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!
Can you use natural peanut butter for this recipe or will it be too runny?
I’ve only used creamy peanut butter in this recipe, but I think that should be fine!
Great snack
Love these energy balls!
75 calories per ball
Absolutely loved these peanut butter balls!
Yes! They were absolutely delicious!! Thank you!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Love these peanut butter energy balls!!
I have been scrambling to find easy, healthy snacks that my daughter will like while she is out of school. These are perfect! They were so easy to make and she loves them!
I make these all the time, they’re so good! I add coconut, chia and flax seeds as well. And when I’m in need of a little extra treat, I dump in some dark chocolate chips too. The hard part is only eating one! lol
Love these! So easy to make and delicious! Is the calorie amount 130 for 20 balls? What is the serving size?
Hi Brooke! It should make about 30 balls and they are 75 calories each. :)
My girls and I have made 2 batches already! Do you happen to know the nutritional value?
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! They are 75 calories each.
I love these! They are helping stay on track with my sweet and salty cravings. So delicious. Once I’m out, I make another batch. Thank you!
So glad they are helping curb that sweet tooth! :)
Just made these with my 3 year old and we both Love them, so delicious!!!!! Going to try your coconut and lemon ones next xxxx
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for your comment and review. :)
What is the serving size? 130 calories for how many?
Hi Carly! This recipe makes 20 energy balls. Each energy ball is a serving.
These are so yummy! Thank you! Is the nutrition label for one ball? I’m counting my macros. Thank you!
Yes it is! :)
I had some of these today that my friend made. They are excellent! She didn’t know how many was in each serving.
The Best ever❤️❤️❤️ Made them into bars ❤️🥂
So glad you enjoyed them! I’ll have to try them as bars next time!
I had some of these today that my friend made. They are excellent! She didn’t know how many was in each serving.
What can I use as an alternative to flax seed?
Hi Gale! You can leave it out and just add in some more oats and chocolate chips!
Can you use quick oats?
Yes you definitely could but it will change the texture a bit. :)
I made these for a church movie night & they were a big hit! There were a few left & so I froze them. I think they’re even better frozen☺
I like them better frozen too! I’m so glad they were a hit!