Joy protein balls taste just like the real thing—creamy coconut, rich chocolate, crunchy almonds—but they’re packed with good-for-you ingredients! I created this recipe when Emma kept asking for candy after school, and now I make a batch every Sunday. The best part? No baking required, and they’re ready in just 15 minutes. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be transported back to childhood, but your body will actually thank you!

Prep Time	12 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes (no-bake!)
Total Time	12 minutes
Servings	16-18 balls
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~110 per ball (est.)

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How To Make Almond Joy Protein Balls Recipe

A. Essential Equipment

You probably have everything you need already:

• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor (optional, for finer coconut)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Small microwave-safe bowl (for chocolate drizzle)

B. Ingredients (with Substitution Table)

For the Protein Balls:

• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup almond butter (creamy works best)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16-18 whole raw almonds

For the Chocolate Drizzle (optional):

• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

C. Instructions

1. Combine your dry ingredients first. In a large bowl, mix the shredded coconut, cocoa powder, protein powder, and sea salt. This ensures everything gets evenly distributed—I learned this after making a batch with chocolate pockets in some balls and none in others!
2. Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Now here’s where it gets hands-on: mix everything with a sturdy spoon or your hands. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold together when squeezed. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of almond butter at a time until it comes together.
3. Roll into balls. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. You should receive 16-18 balls, depending on your preferred size. Place each one on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Press the almonds. Here’s the signature move that makes these truly Almond Joy-inspired: press one whole almond into the center of each ball. Don’t be shy—push it in about halfway so it stays put but still shows off that gorgeous almond!
5. Chill them down. Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to firm up. This step makes them easier to handle and gives you that perfect chewy-but-not-mushy texture.
6. Optional chocolate drizzle (but highly recommended!). Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each burst until smooth and silky. Use a fork or spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over each ball in a zigzag pattern. Return to the fridge for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.

Tips & Notes for Success

Baking Tips

• Room temperature matters! If your almond butter is cold and stiff, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make mixing easier. Cold nut butter equals an arm workout you didn’t sign up for.
• Get the texture right. The mixture should feel like slightly damp sand that holds together when squeezed. Too dry? Add more almond butter or a splash of maple syrup for added flavor. Too wet? Add a tablespoon of coconut at a time.
• Make them uniform. I like to use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing—nobody wants the tiny ball when someone else got the giant one! Plus, uniform size means they chill at the same rate.
• Toast your coconut for extra flavor. If you’ve got 5 minutes, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden. It adds this incredible depth that takes these from great to “Can I have your recipe?” territory.

Troubleshooting

• Balls falling apart? Your mixture is too dry. Add almond butter one teaspoon at a time and re-mix. The protein powder you use can affect moisture levels—some brands absorb more liquid than others.
• Too sticky to roll? Lightly wet your hands before rolling each ball, or dust them with a tiny bit of cocoa powder. I also chill the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling if it’s a hot day.
• Almonds won’t stay put? Push them in deeper and make sure your mixture isn’t too dry. A slightly wetter mixture holds the almond better.
• Chocolate drizzle is clumpy? Your chocolate was too hot, or the balls were too cold. Let the melted chocolate cool for 2-3 minutes before drizzling, and let the balls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.

Variations

• Double chocolate version: Use chocolate protein powder and add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the mixture. Emma calls these “chocolate explosion balls” and she’s not wrong!
• Peanut butter lovers: Swap almond butter for peanut butter and use peanuts instead of almonds for a Mounds-meets-Reese’s situation that’s genuinely life-changing.
• Tropical twist: Add 2 tablespoons of dried pineapple chunks (finely chopped) to the mixture for a piña colada vibe. Perfect for summer!
• Protein boost: Use collagen peptides or add an extra tablespoon of your favorite protein powder. These become proper post-workout fuel.

Storage Tips

Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. I portion mine into small containers for Emma’s lunchbox—they thaw by lunchtime and taste amazing slightly chilled. Pro tip: hide some in the back of the freezer for emergency chocolate cravings. You’re welcome.

More Related Recipes

If you loved these Almond Joy protein balls, you’ll definitely want to try:

• 10 Healthy Homemade Protein Ball Recipes
• Date and Nut Protein Balls (No Added Sugar)
• Almond Coconut Protein Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Conclusion

These homemade Almond Joy protein balls have become my secret weapon for satisfying sweet cravings without derailing anyone’s day. Make a batch this weekend—I promise they’ll disappear faster than you can say “just one more!” Tag me when you make them; I love seeing your chocolate-drizzled creations!

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