Jamielyn Nye
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This no-bake energy balls recipe is the perfect breakfast or portable snack loaded with good for you ingredients. Made in one bowl in only 5 minutes with 5 ingredients!
Other energy balls we love for quick bites include chocolate peanut butter protein balls, and almond joy no-bake energy bites.
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Table of Contents
- No Bake Energy Bites
- Why You’ll Love These Energy Balls
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Energy Balls
- Expert Tips
- 5 star review
- Recipe FAQs
- More Healthy Snack Recipes
- Energy Balls Recipe Printable Recipe
No Bake Energy Bites
We love to make energy and protein balls for quick grab-and-go snacks. This energy balls recipe is one of our favorites, as well as these Kodiak cakes protein balls and lemon coconut energy balls.
I’m always on the lookout for healthy snacks, and these 5 ingredient protein balls seem to be my go-to when I’m craving something sweet. Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they’re also a great source of protein.
Why You’ll Love These Energy Balls
- Quick boost of energy: Made with simple wholesome ingredients, these balls are a cross between granola bars and cookie dough.
- Family friendly: My husband and kids love these 5-ingredient protein balls for healthy on-the-go snacks.
- Make ahead: Make these oatmeal energy bites at the beginning of the week and store in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
I like to start with these 5 pantry ingredients below when making energy balls. The best part is you probably already have them on hand!
Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.
- Old-fashioned oats: These are dry oats that are flavorless with a thick texture to them. They are also known as rolled oats. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Peanut butter: Binds all the ingredients together and adds flavor!
- Honey: Gives the energy balls a natural sweetness.
- Flax seed: This is a hidden ingredient that helps add healthiness but doesn’t have much flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Always a favorite to add into energy bites for a hint of chocolate!
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize these no bake energy balls. Grab a bowl and start adding in your favorite variations!
- Add in an additional scoop of protein powder or collagen for extra protein.
- Add a Tablespoon or two of chia seeds for a boost in antioxidants.
- Mix in 1/4 cup coconut and 1/4 cup dried cranberries in place of the chocolate chips.
- Use half chocolate chips and half mini M&M’s like I did when making these monster energy balls.
- Add in your favorite seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Replace the peanut butter with almond butter, nut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
- Replace the oats with Kodiak power cakes mix.
- Omit the flaxseed and chocolate chips for 3 Ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls.
How to Make Energy Balls
These energy balls are a quick and easy snack that are made with natural ingredients, healthy fats and loved ball all!
- Mix. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients together, roll into balls, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze. Place baking sheet in the freezer until energy balls are hard so that they hold their shape.
- Store. Store in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
Expert Tips
- Chill dough before rolling. If time permits, chilling your dough before rolling into balls makes it less sticky! Wetting your hands also helps.
- Use a cookie dough scoop. This will help form evenly shaped balls. It’s also faster to form the bites this way!
- Too dry. The mixture should be slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add more honey or peanut butter. If it’s too wet, add more oats.
5 star review
“We love these energy balls. Perfect size to quench that sweet craving. Lots of great ingredients. Thanks for recipe. Also my grand girls love them too and they have no idea it’s healthy. Yeah!!”
-Fran
Recipe FAQs
Are energy balls good for you?
Yes! Energy balls are protein-packed and healthy to eat. They are high in fats and fiber making them a go-to snack!
Do protein balls give you energy?
For sure! These little bite-sized energy balls do just that! Give you energy! They are supplied with a bunch of good fats and energy to help you keep going throughout the day.
Can I substitute flax seeds?
Yes, try hemp seeds or chia seeds. You could even just add more oats or unsweetened shredded coconut.
What can I use instead of honey?
Pure maple syrup can be used instead of honey to make vegan energy bites. I do think that honey binds a bit better. If you mixture seems dry you may need to add water.
How to store energy bites?
You can either place them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. If storing in a bag, I like to freeze them a little longer initially so they retain their shape when placed in the bag.
If storing at room temperature, store them in an airtight container so that the balls don’t touch or stick together. They will keep for about 1 week at room temperature or around 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze energy balls?
