No-Bake Energy Balls

No-bake energy balls are a great snack any day of the week.  These no-bake protein balls are full of fiber, and protein and a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.  These are not a new invention I discovered them back in 2020 during the pandemic.  Everyone was making a version of these no-bake energy bites so naturally I jumped in on this trend and made them too.  To my surprise, they were so tasty.  My personal consumption while testing these tasty treats was more than average.  I couldn’t get enough of them.  The recipe calls for simple pantry ingredients that most have at any given time.  

These no bake energy balls are made with wholesome ingredients like uncooked rolled oats, nut butter of choice, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, chocolate chips, honey, and vanilla extract.  This perfect make-ahead recipe will be on constant rotation in your house.  It’s kind of like a granola bar mixed with cookie dough to make the perfect snack.  The best part is that everyone loves them.  

Ingredients for no-bake energy balls recipe:

Oats or Oatmeal– 1 cup uncooked oats. I usually use rolled oats or quick oats.  Any kind is fine. Gluten-free oats are also ok.

Nut Butter–  1/2 cup of nut butter. Any kind will work in this recipe.  Peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, granola butter, cashew butter.

Flax Seed– 1/2 cup ground flax seed or flaxseed meal.  Can easily be found at most stores nowadays.  Flax seeds are packed with beneficial nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. It improves digestive health and can help relieve constipation.

Chia Seeds– 1 tablespoon.  Chia seeds look like poppy seeds and are readily available at most stores.  They provide an excellent source of fiber and promote good gut health.

Chocolate Chips– 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.  Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips.  I also love using the mini chocolate chips.  

Honey– 1/3 cup honey.  You could also try using maple syrup for a different taste.  

Vanilla extract– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.  

How to make this easy energy ball recipe:

One of the best things about this recipe is that it truly is a no-bake recipe.  I do chill the “dough” but no baking is required.  Begin with using a large mixing bowl and put all of the ingredients into it.  Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir the simple ingredients together.  

Chill the dough

Once fully combined cover with some plastic wrap or foil and stick it in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.  This chills the dough and makes it easier to form into balls.  If you find that the dough is too stiff and cold then just let it sit out for 5 or more minutes until the dough is workable. This typically happens when I chill it overnight or longer than 30 minutes.  

Roll into balls

After you take the dough out of the fridge, line a baking sheet or plate with wax paper or parchment paper.  Use a measuring tablespoon or small ice cream/cookie scoop to scoop out the dough and roll it into small balls using your hands.   Put the formed ball on the plate and keep rolling until all of the dough is gone.  These delicious energy bites are ready to eat now, but otherwise, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.  

These no-bake energy balls are an easy snack, good for lunch boxes, especially good for an after-school snack.  They provide protein energy and are tasty little sweet treats!  I hope you try them soon and let me know how you like them.  

OTHER SNACK IDEAS TO TRY!

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Best Homemade Hummus Recipe

Homemade Guacamole

Easy Chia Seed Pudding