Chocolate Energy Bites

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter, cocoa powder, protein powder and flax seed. These chocolate energy bites are a healthy on the go protein packed snack!

Looking for more energy bite recipes? Try my Almond Joy Energy Bites or my Original Peanut Butter Energy Balls!

peanut butter and chocolate protein balls

Chocolate Energy Bites

I have been on an energy bite kick ever since I made my Peanut Butter Energy Bites years ago. They have become my go to weekly snack to prep on Sunday and keep in the fridge for the week. They are easy to through together, are healthy and have peanut butter AND chocolate in them. What’s not to love?!

These chocolate energy bites taste more like dessert than a snack making them a hit with kids. They are fudgey, rich with the perfect amount of sweetness. They always satisfy my sweet tooth when I am craving something sweet.

These energy bites also known as “lactation bites” are perfect for new moms. They make a great grab and go snack and are loaded with oats and protein to keep you full and give you a burst of energy. I always had a batch of energy balls when I was nursing. These also makes a great gift to bring over to new moms!

All you need is 10 minutes and 7 ingredients to make these chocolate energy bites!

Looking for more healthy breakfast recipes? Then try my Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe!

Here’s where all the energy is coming from:

  • Flax seed: 1/2 cup of flax seed provides roughly 15 grams of protein. Flax seed is also loaded with healthy fats, fiber and nutrients.
  • Peanut Butter: Filled with healthy fats and fiber. One serving of peanut butter contains 7 grams of protein! Perfect for a quick energy boost and to keep you full throughout the day.
  • Old Fashioned Oats: Rich in fiber, protein and nutrients. Old fashioned oats are a great way to sneak in extra nutrients. They are also known to reduce cholesterol.
  • Chocolate Protein Powder: Loaded with tons of protein! 1 scoop = 20 grams of protein!

chocolate chip oat peanut butter bites on white plate

Ingredients for Chocolate Energy Bites

  • Creamy Peanut Butter: You can also use your favorite nut butter as well! You could also substitute crunchy peanut butter for an added crunch!
  • 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 in this recipe. I would not recommend making these with steel cut oats or instant 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.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives these chocolate energy bites all of their chocolate flavor! I like to use good quality dutch process cocoa powder. This one is our favorite!
  • Chocolate Protein Powder: You can also omit and add collagen or hemp seeds, chia seeds or more ground flax seed.

If you love this recipe than you will love my Homemade Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars!

chocolate chip energy bites in white bowl

How to make Chocolate Energy Bites

To make these chocolate energy balls simply combine peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey, oats, chocolate protein powder, chocolate chips, flax seed and water in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.

peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey and oats in large white mixing bowl

Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Roll into 12 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week. If the energy bites are crumbling when you roll them wet your hands. This makes rolling easier!

mixing protein ball ingredients in white bowl

Tips for making No bake energy balls

  • Always try rolling the chocolate energy 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 additional 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!
  • If you do not have chocolate protein powder just use more unsweetened cocoa powder. You could also substitute the protein powder for hemp seed, chia seed or more flax seed!
  • For extra flavor add a splash or two of vanilla extract!
  • A pinch of salt really brings out the flavors of chocolate in these chocolate energy balls.
  • Roll the outside of the energy bites in crushed up nuts or shredded coconut for an added crunch!

Variations

  • Dark Chocolate Chips
  • White Chocolate Chips
  • Peanut Butter Chips
  • Shredded Coconut
  • Cranberries
  • Chopped Nuts
  • Hemp Seeds
  • Chia Seeds
  • Wheat Germ

Frequently asked questions

How long do these last?

Energy bites will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks! You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How can I lower the calories?

I have had some users comment on the calories in these bites. Most of the calories come from the peanut butter in this recipe. I have had readers replace some of the peanut butter with powdered peanut butter mixed with water to save on some calories.

You could also make the chocolate energy bites smaller and get 12 bites instead of 8 lessening the calories per serving.

chocolate peanut butter energy bites with a bite taken out of it on white plate

More Easy Healthy breakfast recipes to try!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites

4.5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 bites
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter, protein powder and flax seed. A healthy on the go protein packed snack!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp chocolate protein powder
  • 3 tbsp water

Instructions

Images:
  • Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. If mixture looks too try add a bit more water (1/2 tablespoon at a time).
  • Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Roll into 8 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites
Amount per Serving
Calories
297
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
3
mg
1
%
Sodium
 
87
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
342
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
26
g
9
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
61
mg
6
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Breakfast, Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites, Energy Bites, Healthy, Protein Bites, Snacks

 

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Comments - page 1/3

  • Sue

    I really enjoy recipes for helpful snack suggestions while trying to lose weight but why is it no one ever puts the calorie count or other information for those of us that are able readers on with therapies

    • Hi Kelly!

      I would not increase the cocoa in this. My worry is it will be bitter if you add more. You can also add extra flax seed or oats if you feel like the mixture is too wet.

      Thanks!

      Kelley

  • Misty

    These are really good and keeps you full for hours. My daughter and I loved them. Thanks for the recipe!

  • Traci Broeker

    What would you say the nutritional information would be per ball? Protein/carbs/calories?

  • Jenny

    Love this recipe! My hubby and I tried them tonight and I will be making these for our grab and go snack. I am a huge chocoholic and crave sweet things. Just one bite curbed my sugar cravings. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  • Ann

    Is the protein powder you use whey-based? I’ve tried some other recipes for energy bites and they don’t always set up because I am using a whey-based protein powder.

    • Hi Ann,

      I am not sure if what I used was whey-based or not (I do not have it in the cabinet to check or I would and I do not remember the brand I bought sorry! You can always omit the protein powder and add in a little more flax seed.

      Thanks!

      Kelley

    • Hi Cara,

      Yes you can omit the flax seed or substitute with something else like hemp or chia seed. You may have to add a little more oats.

      Thanks!

      Kelley

  • Heidi

    Hi there! Curious – The total time says 10 minutes even though the recipe says chill for 15-30 minutes. Is that a typo? How much time should I expect to spend from start to finish; you know, so I can have them ready when the kids get home from school.

    Second, It says the serves 8 bites. Does that mean there are 8 servings, 1 bite per serving? Or 1 serving, with 8 bites per serving?

    Thanks in advance for the clarification!

    • Hi Heidi,

      The total time does not include the chilling portion. I would make these in advance and give yourself about 30 minutes to prep and refrigerate these.

      Yes that is 8 bites, 1 per serving.

      Thanks!

      Kelley

    • Jen

      Seriously, Heidi? You need to know how much time these will take from start to finish? LOL! Pretty simple recipe. Mix ingredients. Make into balls. I’m surprised you didn’t ask her what you should do during the chill time? Do you really think 8 balls would be one serving? You need to work on your critical thinking.

    • Can you explain why not to use minute oats? I’d like to try recipe using min Pat’s, as that is all I have on hand. but I will buy proper Oates just wondering what would be the difference I would notice?

    • Hi Kelly!

      I prefer not to use minute oats due to the texture. They are smaller and not as firm. The old fashioned oats hold up better and have more texture.

      Hope this helps!

      Kelley

  • Carm P.

    Came out fantastic, I added a little more protein powder and water. Will definitely make again.!

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