Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Protein Energy Balls

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Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend, these refined sugar-free protein energy balls are a delicious, chewy, no-bake dessert you’ll want on repeat. They’re loaded with chocolate flavor, creamy pistachio, a hint of cinnamon, and a crunchy kataifi topping. And with 2 scoops of your favorite chocolate protein powder, they’re perfect for meal prep, post-workout fuel, or a healthy afternoon treat.

• No-bake, meal prep-friendly and free from refined sugar
• No oven, no fuss – A simple food processor recipe anyone can make in under 20 minutes.
• Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
• Great for on-the-go snacking – Easy to pack in lunchboxes, gym bags, or your purse.

For the energy balls:

• 1/2 cup Medjool dates, pitted (about 6-7)
• 2 tbsp pistachio cream
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1-2 tbsp water, if needed
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

For the kataifi crunch:

• 1/2 cup kataifi pastry, thawed if frozen
• 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tbsp finely chopped pistachios (for rolling)

Time needed: 40 minutes

1. Make the Base

   In a food processor or blender, combine the pitted dates, pistachio cream, tahini, chocolate protein powder, almond flour, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick or dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, until it blends into a thick, sticky dough.

   
   

   TIP: If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes before blending.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag @thesprinkledcakery on Instagram so I can share it! And if you love Dubai chocolate inspired desserts, you have to try my Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies with Pistachio Kataifi & Ganache. Or, if you don’t want a whole tray of brownies, try my Easy Dubai Chocolate Protein Brownie Mug Cake – it’s single serve and ready in minutes!

• Soak dates briefly in warm water if they’re too dry
• Use a protein powder with good texture and flavor; different powders absorb liquid differently. I used ATP Supreme Beef Protein Powder Grass Fed, Chocolate Flavour
• Don’t skip chilling—it’s key to making the balls easier to coat
• Toast the kataifi until golden for max crunch and flavor

• Store in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months
• To make this vegan: Use a dairy-free pistachio cream (most store-bought options like Pisti contain milk powder) or make your own by blending roasted pistachios, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Also, check that your protein powder is vegan.

Approximate values using standard chocolate protein powder:

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g (from dates)

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Kataifi is a Middle Eastern pastry dough that looks like fine vermicelli or shredded phyllo. It crisps up when baked and adds a crunchy texture to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s often used in Middle-Eastern desserts like kunafa.

You can find kataifi in the freezer section of most Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or international grocery stores. Look for brands like Apollo, Cedar’s Mediterranean, or Krinos. Some health food stores and online retailers also carry gluten-free versions. You can also buy a premade one on Amazon.

es! Sub the protein powder with an extra tablespoon of almond flour or oat flour, and adjust sweetness to

Absolutely—cashew, almond, or even peanut butter work well, but pistachio keeps it true to the Dubai chocolate flavour.

• Homemade High Protein Kind-Style Energy Bars
• High-Protein No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Cups
• Fudgy Protein Brownie Mug Cake
• Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Leave a review and star rating to let me know what you think.