This recipe for no-bake peanut butter energy balls is crazy popular and so easy to make.
Oats, coconut, peanut butter, flax and chia seeds plus a handful of chocolate chips create the perfectly portable energy snack.
Make This Energy Boosting Treat Because…
- They are bite-sized pops of protein and fiber that taste just like a chocolate peanut butter cup.
- Made with simple ingredients and an easy method mean even the littlest cooks can help.
- Peanut butter energy balls are made without commercial preservatives, with fewer ingredients, and zero packaging waste.
- This recipe is versatile and can be pressed into a loaf pan and cut into bars for an even quicker method of prep.
Power Packed Ingredients
Creamy or crunchy peanut butter, oatmeal, and honey help the balls hold their shape. Any nut butter will work and honey can be switched out for maple syrup or agave.
The coconut, flax and optional chia seeds add more nutrition as well as delicious flavor.
Customizable Creations
For extra crispy energy balls, lightly toast the coconut and nuts in a dry sauté pan until fragrant. This intensifies their flavor and makes the nuts extra crunchy. Flax seeds and chia seeds are protein-rich and heart-healthy additions to energy balls, adjust the amounts as you like. Instead of chocolate chips, try peanut butter or butterscotch chips.
Chopped dried fruit like dates, blueberries, or cranberries add natural sweetnes, or mix in leftover pumpkin puree. Make energy balls more festive and stir in some gingerbread or apple pie spice.
How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl (recipe below).
- Shape into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Chill in the refrigerator and serve.
Serve Up Success With These Tips and Tricks
- Chill the mixed ingredients well before rolling into balls for easier rolling. Or just drop them by the scoop for a more rustic look.
- If you find the dough 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 peanut butter, 1 teaspoon at a time, to get the right consistency.
- Keep energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to a week.
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zippered bag (this keeps them from sticking together) for up to 3 months.
- Pop one or two (or three!) into a backpack or briefcase for an instant energy boost any time day or night.
More Energy Infused Treats
Did you try this recipe for Peanut Butter Energy Balls? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
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
- *You can taste the honey flavor in these Peanut Butter Energy Balls. If you prefer less honey flavor, add some peanut butter to the measuring cup before adding the honey. Total between peanut butter and honey should only equal 1 cup.
- **I used my 1 ½ Tablespoon scoop (like an ice cream scoop) for even serving sizes. Or just scoop onto a baking tray and do not roll, for a more rustic look.
- Almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter. Be aware that almond butter may alter the consistency.
- If you find the mixture too thin, add coconut, ½ Tablespoon at a time. If the mixture is too thick, add more peanut butter (or almond butter), 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Refrigerate energy balls in an airtight container for up to a week.
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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!