Energy Balls
A quick and easy no-bake recipe for delicious energy balls. Packed with oats, peanut butter, and a touch of honey, they're the perfect healthy snack for a post-workout boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
For 6 servings
Combine all ingredients.
In a medium bowl, add the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, chia seeds, dark chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Stir with a spatula until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
TIPIf the mixture is too dry, add another teaspoon of peanut butter or honey. If it's too sticky, add a tablespoon more of oats.Chill the mixture.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it much easier to roll into balls.
Roll into balls.
Once chilled, scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your hands to form a small ball, about 1-inch in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should get about 12 balls.
TIPLightly wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms while rolling.Serve or store for later.
The energy balls are ready to eat immediately. For a firmer texture, you can chill them again. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 2Make a large batch and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for a quick grab-and-go snack.
- 3Ensure your peanut butter is well-stirred if it's a natural kind where the oil separates.
- 4Let the balls sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating if they are coming from the freezer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar to make these energy balls fully vegan.
gluten freeGluten free
Ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
high proteinHigh protein
Add one scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder. You may need to add a teaspoon of water or milk to get the right consistency.
nut freeNut free
Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Sustained Energy Release
The complex carbohydrates from rolled oats provide a slow and steady release of energy, preventing sugar crashes.
Rich in Fiber
Oats and chia seeds are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Source of Healthy Fats
Peanut butter and chia seeds contain monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, these energy balls are a healthy snack option. They provide complex carbohydrates from oats for sustained energy, healthy fats and protein from peanut butter and chia seeds, and natural sweetness from honey.