Here is an asian-inspired protein ball recipe that incorporates one of my favorite flavors: BLACK SESAME! Made with just 5 ingredients and prepared in under 10 minutes, these black sesame protein balls recipe is everything you want in a quick and easy (and healthy) snack recipe that’s low carb and high in protein!
Did you know?
Sesame seed is one of the oldest known cultivated plants in the world. This seed was first identified in Babylon and Assyria some 4000 years ago, and apparently, it was so highly prized that it served as a symbol of immortality in Hindu legend!
Sesame seeds have a mild but sweet flavor accompanied by nutty endnotes when consumed. The best part is its health benefits. For example, sesame seeds are rich in several nutrients, namely protein, fiber, healthy fats, calcium, vitamins B and E, and antioxidants. The protein and calcium support muscle and growth, whilst the vitamins in sesame seeds help protect your body from the damage of free radicals. Healthy fats help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol – promoting overall heart health.
More reasons to love this recipe
- Easy to make (just 6 ingredients!)
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Full of fiber and nutritious!
- A perfect healthy treat
- That beautiful black color is to die for!
Ingredients used to make this
**I’ve linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
- Applesauce – preferably unsweetened, like this one
- Protein Powder – You can use any protein powder for this. I used a vanilla plant-based protein powder.
- Coconut Flour – you can use any brand of coconut flour for this recipe.
- Black Sesame – this has to be ground before using. You can do this either by using a mortar and pestle or by blending it in a spice grinder or mini blender.
- Melted white chocolate chips (for the deco) – I used regular white chocolate chips, but you can also use white candy melts or almond bark. I also like using this stevia sweetened brand if you want an lower-carb/lower sugar diet-friendly option
More Healthy Recipes Using Applesauce
How to Make
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Add more coconut flour if the dough is too soft, add a teaspoon or more of water or milk of choice if the dough is too thick*
- Roll the dough into tablespoon sized balls, and refrigerate 15 minutes to help set
Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
- Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn’t feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or vanilla bean paste
- Coat these in melted white chocolate to turn these into truffles
- Add 1/2 tsp of matcha powder to make them green!
How to Make this Healthier
- Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
How to Store
- Store these protein balls covered in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
Final Tips
- Coconut flour and protein powders are all very different depending on brands, so if you find that the dough is too soft, add more coconut flour; if the dough is too thick, add a teaspoon or more of water, honey or liquid sweetener of choice.
More Energy Bite Recipes
Black Sesame Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder*
- 2-3 Tbsp coconut flour
- 3 Tbsp ground black sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar of choice**
- 2 Tbsp melted white chocolate chips or candy melts
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Add more coconut flour if the dough is too soft, add a teaspoon or more of water or milk of choice if the dough is too thick*
- Roll the dough into tablespoon sized balls, and refrigerate 15 minutes to help set
- Melt white chocolate chips by microwaving them in 15 second blasts. Drizzle onto the protein balls. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top
Notes
Nutrition
Hi Bora,
I tried this out and wow. I would have never thought to use applesauce. I didn’t have any protein powder, so substituted with some cacao powder instead, and increased the amount of coconut flour. It turned out delicious! Can’t wait to try it using protein powder. I love black sesame and would love to learn to make a paleo black sesame mochi.
Thank you Annie! I’m so glad this recipe worked out for you. Black sesame is one of my favorite flavors, too. I’m always looking for more ways to use them 🙂