Name: No-Bake Energy Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew); 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional); 1/4 cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Chewy, nutty, and naturally sweet, these no-bake energy bites are one of my favorite snacks to keep on hand. Made with oats, nut butter, and honey, they are quick to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and perfect for busy days when I need a healthy grab-and-go treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together oats, nut butter, honey, chocolate chips, flaxseed, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.

Chill mixture in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 bites. Prep time is just 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of chill time, for a total of 30 minutes. Each bite contains around 120 calories, making it a satisfying yet light snack.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I have in my pantry. Sometimes I use almond butter for a milder flavor or cashew butter for creaminess. If I want extra crunch, I add chopped nuts. Dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins makes the bites sweeter, while shredded coconut gives them a tropical touch. For extra protein, I occasionally stir in a scoop of protein powder.

Storage/Reheating

I usually keep these bites in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to 1 week. If I make a larger batch, I freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag—they keep well for up to 3 months. I don’t reheat them, but if they’re frozen, I let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, I can use quick oats if that’s what I have on hand, though the texture will be softer compared to rolled oats.

Can I make these bites vegan?

Absolutely. I just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave, and the recipe stays fully plant-based.

How do I keep the bites from sticking to my hands when rolling?

I like to slightly dampen my hands or lightly coat them with oil before rolling to prevent sticking.

Can I make them nut-free?

Yes, I replace the nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to make them safe for nut-free diets.

Are these good for kids?

Definitely. I find kids love the sweetness and chocolate chips, and since they’re made with wholesome ingredients, they’re a snack I feel good about serving.

Conclusion

These no-bake energy bites are a staple in my kitchen because they’re quick, customizable, and healthy. I love how they give me a boost of energy without weighing me down, and they’re perfect for school lunches, post-workout fuel, or late-afternoon cravings. Once I make a batch, I know they’ll disappear fast.

Recipe: