This no-bake energy balls recipe make the perfect breakfast, snack, or even dessert. So delicious and only takes 5 minutes and 5 ingredients to make!
Table of Contents
Family Favorite Snack
We love to make energy and protein balls for a quick grab-and-go snack. These peanut butter energy balls are one of our favorites, as well as chocolate peanut butter protein balls, almond joy no-bake energy bites, and lemon coconut energy balls.
I’m always on the lookout for healthy snacks, and these no-bake energy snacks 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.
I love to grab them on the go when headed out or when I need a quick boost of energy in the afternoon. Much healthier than grabbing a candy bar. My husband and kids also love these energy bites too, which is definitely a plus!
At the beginning of the week, I like to make a big batch of them and then stick them in the freezer. When I’m in need of a quick snack or energy boost, I can just grab one and go. Seriously so easy and a great healthy snack option!
Ingredients
I like to start with the 5 base ingredients below when making energy balls. There are so many ways to customize them to your taste, like subbing chocolate chips for dried cranberries or replacing peanut butter with almond butter.
Find the full printable recipe with 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. You can find them in the cereal aisle.
- 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 in a hint of chocolate!
How to Make Energy Balls
These energy balls are a quick and easy snack that is loved by all! They are perfect to make for a trip, game night, or a snack. These have all the healthy fats you need and can be made with natural sweetener ingredients, gluten-free, or using pantry staples that you love!
- Mix. Mix 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.
TIP: I like to store my protein balls in the freezer to extend their shelf life. Then I always have a quick snack option on hand!
Variations for the Best Energy Bites
There are plenty of ways to customize these no bake energy balls. Grab a bowl and start adding in your favorite variations and make the perfect energy bites for your family! Get creative with shredded coconut, white or dark chocolate chips, or use maple syrup instead of honey. Below are some of my favorites!
- 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, nut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
- Replace the oats with Kodiak power cakes mix like I did when making these Kodiak cakes protein balls.
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
Yes! Energy balls are protein-packed and healthy to eat. They are high in fats and fiber making them a go-to snack!
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.
Everything should be made in moderation. Having one to two protein balls a day would give you enough energy and boost to help you throughout the day as well as feel healthy.
Storage + Freezing
To store: You can either place them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. Just make sure to freeze them for a little bit once you roll them into balls so that they harden up. This helps the energy balls to hold their shape when you add them to the bag.
If storing at room temperature, I’ll typically store them in an airtight container so that I can spread the balls out to where they don’t touch too much. This helps to make sure that they don’t stick together. They will keep for about 1 week at room temperature or around 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
To freeze: 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.
Are you looking for more energy ball recipes!? Try these monster energy balls, my favorite almond joy energy balls, or these 3 ingredients peanut butter bites for more choices!
More Healthy Snack Ideas
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Energy Balls Recipe
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
- 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
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
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
I am making them a second time very good!
Yay! Love to hear you are making these energy balls twice. Hopefully more times to come!
Yes, very tasty! I would make it again.👍
Easy and so so good! My kids grab them for snacks after school.
Very yùmmy!
So glad you enjoyed the energy balls :)
First time making this recipe & I love it! It’ll be on repeat for good snacks 🥰
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!!
So glad to hear! Thanks for your review Fran! :)
Can these be frozen and for how long?
Yes, definitely! For up to 3 months :)
I love this recipe. Make these almost every week!!
So happy to hear that! Thanks for your comment, Kathy :)
How many No Bake Energy Balls does the recipe make and how many calories per ball?
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.
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!
Yum, coconut flakes sound like a delicious addition!
These protein bites are my favorite! I make them all the time!
Is it safe to eat uncooked old fashioned oats?
I’ve heard flour could be potential unsafe to eat, but I have not hear the same about oats.
Excellent! I added coconut-delicious.