These peanut butter energy balls are just the ticket for a quick burst of energy when you are on the run, and when are you never on the run, right?
Homemade energy balls seem to be all the rage these days, especially if you are trying to go low-carb and especially low-processed sugar and just generally trying to eat healthy snacks. We enjoy healthy snacks like protein balls, applesauce (quickly made in the Instant Pot!) and pumpkin energy balls.
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What is an Energy Ball and Are Energy Balls Healthy?
Call them what you like, chocolate chip protein balls, peanut butter power balls, energy bites, oatmeal energy balls…any way you make them, homemade energy balls are a great way to stay fueled with little fuss or muss!
Just a small (about a tablespoon’s worth) of nutritionally-dense ingredients like peanut butter, coconut, flax, honey, and some nuts or raisins make a perfect base to hold everything together! Wrap them in plastic wrap or small paper bon-bon wrappers and toss into your purse or pockets!
Are Energy Balls Bad for You?
Not if you keep them limited to really no more than five a day. It’s the fat that gives your body the ‘energy’ so be sure not to overdo it!
So, ditch that candy bar habit and keep a few of no bake energy bites in your fridge, your car and your desk! Why not toss a few peanut butter honey balls into some lunchboxes as well?
How to Make Energy Balls
There is no easier recipe than making energy balls! Simply mix all of the ingredients together and chill for about an hour. When they are cold enough, use a scoop (you pick the size – but usually a 1 1/2 Tablespoon scoop size will do), and make uniformly sized balls. It’s so easy, that my daughter makes these on her own regularly!
Personally, I like the look of the balls just as they come from the scoop, without actually rolling them. I just press them from the scoop onto the baking tray. Bonus: it’s super quick and easy, and no messy hands! If you prefer, you can roll them in your hands to make fully round energy balls.
Almond butter energy balls would work just as well, simply swap out the PB for almond butter. If the almond butter alters the consistency and you find it a bit too thin, add coconut, 1/2 Tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together. Alternately, if the mixture is too thick, and add more almond butter, 1 teaspoon at a time, to get the right consistency.
These peanut butter honey balls have a lovely honey flavor. If you prefer less honey flavor, add some peanut butter to the measuring cup before adding the honey. The total between peanut butter and honey should equal one cup.
How Do You Store Energy Bites?
At this point, once the energy balls are prepared, they can be individually wrapped or kept in an airtight container in a cool place or in the refrigerator. Once they get to room temperature, they can get soft and squishy, so eat them with care!
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Energy Balls?
You sure can! If you have plenty of homemade energy balls, then store them in an airtight container or Stasher Bags in the freezer for months! In fact, if you pop a few from the fridge to a lunchbox, they’ll thaw out just in time for recess (or that first work break)!
Other Tasty Treats To Try!
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies – tasty gluten free option.
Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies – delicious pumpkin flavor
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup old fashioned oats (rolled oats)
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup ground flax seeds
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup honey *
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill for 30-60 minutes.
- Using a scoop or spoon, measure 1 ½ Tablespoons for each energy ball. Roll into balls and place them on the baking tray.**
- Refrigerate for two weeks in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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Adapted from Gimme Some Oven
These are great. Super easy and fun to make with my kids. I’m always looking for healthy easy fun snacks for the kids.
Plus they’re getting tired if eggs in the morning so this is a great source of protein for them to start their day.
Thank you!
I always love hearing when kids enjoy the recipes Trisha! So glad to hear they’re such a hit! You’re very welcome!
What is the cookie sheet for, if they are not baked
Hi Karen, great question. We place them on the baking tray as we prepare the energy balls. Enjoy them! (I’ve updated, thank you!)
Can these be made and frizen?
I’ve never tried freezing them Marie. Let us know if you try it!
These are delicious!! I make them using crunchy peanut butter and smooth peanut butter… Both types of peanut butter are good in this recipe… It’s just whichever you prefer. I have also made them and eliminated the coconut… I know there’s no difference in the recipe consistency.
Thank you for sharing Carol! So glad to hear that you love these energy balls so much!