Peanut Butter Energy Balls are a no bake treat that takes minutes to make. A go to quick breakfast or snack packed with good-for-you ingredients!
What I love about this bite size snack, is how quickly they come together. It's a dump in one bowl, mix together, roll, and enjoy kind of snack. The ingredients are a sure winner and best of all, no oven needed.
My kids can't get enough of these energy bites. They love helping make them too!
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!
This recipe is a great quick and easy snack or even breakfast, just like our Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins, and Nature's Cereal. It also inspired our Soft and Chewy Breakfast Power Cookies and our Crunchy Cinnamon Granola with Egg Whites.
Ingredients
This recipe is made with feel good ingredients. These ingredients are always in my pantry. I don't need to make a special trip to the store in order to make this quick snack.
- Oats
- Honey
- Milled (whole or ground) Flaxseed
- Coconut
- Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on preference)
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
Instructions
First start by adding the wet ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Honey, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix well.
Next mix in the cinnamon, flaxseeds, oats and coconut. Mix until it looks like a sticky cookie dough.
This can get a little sticky with the peanut butter and honey. I often find myself scraping the spoon against the bowl when the peanut butter and honey stick to it.
Last, work in those chocolate chips!
Work the mixture together until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Now it's time to roll the mixture into balls!
Wet your hands and with about a tablespoon of oat mix, form into a tight ball. Place the ball in an airtight container.
Refrigerate the power bites for 2-3 hours for the best texture. We love to enjoy this healthy treat cold.
Hint: When I roll the oat mixture into balls, the mixture sticks to my hands. This makes the rolling process nearly impossible.
To avoid this, lightly wet your hands every 2-3 balls. This will help keep the ingredients off your hands, and give you the ability to roll beautiful protein balls!
Variations
- Crunchy - use crunchy peanut butter to add an extra crunch to your power balls. You may need to add ¼ cup more to make sure they are sticky enough to form into a ball.
- Smoother Texture- use smooth peanut butter rather than crunchy peanut butter
- Toasted Coconut - I'm all about that crunch! Toasted coconut is a great way to add an extra crunch.
This does require you to use the oven, but it's worth it. Place the coconut on a baking sheet. Cook the coconut for 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cool the coconut before adding it to the bowl. Enjoy the extra crunch!
Equipment
This quick and easy recipe doesn't require a lot of equipment. All you need is a large mixing bowl and a mixing spoon.
You will also need an air tight container to store the energy balls in the refrigerator or freezer.
Storage
For best results, refrigerate for 2-3 hours before enjoying.
Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator, up to 2 weeks. Or, freeze them for 1-2 months.
Top tip
Flaxseed vs Milled Flaxseed!
You can use whole flaxseeds in this recipe. I use whatever I have in my cupboard. I like to use milled flaxseeds as often as possible , and here's why.
First, it gives the texture a little more support.
Second, I really don't like how flaxseeds get stuck in my teeth!
You can find milled flaxseeds in the baking section of most grocery stores. (They also go great in smoothies!)
Recipe
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Spoon
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 the last couple 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!
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!