You’re going to love these German Chocolate Cake Protein Balls — a rich and nutty treat that combines healthy ingredients while bringing the flavor of a favorite dessert!  Using toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and chocolate protein powder provides a guilt-free snacking experience. 

We are BIG German Chocolate fans over here! If you are too, then you’re in the right place! If this is your first experience with German chocolate, then be sure to try my Traditional German Chocolate Cake to get you started off! Then you can venture into my German Chocolate Brownies, German Chocolate Cupcakes, and my Small German Chocolate Cake Recipe (remember how I said we are BIG fans?!) 

German Chocolate Cake Protein Balls stacked on a black plate on a white background.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Choose your sweetness. Whether you opt for unsweetened or sweetened coconut, you can tailor the sweetness level to your preferences, allowing you to enjoy a treat that aligns perfectly with your taste.
  • Easy protein balls recipe. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up these German chocolate cake balls in no time, making them a convenient and nutritious option for kids and adults alike!
  • Healthy protein balls. Packed with protein from the chocolate protein powder and the natural goodness of pecans, coconut, dates, and oats, these German Chocolate cake protein balls offer a satisfying snack that’s healthy while you’re at it.
  • German chocolate cake — in protein ball form! You know I’m a big sucker for German Chocolate recipes (see my list above), so having a protein ball version was a must! 

Ingredient Notes

German Chocolate protein balls ingredients on a white marble background: pecans, coconut, dates, oats, vanilla, and protein powder.
  • Pecans: Be sure to toast the pecans for the best flavor. You can toast them on a dry pan on the stove or in the oven. 
  • Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Use sweetened coconut if you want a sweeter flavor. Toast the coconut flakes for the best coconut flavor! Follow my How to Toast Coconut post for best success. 
  • Medjool Dates: The dates help provide a natural sweetener to this sweet treat, making it not only a great snack, but a healthy snack!I got the dates from Costco. Be sure to remove the pits! 
  • Chocolate Protein Powder: You can use whatever chocolate protein powder you prefer in these German chocolate energy bites. 
  • Oats: I use old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture! 
  • Vanilla Extract: This adds the perfect vanilla hint to bring in that cake-like flavor to these German chocolate bites. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add ingredients to a food processor. Add 1 cup toasted pecans, 1 cup toasted shredded coconut, 1 cup packed pitted dates, 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Pulse until fully combined and until the pecans are crumb size. Add water 1 tsp at a time if the mixture seems too dry. You should be able to press the mixture together and it sticks. 
  2. Form into small balls. Roll the German chocolate cake protein mixture into balls and place in an airtight container in the fridge to chill. Enjoy! 
Three images showing how to make German Chocolate balls with protein powder, top left image is German Chocolate Cake Protein Ball ingredients in a food processor, bottom left is all the ingredients ground up, right image is German chocolate balls on a white background.

Recipe Tips

Be sure to toast the pecans and shredded coconut to get the best German chocolate cake flavor in the protein balls. 

Make sure to remove the pits from the medjool dates before adding them to the food processor. This prevents any unwanted crunch in the final texture.

If you taste the mixture and feel like you want more chocolate flavor, you can always add a few teaspoons of cocoa powder (unsweetened cocoa powder or dutch process cocoa powder). 

You can also add in some mini chocolate chips to the mixture for added chocolate. Remove the protein ball mixture from the food processor to a large mixing bowl and then stir in a couple tbsp of chocolate chips by hand. 

Blend the mixture until the pecans are finely crumbled, and the mixture sticks together when pressed. Add a little water in small increments if needed, but avoid making the mixture overly wet.

Chilling Time: After rolling the mixture into balls, refrigerate them in an airtight container. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up, resulting in a more satisfying texture when you bite into them.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

You can make the German chocolate cake protein balls ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Remove and eat frozen or let thaw. 

Store the German chocolate cake protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. 

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes, you can experiment with different protein powders. I use Clean Simple Eats chocolate brownie protein powder. They also have a German Chocolate version you can try! 

How long do protein balls last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, protein balls can last up to two weeks, making them a convenient make-ahead snack.

Can I use a different type of nut?

While pecans contribute to the cake’s flavor, you can substitute with almonds or walnuts if preferred.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in protein balls?

Quick oats can be used, but rolled oats provide a heartier texture. If using quick oats, the mixture might be slightly softer.

Can I freeze protein balls?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

German Chocolate Cake Protein Balls on a white parchment paper.
German Chocolate Cake Protein Balls on a black plate.
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5 from 1 vote

German Chocolate Protein Balls

German Chocolate Cake protein balls are a delicious and healthy snack option that incorporates the flavors of German chocolate cake into a convenient, bite-sized form.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 18 balls

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup pecans - toasted
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - toasted (can also use sweetened coconut if you want the protein balls to be sweeter)
  • 1 cup packed medjool dates - make sure the dates are PITTED
  • 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder - *see notes
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch kosher salt

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients (pecans, coconut, dates, protein powder, oats, vanilla, and salt) in a food processor and pulse until everything is fully combined and the pecans are crumb size. 
  • If the mixture seems dry add water, 1 tsp at a time until it comes together and you’re able to press the mixture together and it will stick.
  • Form the dough into small balls, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for a week, or the freezer for 1-2 months.

Notes

Nutritional information is based on 1 serving size (or 1 protein ball), and this recipe will make roughly 18 small protein balls. Nutritional information is just an estimate as we use a third party tool to calculate it.
Protein powder: Clean Simple Eats sells a German Chocolate Protein Powder, you can use that instead if you have it, otherwise chocolate protein powder works great here!!

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 8g (12%)Saturated Fat: 3g (15%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 2mg (1%)Sodium: 8mgPotassium: 127mg (4%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 6g (7%)Vitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 22mg (2%)Iron: 0.5mg (3%)
author: Whitney Wright
Course: Snack
Cuisine: German
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