Description
Energy Balls are a no-bake, nutritious, and satisfying snack made with a blend of oats, nut butter, seeds, and sweeteners. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, they make for a quick breakfast, midday snack, or post-workout treat. These versatile energy balls are customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs, and they’re perfect for on-the-go or enjoying throughout the day.
Ingredients
- For the energy balls:
-
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds (or flaxseeds), mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, and shredded coconut (if using). Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and sticky. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more honey or nut butter to help bind it together.
- Form the balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should be able to form about 12-15 energy balls, depending on the size.
- Chill: Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Store and serve: Once chilled, the energy balls are ready to eat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Protein Energy Balls: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite protein powder (whey, plant-based, or collagen) to boost the protein content.Cinnamon Raisin Energy Balls: Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon and swap chocolate chips for raisins for a classic cinnamon-raisin flavor.Mocha Energy Balls: For a coffee twist, add 1 tbsp instant coffee or cocoa powder to the mixture for a mocha-lavored energy ball.Superfood Energy Balls: Include superfoods like spirulina powder, cacao nibs, or hemp seeds to increase the nutritional value.Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter as a substitute for nut butter to make it nut-free, especially for kids with nut allergies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
