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.
Table of Contents
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 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. 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
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.
Yes, try hemp seeds or chia seeds. You could even just add more oats or unsweetened shredded coconut.
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.
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.
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
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Energy Balls Recipe
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
- 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!
These are super tasty and easy to make ❤️ Can’t go wrong with PB and chocolate
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Jennifer. :)
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So good and packed full of proteins! I added 2 tablespoons of chia seeds as well to add some more protein. Do they need to be stored in fridge?
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I would recommend keeping them in the fridge or freezer! :)
Just made these…easy and delicious! I know my kids will love them!
I’m so glad you tried them! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Danielle!
How many points on WW is 1 ball?
I’m not too familiar with weight watchers so I’m not sure! Sorry!
Is this nutrition information for one ball?
Yes!
Thanks for sharing, these would make a fabulous energy snack.
Hope you enjoy! :)
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I was on the hunt for a more healthful alternative to peanut butter cookies and thought I’d give these a try. These came together so quickly & didn’t require any fussing with the oven. They taste wonderful, full of peanutty goodness and just the right amount of sweetness. I look forward to making & sharing these again. Thanks again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Mary. :)
I’m sorry if it says somewhere but I can’t find how many balls this is suppose to make to help me know if I’m making them the right size to equal the nutrition information. Thanks.
It should make about 20 energy balls depending on how large you make them. :)
Hiw many balls in one serving?
1 ball is 70 calories.
These look delicious! I was wondering, my son has Celiac disease and can’t tolerate oats of any kind (even gluten free oats). Do you have a substitution idea for the oats? I’d love for him to have energy bites for a quick gluten free snack option but so many of them have oats. Thanks for any help you can give!
If you’re looking for a clean option, I found these on another site: https://allergyawesomeness.com/gluten-dairy-oat-free-energy-balls/
You’ve been reading my mind. I’ve been looking for ways to get more energy and these look so delcious!
These are my favorite go-to snack! I just love them!
I love making energy balls for quick, convenient snack!
Can’t wait to make these easy and energy filled snack!
I can’t wait to make these!
Do you have to keep them frozen? I wanted to make them for people at work. Have you ever tried baking them to keep their form? Let me know your suggestions for giving as gifts.
Thanks!
You don’t have to keep them frozen, but I do prefer to keep them chilled so they don’t stick together. I wouldn’t bake them though. Enjoy!
We don’t have flax seeds at home & don’t want to buy them for one recipe. We also don’t have protein powder but we have pumpkin seeds. I know protein powder comes in huge sizes & I don’t want to buy a huge container if we don’t like it. Is there anything we can sub or just leave it out? My mom would love these & at 91 she is always complaining about having no energy. These would be good for her.
Gail, I was wondering the same thing. I don’t like protein powder in anything and wondering what would happen if you left out the flaxseed and protein powder. Did you try it?
Great questions. You can definitely leave the protein powder out and maybe just add a Tablespoon two more of oats if it’s too sticky. Same goes with the flax seeds. I would just either add more oats or use less peanut butter :)
My son was wanting to make a treat yesterday so we tried these and they were a hit! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve been eating these daily for a few years, and I love them! My recipe has the exact same ingredients but slightly different measurements. I make them each Sunday and freeze them 2 at a time in snack sized ziploc bags. It’s perfect for grabbing when I need a snack during the week! I’ve been seeing them lately on Pinterest called Boobie Balls because they’re supposed to be good for breast health and milk production!