6 Ingredient Energy Balls are easy to make with only a handful of wholesome ingredients: peanut butter, flax seeds, oats, chocolate chips, maple syrup and sea salt! They are gluten free, dairy free, and packed with fiber, protein and a host of nutrients!
Old fashioned (or quick) oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, flax seeds and mini chocolate chips for snack-sized energy oatmeal balls which are the perfect after school snack or healthier treat!
I like to use them before, after, and even during your work out, or when you are craving something sweet, but healthy. It's also an easy grab & go snack that the kids can get themselves.
6 Ingredients Energy Oatmeal Balls
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Ingredients
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy free)
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup ground flax seeds
Instructions
- Combine peanut butter, maple syrup and sea salt in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Add flax seeds and chocolate chips, and mix. Next add oats and press with hands. You can either stir by hand with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- The mixture is thick so it will take a few minutes to fully mix it all together. Roll into balls between your hands. I like use a small cookie scoop to get even sized energy balls, which holds about 1 tablespoon of the energy ball dough.
- If the energy ball dough is too sticky, try refrigerating for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
- Store in the air tight container for up to a week at room temperature. They do not need to be refrigerated.If you choose to refrigerate them, they taste great when they are cold.
Notes
How to make energy balls
Old Fashioned Oats - I love old fashioned oats for these energy balls because they have a flat and flakey. You can also use quick oats that have a finer, smaller texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter - Creamy peanut butter is best. While you can use crunchy peanut butter, it can be lot thicker and drier, and therefore will end up drying out the energy balls. I've also made them with almond butter, and cashew butter works as well.
Flax seeds - I use it to get omega-3 in my diet - an essential fat that is excellent for heart and brain function, often in short supply in most diets. They also add a certain crunch to these energy balls.
Maple syrup - I prefer maple syrup over honey in my energy balls recipe because it provides simple carbohydrates that easily convert to glucose and act as fuel during exercise or when kids need extra energy after school.
Chocolate Chips - I like using both mini chocolate chips and regular chips. Mini - because of the small size. But regular chocolate chips melt into the maple syrup and make these energy balls taste more chocolatey. I also used semi-sweet chips, or even peanut butter chips if that's what you have on hand.
And since you can easily bite into them, hence the name bites. Perfect opportunity to get your teeth into nutritious foods like nuts, seeds, oats, and more! I recommend that you try these healthy Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites as well.
Why you'll love energy balls
- Super easy to make and take only 15 minutes to put together. You can make them once a week in a matter of minutes.
- Loaded with fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and energetic throughout the day
- You only need one bowl to make the entire thing!
- Hold their shape well and easy to roll too.
- Easy to carry as snacks - they don't stick, portable and fit into any container!
Are they gluten free?
Yes, these peanut butter energy bites are gluten free and do not contain any wheat products.
Tips for sucess
Refrigerate - the refrigeration time before rolling into balls will help dough to not be sticky so you can easily roll into balls. It's only about 30 minutes or so for them to be ready to roll
Use a small cookie scoop to get even sized energy balls, which holds about 1 tablespoon of the energy ball dough.
If you are having difficulty getting the mixture to roll into a ball, try pressing the energy ball dough between your fingers (to loosen it up/warm it up) and then roll into a ball.
You will need to use a large bowl - the large one will work better to avoid the mess, a mixing spoon and a container to store them in once done.
Substitutions
What can I use instead of peanut butter? You can replace peanut butter with either almond butter, or cashew butter since those two will provide similar density to peanut butter. Whatever you choose to do, always go with a creamy version!
What can I use instead of maple syrup? Honey comes to mind first, as well as agave syrup.
Oats - If you prefer to use rolled or instant oats, they will work as well.
While flax seeds are loaded with fiber and omega 3 fats, and are very healthy for you, you can easily replace them with hemp seeds!
Storage
They store well in the fridge for several days. I put mine in a quart-sized Ziploc bag and store it inside the snack drawer of the fridge.
Misty says
Thanks for sharing this healthy recipe! I also love the fact that it is no-bake and can be done in short time - definitely the one for me!
Tiffany says
They’re perfect as a snack or breakfast on the go. Filling, require no baking, healthy, and delicious! Loved it! Thank you 💖
Tiffany
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Tina says
I love that these are not overly sweet! I hate too much sweetness!!!
Olga says
Yes! These are not overly sweet at all. Your teeth will thank you!
Paula says
I used half peanut butter, half cashew butter for a milder taste. I love these!
Olga says
I'll have to try with with cashew butter. Probably tasted amazing!