This 5 ingredient energy balls recipe is the perfect no bake breakfast or portable snack loaded with good for you ingredients. Made in one bowl in only 5 minutes!

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No-Bake Protein Balls with 5 Ingredients
We love to make energy and protein balls for quick grab-and-go snacks. This 5 ingredient energy balls recipe is one of our favorites, as well as 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. Other energy balls we love include chocolate peanut butter protein balls and almond joy no-bake energy bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick boost of energy: Made with simple wholesome ingredients, these balls are a cross between granola bars and cookie dough.
- Family-friendly & make-ahead: Loved by kids and adults, these 5-ingredient protein balls store well in the fridge or freezer for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Ingredient Notes

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! Substitute with almond butter, nut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
- Honey: Gives the energy balls a natural sweetness. Swap for pure maple syrup if you would like.
- Flax seed: Adds a healthy boost but doesn’t have much flavor. You could also use hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Chocolate chips: Always a favorite to add into energy bites for a hint of chocolate! You could use half chocolate chips and half mini M&M’s for monster energy balls.
How to Make Energy Balls
These no bake energy balls are a quick and easy snack that are made with natural ingredients, healthy fats and loved by 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.

Recipe 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 energy 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.
- Protein packed. Add in an additional scoop of protein powder or collagen for extra protein. I love to do this in my pumpkin protein balls!
- Swap chocolate chips. Mix in 1/4 cup coconut and 1/4 cup dried cranberries in place of the chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter only. Omit the flaxseed and chocolate chips for 3 Ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls.

More homemade healthy snacks include healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, 3 Ingredient peanut butter cookies and berry protein smoothie.
More Snack Recipes

5 Ingredient Energy Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats , more as needed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ – 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 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (I like to pulse the oats in a blender to break them up for a smooth dough), 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup flaxseed and 1/4 cup 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.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
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.
Storing and Freezing
- Storing: 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.
- Freezing: I actually prefer my energy balls 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.


Rachelle Liddiard
Can you use natural peanut butter for this recipe or will it be too runny?
Jamielyn Nye
I’ve only used creamy peanut butter in this recipe, but I think that should be fine!
debbie sandilands
Great snack
Caeley
Love these energy balls!
Jamielyn Nye
75 calories per ball
Brooke Billman
Absolutely loved these peanut butter balls!
Anita
Yes! They were absolutely delicious!! Thank you!!
Jamielyn Nye
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Carrie
Love these peanut butter energy balls!!
wilhelmina
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!
Linda
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
Brooke
Love these! So easy to make and delicious! Is the calorie amount 130 for 20 balls? What is the serving size?
Jamielyn Nye
Hi Brooke! It should make about 30 balls and they are 75 calories each. :)
Becki
My girls and I have made 2 batches already! Do you happen to know the nutritional value?
Jamielyn Nye
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! They are 75 calories each.
Chelsea Walmsley
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!
Jamielyn Nye
So glad they are helping curb that sweet tooth! :)
Jo
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
Jamielyn Nye
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for your comment and review. :)
Carly
What is the serving size? 130 calories for how many?
Jamielyn Nye
Hi Carly! This recipe makes 20 energy balls. Each energy ball is a serving.
Ali
These are so yummy! Thank you! Is the nutrition label for one ball? I’m counting my macros. Thank you!
Jamielyn Nye
Yes it is! :)
Sabrina
I had some of these today that my friend made. They are excellent! She didn’t know how many was in each serving.
Tina Argenna
The Best ever❤️❤️❤️ Made them into bars ❤️🥂
Jamielyn Nye
So glad you enjoyed them! I’ll have to try them as bars next time!
Sabrina
I had some of these today that my friend made. They are excellent! She didn’t know how many was in each serving.
Gale
What can I use as an alternative to flax seed?
Jamielyn Nye
Hi Gale! You can leave it out and just add in some more oats and chocolate chips!
Suzanne
Can you use quick oats?
Jamielyn Nye
Yes you definitely could but it will change the texture a bit. :)
Teresa
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☺
Jamielyn Nye
I like them better frozen too! I’m so glad they were a hit!