Peanut Butter Energy Balls are a no-bake treat that takes minutes to make. A quick go-to breakfast or snack packed with good-for-you ingredients! We love this tasty family-friendly snack.
Get ready to make these tasty energy bites! They are the perfect after-school snack or on-the-go breakfast. We love making this bite-size snack because it comes together quickly and easily. The best part, you can make this recipe in one bowl!
Breakfast is a big deal in our house. Some of our favorite breakfast recipes are Egg Puffs (egg bites), Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins, and Nature's Cereal. These are great on the go recipes. Be sure to also try these oat recipes, Soft and Chewy Breakfast Power Cookies and our Crunchy Cinnamon Granola with Egg Whites.
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Ingredients
The ingredients needed for this recipe are great whole foods ingredients. We try to keep them as pantry staples.
- Oats- Don't use quick oats while making this recipe. Old-fashioned oats are the best choice.
- Honey- This recipe doesn't include processed sugar and is naturally sweetened by the honey.
- Flaxseed- Flaxseed gives the recipe added texture. They also are high in fiber and help with digestion.
- Coconut- Whether you use sweetened flakes or unsweetened flakes, the coconut adds a great flavor and texture. Check out our favorite tip and make them toasted.
- Peanut butter - Depending on taste preferences you can use smooth or chunky peanut butter. We used natural peanut butter but other peanut butter will work.
- Vanilla- A subtle way to combine all of the flavors together.
- Cinnamon- A great flavor profile that gives a great taste.
How To Make Energy Bites
Follow these step-by-step instructions for best results. Look at the photos for help.
- In a large mixing bowl add the peanut butter, vanilla, and honey. Mix until smooth.
2. Mix in the cinnamon, oats, flaxseeds, and chocolate chips. This gets a little tricky because it's so thick.
3. Form the oat mixture into small 1 inch balls.
4. Place the rolled balls into a container and place them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours for the best texture.
Hint: For extra texture, we love using crunchy peanut butter. The added peanut bits are a great addition.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate - Instead of milk chocolate chips use dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Craisins- Add flavor with dried fruit like craisins. They pair great with the chocolate and oats.
- Toasted Coconut - Use toasted coconut instead of regular coconut flakes for an added layer of texture.
Helpful Hints
Toasted coconut is my favorite way to eat energy bites. To make toasted coconut, place shredded coconut on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to keep an eye on the coconut as it cooks. Once it starts to brown, it burns easily.
Learn From Us
The first time I made this recipe, the oat mixture wasn't staying together properly. It was really crumbly. I found that if you refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before eating them, they stay together better.
The type of peanut butter can also effect the stickiness of the oat mixture. If your mixture looks and feels to like it won't stick together, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter until it's the desired texture.
Storing Energy Balls
Refrigerate these energy balls for 2-3 hours before enjoying. You can eat them immediately, but they have a much better texture after being in the refrigerator. I've also noticed that though they don't need to be refrigerated, they tend to dry out on the counter.
Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator, up to 2 weeks. Or, freeze them for 1-2 months.
Top Tip
This recipe makes 24 energy balls but we often double the recipe because of how quickly they are eaten! You can even store them in the freezer for later on!
To avoid a crumbly mess, refrigerate the prepared energy balls for at least 2 hours before eating.
Recipe
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- ⅔ cups coconut see note for toasted coconut alternative
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter
- ¼ cup whole flaxseed or milled
- ⅔ cup chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla together until evenly mixed.
- Add in the dry ingredients; oats, coconut, flaxseeds, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add in chocolate chips and mix until it resembles a sticky cookie dough.
- Roll mixture in to golf ball sized balls. About 1 tablespoon of oat dough.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. You can eat immediately, but they may not be fully set.
- Store in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for 1-2 weeks.
Notes
- Want an extra crunch? Substitute coconut with toasted coconut! Place coconut on a baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees. Watch them for the last couple of minutes so they don't burn. Let the coconut cool before adding to the mixture.
- Use whole flaxseed instead of milled. The mixture and texture will slightly change but still equally delicious.
- Freeze extras in the freezer for 1-2 months!
- Make sure to refrigerate before eating for the best texture. They hold together better after being chilled. But they don't need to be refrigerated because all of the ingredients are shelf stable.
Jed
My family makes these often! So simple and delicious!
Shara
Made these yesterday and enjoyed them for breakfast today. So yummy and satisfying!
Jenny Ramsay
The best! Easy to make and easy to eat!!
Ana F.
I followed the recipe to a T. and these oat energy balls came out perfect! I used toasted coconut as suggested and it was wonderful. Thanks for the recipe!
Michele
The whole family loved these, and I loved that they were so easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!
Drea
For sure making these again. Super easy and we ate them all week for on the go breakfast and snacks. My kids loved them!