Viral Brownie Balls with Soy Protein Crisps

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These Viral Brownie Balls with Soy Protein Crisps are rich, chocolatey, and satisfyingly chewy, all while being made from wholesome plant-based ingredients. They’re quick to make, naturally protein-rich and perfect for an energising snack or dessert.

Looking for more plant-based protein-rich desserts? These are some of my favourites:

These brownie balls were originally created by Elle Gibson and went viral on TikTok for good reason – they’re absolutely delicious. However, the original recipe uses a lot of dates, which makes them taste delicious, but they can be quite sweet. I wanted to create a version that’s lower in sugar, higher in protein, but still has that same fudgy, chocolatey taste. If you’d like to try the original, you can simply swap the chickpeas and macadamia nuts for 100 g of medjool dates and 30 g of almond butter. In my version, the chickpeas provide the creaminess that dates usually bring, while the macadamia nuts add richness in place of almond butter.

These brownie balls are the kind of treat that ticks every box for me. They taste indulgent like dessert, but they’re full of nourishing ingredients that keep me energised. I love that they require no baking – just blend, roll, dip in chocolate, and chill. Because they’re portioned into bite-sized balls, they’re great for snacking on the go or packing into a lunchbox. The mix of protein crisps, chickpeas, and nuts means they’re more filling than your average sweet. The melted dark chocolate coating gives them a decadent finish, making them feel like a truffle. Plus, the recipe makes a small batch, which is ideal when I want something fresh without having to store a lot. They’re also versatile, so I can swap ingredients depending on what I have on hand. Best of all, they’re freezer-friendly, so I can keep a stash ready whenever I need a quick chocolate fix.

Main Ingredients & Why We Use Them

Macadamia Nuts – Add buttery richness and a soft crumbly base.
Chickpeas – Provide fibre, protein, and help bind everything while staying neutral in flavour.
Soy Protein Crisps – Add crunch and an extra protein boost for long-lasting energy.
Oat Flour – Helps bind the mixture and adds a soft, cookie-like texture.
Cocoa Powder – Brings deep chocolate flavour and balances the sweetness.
Maple Syrup – Natural sweetener that also helps stick the mixture together.
Peanut Butter – Adds creaminess, nutty flavour, and healthy fats.
Coconut Oil – Helps the mixture set and keeps the texture smooth.
Salt – Enhances and balances the chocolate flavour.
Dark Chocolate – A rich, antioxidant-packed coating that makes the balls feel like a decadent treat.

Brownie Balls with Soy Protein Crisps Ingredients

How to Make It

Making these Brownie Balls couldn’t be simpler. Just blitz the nuts, chickpeas, and dry ingredients in a food processor, then add the wet ingredients until everything sticks together. Stir in the protein crisps for crunch, roll the mixture into balls, and dip each one into melted dark chocolate. Let them set in the freezer and you’ll have rich, fudgy, chocolate-coated brownie bites ready to enjoy.

Variations and Substitutes

Swap macadamias for cashews or almonds if that’s what you have. Use agave or rice malt syrup instead of maple syrup. Almond butter works just as well as peanut butter. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter and extra oats in place of macadamias. You can also skip the chocolate coating if you want something lighter, though I love the richness it adds.

Equipment

All you need is a food processor to blend the base mixture until sticky and smooth. A microwave-safe bowl is handy for melting the chocolate, though you could use a stovetop double boiler if you prefer. A tray lined with baking paper makes it easy to set the balls in the freezer without sticking. This recipe proves you don’t need fancy tools to make something delicious.

How to Serve It

Enjoy these Brownie Balls straight from the fridge as a quick snack, or serve them with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

How to Store It

Keep your Brownie Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully – just store them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Simply thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before eating.

How to Make It