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Energy Balls Recipe

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!

Energy balls stacked in a white bowl.
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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

Energy ball ingredients on the counter.

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!

Showing how to make energy balls in a glass bowl.
  1. Mix. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients together, roll into balls, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Freeze. Place baking sheet in the freezer until energy balls are hard so that they hold their shape.
  3. 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.
Energy balls stacked in bowl.

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.
Energy balls in a clear container.

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Energy balls stacked in a white bowl.

Energy Balls Recipe

5 from 78 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
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!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 30

Video

Ingredients 

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

Note: If you add extra ingredients and the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter and honey.
If it feels too sticky, add a Tablespoon or two more of oats or protein powder.
Variation: Recently I’ve been doing 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup kodiak cakes.
Recipe change: I have changed the recipe slightly over the years. Here is the original ingredients. Follow the same instructions: 
  • 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

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Snack
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Taking an energy ball from bowl.

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