Energy Bites

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The ultimate BEST EVER no-bake ENERGY BITES! Quick, easy, and healthy! via chelseasmessyapron.com

Easy, protein-packed, granola balls — these Energy Bites make the perfect snack or breakfast on-the-go (no baking required!).

We have a few different flavor variations — try these Chocolate Energy Bites, Oatmeal Energy Balls, or these Protein Breakfast Cookies next.

 

Image of the energy bites stacked together in a bowl

Energy Bites

Energy Bites are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, quick snack, pre- or post-workout fuel, road trip treat, hiking fuel, or late-night snack. Or….all of the above!  You might find these pretty addicting and crave them all the time.

This is definitely not a bad thing since these are made with great nutritious ingredients! And because of the natural sweeteners, healthy fats, and overall protein content, Energy Bites can keep you satiated and quell some sugar cravings. 

Ingredients

  • Oat Flour: Simply blend some oats up until they’re fine like flour. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter:Feel free to use your favorite creamy peanut butter. If you go for natural peanut butter and it seems too runny, just mix in a little extra oat flour to ensure the energy balls hold together nicely.
  • Honey: The best natural sweetener. If you feel like your mix is too dry add in a little more honey.
  • Vanilla Extract: Makes everything taste better.
  • Salt: Adjust the amount based on whether your peanut butter is salted.
  • Old-Fashioned Oats: Use for a great chewy texture. You can use extra old-fashioned oats to make the oat flour!
  • Coconut Flakes & Chocolate Chips: Totally optional but you can toast the coconut for added flavor. Feel free to swap or skip them. Try using mini M&Ms instead of chocolate chips for a fun twist like in these Energy Bars.

How to make these treats

One of the great things about this recipe is its simplicity. No baking or stove-top required!

  1. Combine peanut butter, honey, salt, and vanilla (see” quick tip” below).
  2. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add oat flour (blended regular oats), coconut, chocolate chips, and old-fashioned oats.
  4. Mix until combined, and then roll into balls and enjoy these tasty Energy Bites!

QUICK TIP

Different brands of peanut butter can vary quite a bit. This especially happens when you’re using natural peanut butter that requires stirring versus conventional peanut butter with a few additives the difference. I personally use Skippy® creamy peanut butter in these Energy Bites (not sponsored). Skippy is salted, a little sweetened, and it uses roasted peanuts (which adds loads of flavor without any additional effort on your part). So, depending on the peanut butter you use, you may want to adjust how much salt is added. If you’re using salty peanut butter or are sensitive to salt, cut back this addition.

Process shots: Combine peanut butter, honey, salt and vanilla; mix until smooth. add oat flour, coconut, oat flour and chocolate chips; mix well again.

 Variation Ideas

Energy Bites are very adaptable. As long as you can get a consistency that holds together as a granola ball, you’ll be golden.

  • Swap out peanut butter for different nut butter if you have allergies. Other nut butters can be drier than peanut butter — you’ll know you need more if the mixture is crumbly and not coming together nicely. Add additional nut butter slowly; use 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
  • Switch sweeteners. Instead of honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar instead. To make these Energy Bites vegan, you’ll want to use agave or maple syrup.
  • Change up the chocolate. Use coarsely chopped dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet miniature chocolate chips for more nutritious energy bites.
  • Alternatively, replace the chocolate chips with a different mix-in (think finely nuts, chopped craisins, toffee chips, or extra coconut).
  • Replace the oat flour with flaxseed or wheat germ.

QUICK TIP

For gluten-free no-bake Energy Bites: While the ingredients in these bars are naturally gluten-free, make sure to check all the ingredient labels to verify they weren’t processed in a facility with gluten.

A plate full of Energy Bites.

Energy Bite Tips

  • Since there can be great variations in specific ingredients (especially peanut butter), you may need to add a bit more oats or a bit more peanut butter/honey to the mixture.
    • If the mixture is too wet and sticky (and not rolling nicely into a ball), add a few more oats and re-mix everything. If the mixture is too dry (and crumbling), add more peanut butter and/or honey and re-mix everything until you can easily roll the balls.
  • Allow time for the oats to absorb the liquid. If these Energy Bites seem too moist, let them sit for a few minutes; they will continue to firm up as the oats and oat flour absorb the honey and peanut butter.

The ultimate BEST-EVER no-bake Energy Bites! Quick, easy, and healthy!

Energy Bites FAQs

1Are Energy Bites good for you?

Energy Bites are typically loaded with nutritious ingredients that contain healthy fats, protein, and fiber. These ingredients make them a nutritious snack that’s great for taking on-the-go and enjoying in moderation.

While they’re loaded with good ingredients, they are also typically high in fats (healthy fats) and calories, so if you’re watching calorie or fat intake, you’ll want to limit the number of Energy Bites you consume daily.

