This 5 ingredient energy balls recipe is the perfect no bake breakfast or portable snack loaded with good for you ingredients. Made in one bowl in only 5 minutes!
No Bake Energy Bites
We love to make energy and protein balls for quick grab-and-go snacks. This 5 ingredient energy balls recipe is one of our favorites, as well as Kodiak cakes protein balls and lemon coconut energy balls.
I’m always on the lookout for healthy snacks, and these 5 ingredient protein balls seem to be my go-to when I’m craving something sweet. Other energy balls we love include chocolate peanut butter protein balls and almond joy no-bake energy bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick boost of energy: Made with simple wholesome ingredients, these balls are a cross between granola bars and cookie dough.
- Family friendly: My husband and kids love these 5-ingredient protein balls for healthy on-the-go snacks.
- Make ahead: Make these oatmeal energy bites at the beginning of the week and store in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Old-fashioned oats: These are dry oats that are flavorless with a thick texture to them. They are also known as rolled oats. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Peanut butter: Binds all the ingredients together and adds flavor! Substitute with almond butter, nut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
- Honey: Gives the energy balls a natural sweetness. Swap for pure maple syrup if you would like.
- Flax seed: Adds a healthy boost but doesn’t have much flavor. You could also use hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Chocolate chips: Always a favorite to add into energy bites for a hint of chocolate! You could use half chocolate chips and half mini M&M’s for monster energy balls.
How to Make Energy Balls
These no bake energy balls are a quick and easy snack that are made with natural ingredients, healthy fats and loved ball all!
- Mix. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients together, roll into balls, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze. Place baking sheet in the freezer until energy balls are hard so that they hold their shape.
- Store. Store in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
Tips and Variations
- Chill dough before rolling. If time permits, chilling your dough before rolling into balls makes it less sticky! Wetting your hands also helps.
- Use a cookie dough scoop. This will help form evenly shaped energy balls. It’s also faster to form the bites this way!
- Too dry. The mixture should be slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add more honey or peanut butter. If it’s too wet, add more oats.
- Protein packed. Add in an additional scoop of protein powder or collagen for extra protein.
- Swap chocolate chips. Mix in 1/4 cup coconut and 1/4 cup dried cranberries in place of the chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter only. Omit the flaxseed and chocolate chips for 3 Ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls.
Storing and Freezing
- Storing: If storing at room temperature, store them in an airtight container so that the balls don’t touch or stick together. They will keep for about 1 week at room temperature or around 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: I actually prefer my energy balls frozen. It helps them to keep their shape, plus it’s perfect for an easy grab-and-go snack. Simply add to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
More homemade healthy snacks include healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, 3 Ingredient peanut butter cookies and berry protein smoothie.
More Snack Recipes
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Energy Balls Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats , more as needed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips , more as desired
Optional add in's: splash of vanilla, pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon, ground flax seed, chia seeds, protein powder, rice krispies, coconut
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup flaxseed and 1/4 cup chocolate chips. I like to add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of sea salt too. Add in any other desired mix-ins. Stir until combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon and round them into balls. Place pan in the refrigerator or freezer until hard. Then store in a zip-top bag or covered container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Notes
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- 1/4- 1/2 cup dark or semi sweet chocolate chips
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Oats are always gluten free.
True, but sometimes they are not processed in a gluten free environment so may become contaminated and for those who need a truly gluten free oat it is best to see the labeling on the package. Looking forward to hearing how you like the energy balls!
Hi! what is the best PB to use? will natural/organic PB work fine?
I like to use JIF natural (it doesn’t have liquid). You can use natural, you may just need to add more oats (can pulse half of them in a blender) to hold them together.
i make recipe folders for my boyfriends family so i look at your site and bookmark recipes.
do the energy balls give people lot of energy lol
They always give me a boost! Looking forward to hearing how the family enjoys them!
I changed a few things just because of what I had at home. I substituted 2-packs of Kodiak instant maple & brow sugar, and 1/4 c. Mini m&m’s. I also added a scoop of ghost peanut butter protein powder. These are amazing!