This no bake recipe for energy balls is worth saving for those days you need a healthy pick-me-up snack. Easy to make and ready in 15 minutes or less. Filled with fiber, protein, and omega-3s. They’re a healthier take on oatmeal chocolate chip cookies rolled into bite-sized treats.
EASY & FILLING HEALTHY SNACK
Energy bites are a staple in our house. My kids love them and I enjoy making them. They’re full of fiber and protein to keep you feeling full longer, and lightly sweetened with honey (or maple syrup). Plus, the addition of chocolate chips are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
If you’ve never tried them before, it’s time to give them a go. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy they come together. And you’ll walk away with a week’s worth of healthy snacking. Made from pantry staples such as whole rolled oats, nut butter, seeds, honey, cinnamon, chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
NO BAKE RECIPE FOR ENERGY BALLS INGREDIENTS
The versatility of this recipe is endless. I’ll share with you the main ingredients plus alternatives you can use if you prefer.
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are perfect for making energy balls, homemade granola, or overnight oats. Plus, an article from the John Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes shares that uncooked oatmeal contains resistant starch.
Resistant starch is a carbohydrate that doesn’t digest in the small intestine but instead is fermented in the large intestine. In turn, resistant starch does not raise blood glucose but instead acts as a prebiotic feeding the good bacteria in the gut.
Plus, oatmeal is a great source of fiber which leaves you feeling full longer.
Peanut Butter: Adds a healthy amount of protein and helps the energy balls keep their shape. You can substitute with almond or cashew butter.
Honey: A natural way to sweeten these easy-to-make treats without using refined sugar. Skip the cute bear-shaped honey bottles and go for quality raw, unfiltered honey for the most benefit.
Chocolate Chips: Mini-sized chocolate chips work well in this recipe for energy balls. You’ll only need ¼ cup. I used semi-sweet mini chocolate chips but you can swap for dark or vegan.
Ground Flaxseed: A great way to add omega-3s. You can also do a 50/50 split with chia seeds.
Cinnamon: Provides added flavor and is loaded with antioxidants. You can skip this if you’d like.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all of the flavors. Purchase pure (real) vanilla extract. Avoid imitation and check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain added sugars and other flavorings.
Sea Salt: Another flavor amplifier. You’ll need only a pinch.
HOW TO MAKE OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP ENERGY BALLS
This recipe for energy balls comes together in less than 5 minutes and is ready to eat within 10-15 minutes. Three easy steps and you’re on your way to a week full of healthy treats.
- Combine. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Use a spatula to stir everything together.
- Scoop. Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop and roll the ingredients into balls. Then place them on a parchment lined plate or in a glass container in a single layer.
- Chill. Place the plate or container in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the balls set. Then enjoy!
Combined ingredients too dry or too wet? If you find that the balls are falling apart you may need to add a teaspoon more at a time of nut butter or honey. If they’re too soft or sticky to handle, place them in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to chill before forming balls.
HOW TO STORE ENERGY BALLS
Oatmeal peanut butter energy bites are perfect for meal prep, especially for boosting energy in the afternoon. They’re deliciously healthy and filling.
Fridge: You can store the energy bites in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Freezer: Energy balls freeze well and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored properly. You can pre-freeze them by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and popping them in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. Then put them in an airtight container to store. This will ensure they don’t stick together upon freezing.
MORE HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS
Want more healthy snack ideas? Get your free 7 healthy snack recipes e-book. You’ll want to save this one before it’s gone!
No Bake Recipe For Energy Balls (Oatmeal Chocolate Chip)
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole rolled oats (old fashioned)
- 2/3 cup peanut butter (almond or cashew butter work as well)
- 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips**
- 5 teaspoons honey (raw, unfiltered) can also use maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed* (also known as flaxseed meal)
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (I use Redmond's Real Salt)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Using a small scoop, scoop the combined ingredients and form into balls. If too dry, add more peanut butter or honey 1 teaspoon at a time. If too sticky or soft, place the bowl in the fridge for 5 minutes to firm up and for easier handling.
- Place energy balls on a parchment-lined plate or in a glass container and chill for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!
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