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!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox! You will also receive other new recipes in your inbox weekly!
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.
5 star rating
“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!)
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.
more energy bites to try!
10 minutes- 10 minutes
- 10 minutes
- 15 minutes
- 15 minutes
- 10 minutes
Maureen Matsen
Excellent treat! I make double batches and freeze. Adding coconut and walnuts makes these bites extra special.
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Maureen! Thank you so much for sharing!
Ninh Nguyen
It was sooooo good and I put chunks of coconut and dried pineapple and it was like a tropical dream
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed these! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kimberley B
Melt chocolate chips in double boiler or carefully in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Dip each bite or bar. I do bar tops by spreading on cool pan full and refrigerate before cutting. Decorate with crushed nuts or coconut if desired, while chocolate is warm.
I dip half of the bites and cool on parchment or silipat mat to prevent sticking. Alternately they can be dipped into crushed nuts or coconut immediately after the chocolate.
Variations are endless!
Use cashew or almond butter.
Maple or simple syrup or even corn syrup if you are low on supplies. Out of oats? Look in your cereal pantry. Perhaps some crushed cereal could be used if you don’t have enough oats in the pantry.
If you test and the mix is too sweet, try adding vanilla extract a little bit at a time, I use 1/2 teaspoon real vanilla extract in mine.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, worst case you may have to eat delicious mistakes with a spoon!
If you like these soft and sticky, you can roll in icing sugar or chocolate powder. If you need to cut sweetness use powdered cocoa.
I put cocoa mix, marshmallows and all into my last batch. Hydrated with a tbsp boiling water then into oat mixture. Can skip the water as well.
Truly a crowd pleaser. Hope my tips help someone. Chef Mama
Kelley Simmons
Great tips Kimberley! Thanks so much for sharing!
Cindy
I was scared this would just taste like peanut butter and uncooked oats, but it was delicious!!! I used almond butter instead of peanut butter and it all turned out amazing. Only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because there’s a little too much honey for my taste (maybe just cause the honey I used was super strong). Other than that, it’s a perfect and filling snack
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Cindy! Thank you so much!
Kathy
Hi ! These look delicious! Ate the weight watchers points listed anywhere? Thanks
Kelley Simmons
Hi Kathy!
Thank you so much! Unfortunately I do not have the weight watchers points listed sorry. Maybe you can add the recipe ingredients into the app and it will calculate for you?
Have a great day!
Kelley
Selena
Very simple and tasty. One question though: do and how long does it take for them to melt? I’m thinking of bringing some on my car trip next week, and am wondering how to store them.
Kelley Simmons
Hi Selena,
I would put these in a small cooler bag. They hold up better when they are refrigerated.
Thanks!
Kelley
Selena
So delicious and simple. I’m going camping next week and am wondering if I can bring a batch of these with me for a road trip snack. Do they melt, and if so, how long does it take for them to melt?
Kelley Simmons
Hi Selena,
For best results I would keep this in a small cooler if you can and they should last for a week. If not at room temperature they may start to melt and fall apart if it’s warm.
Thanks!
Kelley
Kaitlin
Hello, can I substitute Nutella for the peanut butter?
Kelley Simmons
Hi Kaitlin,
You can try substituting maybe half of the peanut butter for nutella. I have not tried substituting it so it is hard to say how the consistency will turn out. Let me know how you make out!
Thanks!
Kelley
Etta
These are great!
Lybbie Friedly Carpenter
MY GRANDDAUGHTER MADE THESE, I COULDN’T EAT JUST 1, I HAD 2, THEY ARE THE BEST EVER!!!💘💘💘
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed these! Thanks so much for sharing!!