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.
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
Pauline
I made them and somehow they got pushed to the back of the fridge where they have been forgotten for two weeks. Think they can still be eaten?
Kelley Simmons
Hi Pauline,
I keep these in the fridge for up to a week. I personally would not eat them after a week.
Thanks,
Kelley
Samantha
Can you do this recipe without the oats?
Kelley Simmons
Hi Samantha,
You could try and substitute some or all of the oats for more flax seed, hemp or chia seed and add in coconut flakes or nuts. You will have to put the mixture in a food processor to blend up. You could also substitute coconut flour or almond flour for the oats. You may need less peanut butter / honey so I would add it as needed.
Hope this helps!
Kelley
Hillary
These are amazing! Just made my second batch after finishing my first one last week. They are perfect for a light breakfast or dessert, or a quick pick-me-up snack. Thank you for this recipe! Super happy to have it in my collection. 🙂
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed these energy bites Hilary! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ally E
Have made this recipe countless times! My husband and I love them! Such a yummy snack and I have a hardcore sweeeeet tooth so I feel better about eating one of these rather than a cookie ;p
Kelley Simmons
So glad you and your husband enjoy this recipe Ally!! Thanks so much for sharing!
LW
Love it!!
Eileen D
So yummy! My family loved this recipe, and you made it look really easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Linda
These are fabulous! I’ve made them several times. They’re a great snack with healthy ingredients. I use almond/macadamia butter because I prefer it over peanut butter. One time I used sunflower butter and thy were really good as well. Great recipe!
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed these energy bites Linda! Thanks for sharing!
Adeline C.
I absolutely love this recipe but I would definitely recommend using around a forth of a cup of flax seeds. And if you don’t have flax seeds, chia seeds go great with this recipe!
D
Just made my first batch. I used coconut flakes and black sesame seeds as an alternative to ground flax seed and it turned out great.
I’ll pack a couple of those on my next bike ride.
Kelley Simmons
I love the idea of adding sesame seeds to these! Glad you enjoyed them!
lily
These are great! i added craisins, vanilla extract and strawberry jelly to give it more flavor and bring down the peanut butter taste a little. very delicious, thanks!!
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed these energy bites! I love the addition of the jelly!