No Bake Energy Balls. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter and flax seeds. These Energy Balls are a healthy protein packed breakfast or snack!
Looking for more energy bite recipes? Try my Almond Joy Protein Balls or Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites!
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Ultimate guide to Energy Bites!
These energy balls are no bake, super easy to make and take less than 10 minutes to put together. Loaded with protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and loaded with energy throughout the day. The base of this recipe is only a couple of ingredients: peanut butter, old fashioned oats, flax seed and honey. Next you pick your favorite add in’s. Keep it simple and do chocolate chips or add in M & M’s, chocolate or even lemon! Everything gets combined in one bowl. Best of all you never have to turn on the oven!
You may have heard of these referred to as energy balls, lactation bites or protein bites. Either way they are a healthy pick me up that is the perfect on the go snack to give you energy throughout the day.
“These are amazing! I make these balls all the time because I’m that obsessed with peanut butter. Always switching up the ingredients to give it a new kick 🙂” – Karen
Why you’ll love these energy balls
The best things about this energy bites recipe is that it is super versatile. If you do not have flax seed on hand substitute wheat germ. Try dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Add in shredded coconut, cranberries or cocoa powder.
These Peanut Butter Energy Bites could easily pass as dessert. My batch lasted less than 24 hours. They are the perfect mix between a granola bar and cookie dough. Great to curb the afternoon munchies and the dreaded mid afternoon energy slump. If your craving chocolate try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites!
You can even freeze these oatmeal energy bites if you don’t eat them all within a week. Here’s what you’ll need to make these No Bake Energy Bites:
Ingredients
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Helps to bind the energy bites together. You can also use your favorite nut butter as well!
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: I love using mini chocolate chips if I have them on hand. Dark chocolate chunks are also amazing in this!
- Old Fashioned Oats: I prefer to use old fashioned oats or rolled oats in this recipe. I would not recommend making these with steel cut oats or instant oats. If you want to keep these bites gluten free make sure to use certified gluten free oats!
- Ground Flax Seed: Adds a boost of fiber and nutrients. If you don’t have flax seed on hand substitute hemp seed, chia seed or add extra old fashioned oats.
- Honey: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these energy balls. Agave can be used in place of the honey.
How to make Energy Balls
To make these peanut butter chocolate chip energy bites simply combine all 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Roll into 12 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips for making energy bites
- Always try rolling the bites after they have been refrigerated. This makes rolling them so much easier. If you are still having trouble rolling them try wetting your hands or adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture.
- Instead of rolling out into balls the mixture can be placed in a square baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate and cut to make no bake energy bars!
Energy ball variations
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Add in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries!
- Double Chocolate: Add some cocoa powder and chocolate chips (I like adding dark chocolate chips)
- Almond Joy: Replace some of the oats for chopped almonds, coconut and of course chocolate chips!
- Cinnamon Raisin: Instead of chocolate chips adding in raisin and some cinnamon.
- Trail Mix: Loaded with chocolate chips, raisins and nuts.
- Monster Cookies: Add in mini M & M’s and chocolate chips! This is my kids favorite version!
- Lemon: Zest one whole lemon then add then juice half of it! Sprinkle in poppy seeds too!
- Cake Batter: This is my favorite! Made with sprinkles and vanilla protein powder it tastes just like birthday cake!
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze energy bites?
Yes! These no bake energy bites can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months!
What can I use instead of flax seed?
Chia seed or hemp seed are a good alternative to ground flax seed. You can also substitute the flax for more oats or unsweetened shredded coconut!
Would Maple syrup work?
Yes! Maple syrup can be used in place of the honey!
What are the calories per serving?
This is a question that gets asked a lot. The calories are 200 for 1 serving (1 bite) I know that seems like a lot but the peanut butter in this really adds to the calories. These bites are perfect as a snack or pick me up or a quick breakfast before working out! Some readers have tried using powdered peanut butter to save on calories!
What do I do if its too dry?
If the mixture seems too dry try adding a splash of water. I do 1 tablespoon at a time. This helps bind everything together. Alternatively you can always add a scoop more of peanut butter, honey or maple syrup to bind everything up!
More healthy breakfast recipes to try!
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Oatmeal Smoothie
- Date Energy Balls
- Copycat Kind Granola Bars
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola
- Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
products used
Energy Bites (8 Ways!)
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Ingredients
Energy Ball Base
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup mix in's (see variations below)
Double Chocolate
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
White Chocolate Cranberry
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 14 cup dried cranberries
Lemon
- 1/2 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
Monster Cookie
- 1/4 cup mini M & M's
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Trail Mix
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
Almond Joy
- reduce oats by 1/4 cup
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Cake Batter
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
- 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Combine the peanut butter, oats, flax seed and honey in a large bowl. Stir in your mix ins. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Also slightly damp hands make it easier to roll as well!
- Roll into 12 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Rebecca
I’m making these for the people who come to my Bootcamp class for a protein fix, post workout.
I used maple syrup instead of honey and added a scoop of peanut butter protein powder too.
Thanks for the great recipe!
Kelley
So glad you liked them Rebecca!!