I actually prefer mine frozen. It helps them to keep their shape, plus it’s perfect for an easy grab-and-go snack. Simply add to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
More homemade healthy snacks include healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, 3 Ingredient peanut butter cookies and berry protein smoothie.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
- Favorite Homemade Granola Bars
- No-Bake Breakfast Cookies
- Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
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Energy Balls Recipe
5 from 76 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
No-bake energy balls recipe is the perfect breakfast or portable snack made in one bowl in only 5 minutes with 5 ingredients!
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Freeze: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Servings: 30
Video
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats , more as needed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips , more as desired
Optional add in's: splash of vanilla, pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon, ground flax seed, chia seeds, protein powder, rice krispies, coconut
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. I like to add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of sea salt too. Add in any other desired mix-ins. Stir until combined.
Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon and round them into balls. Place pan in the refrigerator or freezer until hard. Then store in a zip-top bag or covered container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Notes
Note: If you add extra ingredients and the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter and honey.
If it feels too sticky, add a Tablespoon or two more of oats or protein powder.
Variation: Recently I’ve been doing 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup kodiak cakes.
Recipe change: I have changed the recipe slightly over the years. Here is the original ingredients. Follow the same instructions:
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- 1/4- 1/2 cup dark or semi sweet chocolate chips
Nutrition
Serving: 1ball | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Breakfast, Energy Balls + Bars, Freezer-Friendly, Meal Prep, Snacks, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
More about Jamielyn Nye
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Add a comment
94 comments
- Kristyn
We love energy balls at our house!! They are great for on the go or snacking. I like to make a bunch, then freeze some.
- Reply
- Jessica
We absolutely love making these so the kids can snack on them instead of choosing something else out of the pantry that we may not want them to have!
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- Wanda T
Our new favorite snack! I make a double batch and sometimes my kids take them for breakfast on the go!
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- Amanda
Could you add in collagen as well?
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- I Heart Naptime Community
Hi Amanda! I haven’t tested the recipe using collagen, but if you try it, let me know how it is :)
- Reply
- Linda
I do not have flax seed in my pantry, can I use sesame seed or sunflower seed? Thanks for all the great recipes. Happy New Year!
- Reply
- I Heart Naptime Community
Hi Linda! I have not tested the recipe using sesame or sunflower seeds, but if you try it, let me know what you think :)
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- Linda
I am making them a second time very good!
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- I Heart Naptime
Yay! Love to hear you are making these energy balls twice. Hopefully more times to come!
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- Mary
Yes, very tasty! I would make it again.👍
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- Alaina
Easy and so so good! My kids grab them for snacks after school.
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- Lore
Very yùmmy!
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
So glad you enjoyed the energy balls :)
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- Rachelle
First time making this recipe & I love it! It’ll be on repeat for good snacks 🥰
- Reply
- Fran
We love these energy balls. Perfect size to quench that sweet craving. Lots of great ingredients. Thanks for recipe. Also my grand girls love them too and they have no idea it’s healthy. Yeah!!
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
So glad to hear! Thanks for your review Fran! :)
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- William Bilski
Can these be frozen and for how long?
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- I Heart Naptime
Yes, definitely! For up to 3 months :)
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- Kathy Ness
I love this recipe. Make these almost every week!!
- Reply
- I Heart Naptime
So happy to hear that! Thanks for your comment, Kathy :)
- Reply
- Suzanne Reising
How many No Bake Energy Balls does the recipe make and how many calories per ball?
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- I Heart Naptime
This recipe makes around 30 energy balls (the size of a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon). One ball is about 75 calories. You can find the full nutritional information in the “nutrition” section of the recipe card.
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- Ashley
These are super delish, I have been looking for a simple no bake treat. I had all ingredients on hand, I also added a little bit of coconut flakes. Going to be my go to recipe!
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- I Heart Naptime
Yum, coconut flakes sound like a delicious addition!
- Reply
- Breanne Moore
These protein bites are my favorite! I make them all the time!
- Reply
- Jan
Is it safe to eat uncooked old fashioned oats?
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
I’ve heard flour could be potential unsafe to eat, but I have not hear the same about oats.
- Reply
- TD
Excellent! I added coconut-delicious.
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