2Do Energy Bites need to be refrigerated?

They do not, but we think they taste best straight out of the fridge. They will also last longer when refrigerated.

To store in the fridge: Add to an airtight container or bag and keep in the fridge for up to one week.

3Can Energy Bites be frozen?

Yes! This will help them last longer.

To freeze: Space The Energy Bites on a lined plate or tray in the freezer. Once firm (about 1-2 hours), transfer to an airtight bag or freezer container. They’ll last up to 6 months in the freezer.

To thaw: Simply pull one out and let it stand for about 15-30 minutes. You could also pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. (When these oatmeal Energy Bites are completely frozen through they are very hard to eat, but don’t feel like you need to completely thaw them before eating — we enjoy them still a bit frozen; they’re delicious that way!)

4When should you eat Energy Bites?

Any time’s a great time for Energy Bites! Have one…

  • Whenever you need a nutritious pick-me-up!
  • Before a workout for maximum sustained energy.
  • Post-work-out to help with muscle recovery. Energy Bites contain substantial protein and nutrients that can help repair and replenish your body after a work-out.

5Can you eat raw oats in Energy Bites?

Yes! Dry oatmeal is perfectly safe to eat raw. The oats have a great chewy texture, and they soften and take on all the amazing flavors of the other ingredients in the Energy Bites.

6What is an Energy Bite?

An Energy Bite is a fun name for a snack that’s loaded with ingredients aimed to sustain your body with plenty of energy.

Energy Bites typically combine healthy fats, fiber, carbohydrates, and protein to deliver the macronutrients the body needs for energy.

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Energy Bites*

5 from 4 votes
Easy, protein-packed, granola balls -- these Energy Bites make the perfect snack or breakfast on-the-go!
Print Recipe

Energy Bites*

5 from 4 votes
Easy, protein-packed, granola balls -- these Energy Bites make the perfect snack or breakfast on-the-go!
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegetarian
Keyword energy bites
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 23 -24 large energy bites
Chelsea Lords
Calories 55kcal
Cost $4.82

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (56g) oat flour (blend up regular oats until they reach a flour consistency)
  • 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (we use Skippy)
  • 1/3 cup (106g) honey
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt Note 1
  • 1 cup (101g) old-fashioned oats, (do not use quick or steel-cut oats)
  • 2/3 cup (41g) toasted coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup (90g) miniature chocolate chips

Instructions

  • BLEND UP OATS: In a regular food processor or blender, add in some old-fashioned oats and pulse until the mixture resembles flour. Measure to get 1/2 cup and you'll have oat flour! 
  • WET INGREDIENTS: In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth.
  • DRY INGREDIENTS: Right on top of the wet ingredients, add in the oat flour, old-fashioned oats, toasted coconut flakes, and miniature chocolate chips. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a touch more peanut butter and/or honey. If it is too moist, add more oats and re-stir.
  • ROLL: Once ingredients are chilled, roll and compress the mixture into even-sized balls. Once rolled, refrigerate to fully firm up (~15 minutes) and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or freeze (see next step).
  • FREEZE: To freeze, space the energy balls on a lined plate or tray in the freezer. Once firm (about 1-2 hours), transfer to an airtight bag or freezer container. They'll last up to 6 months in the freezer. To thaw: Simply pull one out and let it stand for about 15-30 minutes. You could also pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. When these bites are completely frozen through they are very hard to eat, but don't feel like you need to completely thaw them before eating -- we enjoy them still a bit frozen, they're delicious that way!

Video

Recipe Notes

*To ensure these Energy Bites are gluten-free, confirm your oats are certified gluten-free and all other ingredients were produced in a gluten-free facility.
Note 1: Depending on the peanut butter used, you may want to adjust the amount of salt used. If you're using peanut butter with no salt added, you may want to add a touch more salt to the mixture. On the flip side, if you're using salted peanut butter or are sensitive to salt, don't add additional salt.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.5g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 23.5mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 4.4g

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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The ultimate BEST EVER energy bites! via chelseasmessyapron.com
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17 Comments

  1. Can I freeze these? I’m going on a camping trip in 3 weeks and I want to start meal prepping now

  2. 5 stars
    Do you have an idea what the nutritional value would be for these?
    For someone on a Keto diet.
    Also I just made these and they are delicious!

  3. 5 stars
    I just made these and they are delicious! Just wondering if there is estimated nutritional value/calories.

    1. I am soo happy you loved these! I just added nutrition facts for these at the bottom of the post! Thanks! 🙂

  4. Do you have any substitution suggestions for coconut flakes? No one in my family really enjoys those. Would chopped or slivered almonds work?

  5. Just curious, how many balls equal one serving? Looking for an afternoon pick-mw-up for my Type 2 husband.

  6. Do you have Pinterest buttons to save posted recipes? I used to see the button to save and recently can not save- thank you

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