These Sweet Potato Protein Bites are the perfect solution for a healthy, satisfying snack. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potato and dates with protein powder and crunchy pecans, they're an easy, no-fuss treat to fuel your workouts or curb afternoon cravings. They are also a great meal-prep option for the week.
If you're looking for more ways to fuel your day, explore our entire collection of high-protein snack recipes. And for those aiming to add more protein to their routine while following a GLP-1 friendly diet, incorporating satisfying snacks like these is an excellent strategy. Be sure to also check out our expert guidelines and tips that may help you achieve your healthy weight loss goals.
This recipe is designed to be a nutritionally balanced snack by using whole-food ingredients. It provides a mix of complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes for sustained energy, plant-based fats from pecans and chia seeds for satiety, and high-quality protein to support muscle health, all without any refined sugars.
Yes, they are a healthy option when eaten in moderation. This recipe combines complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats from whole foods like sweet potatoes, oats, and nuts to provide balanced, lasting energy.
They are an excellent pre-workout snack. The carbohydrates from the sweet potato and dates offer quick energy for your workout, while the protein helps prepare your muscles for recovery.
A typical serving size is 1-2 protein balls, which works well as a snack. The right amount depends on your individual dietary needs and activity level, so it's best to consider them as part of your total daily intake.
Protein bites are designed to be a convenient source of energy and nutrients. They can help curb hunger between meals, provide a quick carbohydrate boost before exercise, and supply protein to aid in muscle repair after a workout.
If you enjoyed these protein bites, you'll love exploring our other recipes designed to fuel your body and keep you satisfied. Discover a variety of delicious and easy high-protein snacks that are perfect for pre-workout energy or a healthy afternoon treat.
Put your sweet potatoes to good use with these creative and healthy sweet potato recipes that go beyond the basics. From savory sides to hearty main courses, you'll find plenty of nutritious and flavorful ideas to add to your weekly meal plan.
Recipe yields 14 servings
Bake the Sweet Potato: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce sweet potato with a fork multiple times and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until fork tender. Let cool, then scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth. Discard the skin.
Make the Dough: Add ¾ cup pecans to food processor and pulse on high into coarse sand, about 20 seconds. Reserve remaining ¼ cup pecans for later. Add protein powder, almond flour, ¼ cup rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger; manually pulse to combine. Add mashed sweet potato, dates, chia seeds, and vanilla extract. Process on low speed until a dough forms. Transfer dough to a large mixing bowl and fold in remaining ¼ cup rolled oats using a rubber spatula.
Shape the Bites: Using lightly dampened hands, roll dough into 1½-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Melt the Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and olive oil in a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over bites using a small zip-top plastic bag or pastry bag.
Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle each bite with reserved chopped pecans. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow chocolate to set. Enjoy!
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For a quicker, no-bake version, you can substitute 1 cup of canned sweet potato puree for the freshly baked sweet potato. Ensure the purée is 100% sweet potato with no added sugar. Simply mix it in during Step 2 and proceed with the recipe as written.
Replace the whey protein powder with your favorite plant-based vanilla protein powder.
Substitute the pecans with raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also swap the almond flour for an equal amount of oat flour.
If you don't have vanilla protein powder, unflavored or chocolate protein powder would also work well in this recipe.