Energy Balls {No Bake}

Loaded with protein and fiber, these Peanut Butter Energy Balls contain just a few simple ingredients and take minutes to prepare with no baking involved. For a quick burst of energy, this is a snack or anytime treat you can feel great about giving to your kids, as these Healthy Peanut Butter Balls are full of flavor and nutrient dense ingredients.

Also known as Energy Bites, Protein Balls, and Protein Bites, it’s hard to believe how easy these are to make and how healthy they are. They are perfect to make ahead and store for when you or your kids need a sweet treat, but want to eat something good for you. Simply keep them in the freezer in an air tight bag or container for up to 3 months and thaw them for 30 minutes when ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Works?

• A healthy protein based snack or dessert.
• Perfect for a quick burst of energy.
• Make Ahead recipe.
• Readily available ingredients.
• Kid Friendly.
• Sprinkle topping lets you make this healthy snack a bit more colorful.
• Gluten-free.
• Bite size portions.
• The Best Energy Balls ever!!!

Main Ingredients

This recipe uses super easy ingredients that can be purchased from a local grocery store if they are not already in your kitchen. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.

• Peanut Butter – Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter helps to bind the energy balls together. This recipe uses natural creamy peanut butter, with a bit of sea salt, but you can also use crunchy if that is your preference. Alternatively, almond butter is a good substitute.
• Old Fashioned Oats – Also known as rolled oats, these provide the complex carbohydrates that give you a burst of energy as well as giving these balls a chewy texture.
• Honey – These healthy peanut butter balls get their sweetness from honey instead of using any refined sugar.
• Flaxseed Meal – We prefer using Flax meal instead of the seed because more of the nutritional benefits of flax are absorbed by the body this way. Flaxseed meal contains heart healthy omega-3’s, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Chia seeds are a good alternative if you don’t have flaxseed meal available.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds a little more texture and a taste of the familiar chocolate flavor kids love. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips.
• Vanilla / Cinnamon – These warm spices enhance the flavor of these bite-sized protein balls.
• Sprinkles – Adding sprinkles is optional, but we find that adding this simple and colorful topping makes our kids go extra crazy for this healthy snack. We prefer to use natural sprinkles such as Judee’s as they are gluten-free and non-GMO.

How To Make Energy Balls {No Bake}

Step 1: Mix It

• In a large bowl add peanut butter, oats, honey, flaxseed meal, vanilla, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips.
• Using a rubber spatula, mix to combine.

Step 2: Measure and Chill It

• Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measuring utensil to scoop out bite size balls.

• Set the balls aside on a clean plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly.
• While the mixture is chilling, add sprinkles and toasted coconut, if using, to rimmed bowls for rolling; set aside.

Note: For rolling, you can also use cocoa powder, matcha powder, pulverized freeze-dried berries or a variety of chopped nuts and seeds.

Step 3: Roll It

• Remove the plate from the refrigerator and roll the peanut butter / oat mixture into round 1″ balls (tip: coat the palms of your hand with cooking spray or a drop of olive oil to prevent peanut butter from sticking).

• Add the balls to the bowl of sprinkles or coconut and roll to coat. Alternatively, you can skip this step and enjoy the energy balls as is.

Serve immediately or refrigerate in an air tight container for up to 1 week.

Other healthy snacks you might enjoy include Baked Oatmeal Bars and Chili Lime Flavored Chickpeas.