Ferrero Rocher Protein Balls (Chocolate Hazelnut)

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Indulge in these Ferrero Rocher protein balls - a healthier take on classic chocolate truffles. Made with wholesome ingredients, they're a delicious, high-protein snack!

Delicious chocolate truffles topped with chopped nuts, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert. Creamy and rich, these gourmet chocolates are ideal for special occasions or gifting. this for later

These homemade Ferrero Rocher protein balls are about to become your new favourite snack. 

They're full of protein and healthy fats, and for extra indulgence, they're finished off with melted dark chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. 

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Flavour Profile

🍫 Cholatey
🌰 Nutty
🍬 Sweet 

Meet the Recipe Developer

Creamy white layered birthday cake decorated with cherries and fresh flowers, held by a smiling woman in a red dress; perfect for celebration and special occasions.

Michelle is the face behind the popular Instagram, @run2food where she shares easy, high-protein treats for busy people to her 144,000 followers!

If you love sweets, want to meet your protein goals or just need more deliciousness in your life, give her a follow.

Why We Love It

  • These aren't your average energy balls. These vegan protein Ferrero Rocher balls will make you feel like you're eating the real candy - but even better!
  • Healthy protein balls are the perfect dessert. Full of chocolate flavour, but with extra goodness. 
Rich chocolate truffle with a creamy center and chopped nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and enjoying decadent desserts.

Test Kitchen Notes

  • When blending the dates and protein mixture, scrape down the sides of the blender frequently to ensure an even consistency and prevent dry spots. Adding a splash of reserved date water can help if the mixture isn't sticking together.
  • Rolling the protein balls around a whole roasted hazelnut gives them that signature Ferrero Rocher crunch - be sure to press the hazelnut pieces firmly into the centre for an even texture.
  • For a smooth, glossy finish, dip the protein balls into melted chocolate using a fork, letting the excess drip off before sprinkling with chopped nuts for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Protein Balls

  • Almonds: You can swap these out with any nut you prefer. Alternatively, you could also use 1.5 cups of almond meal. 
  • Cocoa powder: You can swap this for cacao powder instead but it may taste slightly more bitter. 
  • Vegan protein powder: Whey protein will also work here, but you may need to adjust how much liquid you add, as it absorbs water differently than vegan protein. 
  • Dates: Medjool dates are the best type of date to use in this recipe. 
  • Hazelnut butter: You can swap this for a chocolate hazelnut spread. If you don't have that, almond butter or peanut butter would also work but would change the flavour. 
  • Maple syrup: You can swap this for honey, date syrup or rice syrup. 

Chocolate Coating

  • Dark chocolate: This can be substituted for milk chocolate or white chocolate. 
  • Hazelnuts: These are the signature Ferrero Rocher centre! If you'd like, swap for another nut. 
Creamy chocolate mixture in a food processor ready to be used for homemade chocolate treats.
Decadent chocolate truffles coated with chopped hazelnuts, melted rich chocolate in a bowl, and bowls of chopped nuts and hazelnuts on a white background. Perfect for homemade dessert recipes and chocolate lovers.
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Rich chocolate truffles covered in chopped nuts, decadent homemade chocolate truffles with creamy filling topped with crunchy chopped nuts, perfect for dessert or gift, made with quality ingredients for a sweet treat.

Ferrero Rocher Protein Balls (Chocolate Hazelnut)

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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Michelle from @run2food
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 15 balls 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Indulge in these Ferrero Rocher protein balls - a healthier take on classic chocolate truffles. Made with wholesome ingredients, they're a delicious, high-protein snack!

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the protein balls
  • 2 cups (150g) of almonds (or nuts of choice)
  • ¼ cup (30g) cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (60g) vegan protein powder (Michelle uses @macr0mike Deluxe Chocolate. Use her discount code: amb-chen)
  • 2 cups dates, pitted & soaked until softened (reserve water)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water (adjust depending on how absorbent your protein powder is)
  • ½ cup (100g) hazelnut butter (or use a choc hazelnut spread)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) maple syrup
  • 50g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 15 hazelnuts, roasted
For the chocolate coating
  • 200g dark chocolate
  • Chopped nuts for decorating

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, blitz the almonds until the mixture resembles a fine flour.
  2. Add in the cocoa powder and protein powder and briefly process to combine.
  3. Add the dates, water, and maple syrup. Process until the mixture clumps/sticks together. If it doesn't, you may need to add more liquid. Add the chocolate chunks and process a bit more until all mixed in.
  4. Divide the mixture and roll into 15 even balls.
  5. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Melt the chocolate in the microwave, then dip each ball in the melted chocolate. Sprinkle nut crumbs over the top. Return to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set.

Notes

Storage tips: Store the protein truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for months. Allow them to thaw at room temp for a few minutes before serving.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Chill Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: Healthy Dessert

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