No Bake Oat Energy Balls

These no bake oat energy balls are the ultimate  snack food. They’re made from healthy ingredients but still taste like an indulgent treat! 

no bake oat energy balls

These oat energy balls have been one of my go to snacks to keep in the refrigerator. The flavor is amazing, especially if you’re a chocolate peanut butter lover like me. Best of all, they satisfy my sweet tooth craving, especially when I want something sweet in the evening.

peanut butter oat energy balls on blue plate

With simple ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry, these energy balls only take minutes to throw together. You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these energy balls. Best of all, they require no baking or cooking!

energy ball - peanut butter granola chocolate chip close up

These oat energy balls are made with wholesome ingredients and are packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats. All these nutrients help give you energy and keep you full in between meals. Also, there are no additives or preservatives so you can feel good about giving them to your children and eating them yourself.

granola energy bites ingredients

No bake energy ball ingredients

  • Oatsthese will serve as the base ingredient for our energy bites. Oats are filling, inexpensive and easy to find. I use quick cooking oats because they are slightly smaller. You can use old fashioned oats but I find the balls don’t hold together as well. If you want to keep these balls gluten free be sure to purchase certified gluten free oats.
  • Peanut Butterhelps bind the balls, adds healthy fats and some protein. Be sure when you are picking out peanut butter in the store that the ingredients listed are: peanuts, oil and maybe salt. If your peanut butter is a little too firm, microwave for several seconds to mix easier. Peanut butter can be swapped for another nut or seed butter.
  • Maple syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these energy balls and also helps to bind them together. Honey can be used as a substitute.
  • Ground Flax Seed this provides a boost of fiber, omega-3s and vitamins
  • Chia Seedsrich in fiber, protein, omega 3s and antioxidants
  • Vanilla Extract- for a touch of extra flavor
  • Cinnamonadds additional flavor and extra nutrients
  • Chocolate Chips- I love using mini chocolate chips because they distribute the chocolate more evenly through each bite

Oat energy bites with peanut butter and chocolate chips

How to store energy balls

You can store your energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last 1-2 weeks however I guarantee they won’t last more than a week!

granola peanut butter energy bites spread out

Perfect snack to prep to have all week

With the approach of back to school (or some kids are already back) and our hectic lives, these energy bites are the perfect meal prep so you always have a healthy snack option readily available.

no bake energy oat balls on blue plate

More healthy snack recipes

Homemade Classic Hummus

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Homemade Trail Mix

Homemade Fruit Leather 

No Bake Oat Energy Balls

These no bake oat energy balls are the ultimate snack food. They’re made from healthy ingredients but still taste like an indulgent treat!
Makes 8-10 balls
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oats quick cooking
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2-3 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
  • ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter *see notes before starting
  • 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons ground flax seeds

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, add the oats, cinnamon, and chocolate chips and stir to combine.
  • In a small bowl, add the peanut butter *(see notes below), maple syrup, vanilla extract, chia seeds and ground flax seeds. Stir until mixture is well combined.
  • Add your peanut butter mixture (small bowl) to the dry ingredients (medium bowl ) and stir until thoroughly combined. Use the back of a spoon to press down as you mix to incorporate all the oats with the peanut butter mixture. This takes some muscle work because of the stickiness of the peanut butter, but I promise it will mix.
  • Form the mixture into balls, approximately the same size. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

 per 1 energy ball (based on 10 energy balls per recipe)
147 Calories, 8 gram fat, 5 gram protein, 15 gram total carbohydrate, 3 grams of fiber, 6 gram sugar, 2 mg sodium
Notes
*This recipe works best with soft peanut butter. If your peanut butter seems too thick, you can zap it in the microwave for several seconds (be sure not to overheat) to heat through and melt a little before adding the remaining ingredients to the small bowl. NOTE: if the peanut butter is too warm be sure to chill dough at least 15 minutes before mixing in the chocolate chips!
If you find the oat mixture to be too dry and crumbly you can add a little more peanut butter and/or maple syrup. You want to be able to roll them into balls and stick together without falling apart.
Double the recipe to have it last all week!  
Variations: substitute any nut butter for the peanut butter; raisins or other add-ins instead of the chocolate chips; can substitute hemp seeds for the chia or flax. If you don’t have either in your pantry you can still make these. Chia and flax add extra nutrients like protein, fiber and healthy fats which are all great additions.

What’s your favorite snack? Share in the comments below. If you make this recipe please share, I would love to hear what you think! Also, be sure to stay in touch and follow me on FacebookInstagram and Pinterest

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Oat energy balls

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