🎃 Chocolate‑Coated Protein Bites (Perfect for Halloween & Thanksgiving!)

These rich, pumpkin‑shaped treats pack a protein punch and are cloaked in decadent dark chocolate. Sweetened with Swerve and stevia, they’re great for a healthy holiday treat that feels indulgent—without all the sugar!

🧾 Recipe Card

Yield: About 12 bites (size depends on shaping)
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Dietary Tags: Low‑Sugar, Keto‑Friendly, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, No-Bake

Ingredients Checklist

Chocolate Coating:

1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp Swerve powdered sweetener
4 oz baking chocolate (70–85% cacao)
1⁄8 tsp stevia powder (optional)
1 oz cocoa butter

Filling:

1⁄2 cup whey protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
5 oz cocoa butter (melted)
1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon
2⁄3 cup Swerve powdered sweetener
1⁄8 tsp ground nutmeg
1⁄4 cup heavy whipping cream
1⁄4 tsp ground ginger

I. Why You’ll Love It 🎉

These Chocolate‑Coated Protein Bites are a festive twist on a dessert—low sugar, high in protein, and perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re easy to prep, no baking required, keto‑friendly, and fun to customize. Think of them as healthy truffles with a holiday flair!

II. Step‑by‑Step Guide 🍫

A. Make the Filling

In a small saucepan, whisk together whey protein, melted cocoa butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, Swerve, and cream.
Gently heat over low—just enough to smooth out textures (avoid full boiling).
Remove from heat, scoop the mixture into a shallow bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in fridge for about 2 hours (or 1 hour in freezer).

B. Shape & Freeze

Once firm, scoop and shape into small squares or “pumpkins.” Chill them briefly while you prepare the chocolate coating.

C. Make the Chocolate Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine baking chocolate, cocoa butter, Swerve, stevia, and vanilla. Microwave in 20‑second bursts, stirring between, until fully melted and smooth.

D. Coat the Bites

Dip each chilled protein bite into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place onto parchment.
Chill again until the coating sets—about 15–20 minutes in the fridge or faster in the freezer.

E. Serve

Arrange on a festive plate and serve chilled!

III. Tips & Tricks 😊

Consistency matters: Filling needs to be firm enough to roll—adjust chill time if needed.
Microwave carefully: Use short bursts and stir well; chocolate can burn easily.
Flavor twists: Add a pinch of pumpkin spice or a splash of almond extract to the filling.
Presentation tip: Make “pumpkin” bites by adding a tiny piece of pretzel or almond as a stem.

IV. Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month—perfect for holiday meal prep.
Serving: Thaw at room temp for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

V. Nutrition Highlights (approx. per bite)

Calories: 140 kcal
Protein: 5 g | Carbs: 2 g (net) | Fat: 12 g
Sugar: <1 g
Fiber: ~0.5 g

VI. FAQs

Can I substitute coconut oil for cocoa butter?
Yes—but flavor and texture may be slightly different. Cocoa butter gives richer, creamier results.

Can I make these dairy‑free/vegan?
Use plant-based protein powder and cream alternatives (e.g., coconut cream + stabilized vegan milk).

Can I skip stevia?
Yes—just taste the melted chocolate and adjust sweetness to your preference.

VII. Kristy’s Treat Moment

These bites are now a staple in my holiday repertoire—they’re indulgent but balanced, portable, and always vanish fast. We love gifting them in mason jars or plating them near our Thanksgiving pumpkin pies for a festive finishing touch!

VIII. More Healthy Holiday Treats 🍁

Low‑Sugar Almond Joy Bites
Keto Pumpkin Chocolate Truffles
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fat Bombs
No‑Bake Gingerbread Energy Bites

IX. Share Your Delight! 🎃

If you try these Chocolate‑Coated Protein Bites, please tag me @KristyCookEats or leave a review below! I love seeing how you decorate or flavor them—are yours sparkly, spiced, or perfect little pumpkins?

Here’s to festive treats that nourish and delight—happy holidays! 💛