Kirsten
What is flax seed ground? I’m not familiar…..can I buy them at a regular grocery store? Are they expensive?thank you for your time!
Kelley
Hi Kristen,
Ground flax seed is a good source of protein and fiber. You can by it at a regular grocery store. I know Walmart usually has it as well. It is not too expensive either.
Hope this helps! Thanks!
Kelley
lauren
Made these once before and loved them! Was wondering, could I add almonds somehow? Thanks!
Kelley
Hi Lauren!
I am so glad you liked them! I would try grinding up the almonds in a food processor until they are fine. You can try substituting this for the flax seeds. Let me know how it turns out!
Thanks,
Kelley
Ruby
I just made my 2nd batch. I love them, and they are sooo easy and quick to make and store. I freeze them then pop a few into the refrigerator every wk, and eat one before heading to the gym or running every morning. I love that they give me just the right amount of energy I need yet they don’t feel heavy. Before discovering them, I ate a little peanut butter before working out or running. But I prefer these since they have oats and flax seeds; way healthier. I also add a little vanilla, just to kick the flavor up a bit.
Thanks so much for sharing the recipe, I really appreciate it.
Ruby
Kelley
I am so glad you like these Ruby!!
Monica
Could you use chai seeds instead of flax?
Kelley
Hi Monia!
You can add some chia seeds to the mixture 1-2 tablespoons but I would not substitute all of the flax for chia seeds.
Thanks!
Kelley
Chris
Is there something i could use instead of flax seed. I tried it once and gave me a migraine?
Kelley
Hi Chris,
I am sorry to hear flax seeds give you a migraine. I would substitute chia seeds for the flax seed.
Thanks!
Kelley
Darcey
I didn’t have flax seeds so I used chia seeds. Still super yum!
Laura
What do you do if they are too dry? I followed recipe and mine were just nothing but crumbles. I added some more peanut butter and honey, which helped some, but they are still super crumbly and barely hold together.
Kelley
Hi Laura,
I’m sorry they came out too dry. You are right by adding more honey or peanut butter which act as a binder. You can also add a bit of coconut oil. You do have to work them a bit into a ball with your hands. I hope that helps!
Thank you,
Kelley
Melinda Jones
Do these need to be kept chilled? Was thinking of making for a cheerleading bake sale.
Nathan
Hi Melinda,
These do not need to be kept refrigerated. I Hope you enjoy! Have Fun at the bake sale!
Nathan
@Chefsavvy
Mommabear7
A little water should help too. Just add very gradually as you’ll have a big gooey mess if you add too much!
Aly
I accidentally used 2/4 cup of pb! what to do?? I don’t want to throw them away ?
Kelley
Hi Aly!
No problem. This recipe is awesome because you can add more or less oats if the mixture is too wet or too dry. So I would add some more oats and combine everything. If you are not able to roll them (still too wet) add some more oats and some more flax seeds!
Hope you enjoy! Thanks!
Kelley
Grant
Aly,
If you used 2/4 (1/2) cup of peanut butter, then you need more pb not less to make the proper ratio of pb to oats. I/2 cup of peanut butter is 1/6 cup less than 2/3 cup. You needed to ADD 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons (8 teaspoons) to achieve the correct ratio of the original recipe.
Kim
These are great! I made up a batch last night, they’re so tasty and a great snack to stash in the work fridge! Do you by any chance know the nutrition for each bite? I suppose I could count up the macros myself, but figure if you already have them it would be helpful. Thanks!
Kelley
Hi Kim!
So glad you liked them! I plugged in the ingredients into the Calorie Count Calculator and got the following. They are about 200 calorie per serving (1 bite). The calories are a bit higher because of the peanut butter. Moderation is key with these I would stick to one as a snack per day.
Thanks!
Kelley
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 106 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209 Calories from Fat 105
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11.6g18%
Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 73mg3%
Potassium 216mg6%
Total Carbohydrates 20.1g7%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
Sugars 8.2g
Protein 6.7g
Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 2% • Iron 19%
Nutrition Grade B-
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Darienne Hartman
Hi! Just curious. I know the recipe says that it makes 12 bites but how many bites would be considered 1 serving?
Kelley
Hi Darienne,
I would say 2 per serving. They have a lot of protein in them but also extra calories due to the peanut butter. So I would have 2 is a good rule of thumb.
Thanks!
Kelley
Edward P Voakes
Have you worked out the math on how many total calories there are per bite? Also sugar? Thank you…
Kelley
Hi Edward,
Yes you can find that info in the comments section. Lots of other people have asked for it. I will also be putting it in the recipe box for people to have.
Thanks!
Kelley
Nancy
Please not that recipe currently indicates that a serving is ONE “bite” .
Tonyna Anderson
It says Serving Size: 1g
Which stated above is 2 bites.
Leah Neal
This recipe looks incredible! I was wondering though, could these last longer if they were frozen?
Kelley
Hi Leah!
Thank you so much! I personally have not tried freezing them before but I think they should freeze well. They will last longer if they are frozen. Just allow them to defrost before serving. Let me know how it works out for you!
Thank you,
Kelley