Do you go wild for Halloween fun but dread the sugar and empty calories of typical Halloween treats? Dread no more! We’ve got the perfect Halloween candy for you! Our chocolate peanut butter protein ball spiders, inspired by Eating Richly, are wickedly delightful and deliciously healthy.
If your kids drool for candy that boo-tifully joins chocolate and peanut butter, they will gobble up these protein spider balls. Made with natural peanut butter, raw honey, unsweetened cocoa powder, and pea protein powder, these delectable little nibbles are health food in a Halloween costume. Once you mix your ingredients and roll them into bite-size balls, you dress them up with edible googly eyes and chocolate legs. Your kids won’t be able to resist them.
ALSO TRY: Mummy pumpkin cookies
New to pea protein powder? Pea protein is relatively new to the nutritional world and is an answered prayer for vegans and vegetarians who avoid the popular animal-based protein products.
Pea protein, which is extracted from green and yellow peas, is used to make protein powder and can serve as a base for vegetarian burgers, vegan mayonnaise, and some dairy-free frozen desserts. It is the perfect plant-based alternative to protein powders made from dairy or eggs. Your hungry little ghouls will go batty for these pea protein spiders, and they’ll never suspect they are actually eating peas!
Honey is a healthier alternative to sugar. The majority of Halloween candy is overloaded with sugar or high fructose corn syrup — sweeteners that have no redeeming value.
Raw honey, however, boasts antioxidants, phytonutrients, and antibacterial properties. In addition, raw honey has been shown to improve digestive issues, relieve coughs, and soothe sore throats. Forgo the processed sweeteners and opt for nature’s sweet stuff.
Make the protein ball dough
Let’s start with the protein balls, which will eventually be the spooky spider bodies. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer to blend the peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, and protein powder until you get a smooth dough.
Form the protein balls
With a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop and roll pieces of dough into 24 balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You now have 24 protein ball spider bodies.
Melt the chocolate chips
In a double boiler on the stovetop or in a glass bowl in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips until they are smooth and creamy. Transfer the melted chocolate to a pastry bag fitted with a #3 round tip.
Turn the melted chocolate into spider legs
Your protein spider balls need spider legs. Use the pastry bag to pipe 24 sets of 8 legs for each protein ball spider. Immediately place a protein ball in the center of each set of legs. Refrigerate the protein ball spiders until they are chilled. This will help the chocolate legs set up and connect to the protein ball.
Place eyes on protein balls
Carefully secure eyes to front of protein balls.
Serve your chocolate peanut butter protein ball spiders
Carefully remove the spiders from the parchment paper and transfer to a serving platter. Decorate with additional Halloween decor and serve.
How adorable are these spooky little guys!
Chocolate peanut butter protein ball spiders
Yield 24 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter, crunchy or creamy
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 heaping tablespoons pea-protein powder
- 48 candy eyes
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, blend the peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, and protein powder until it forms a smooth dough.
- Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. Set 1 aside for the assembly process.
- Using a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop and roll pieces of dough into 24 balls.
- Place 2 candy eyes on each chocolate peanut butter protein ball.
- Melt chocolate chips in a glass bowl in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stovetop. Stir until the melted chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Place the melted chocolate into a pastry bag fitted with a #3 round tip.
- Pipe eight legs for each chocolate peanut butter protein ball, moving from the outside to the center, then place the ball onto the center of the legs.
- Refrigerate the tray of protein balls until they are very cold before eating.
- Serve.
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