Chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened—these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal energy balls are my go-to solution for a quick, satisfying snack. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether I’m fueling up before a workout or reaching for something healthy in the middle of the day, these energy bites never disappoint.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, for extra nutrition)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
I start by adding the oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
I stir everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms.
To make rolling easier, I chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes.
Once chilled, I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using my hands.
I store the finished energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 energy balls.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Around 120 kcal per ball
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I have in my kitchen. Sometimes I use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor. I’ve also swapped out the mini chocolate chips for chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for a fruity twist. Adding chia seeds or shredded coconut gives a fun texture and boosts nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
I keep these energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay fresh for up to a week. If I want them to last longer, I freeze them on a baking sheet first and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. That way, they don’t stick together. They’re perfect straight from the fridge, but if I freeze them, I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
How do I keep the energy balls from falling apart?
If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, I add a little more peanut butter or honey until it holds together better. Chilling the dough before rolling also really helps.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, I can substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative to make them school-safe or allergy-friendly.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely. They’re sweet enough to be kid-approved, and I love that they’re full of wholesome ingredients.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, I’ve made them with quick oats before. The texture is a bit softer, but they still taste great and hold together well.
Do I need to bake or cook anything?
Not at all—these are truly no-bake. That’s one of the reasons I love them so much. Just mix, chill, roll, and they’re ready to go.
Conclusion
These no-bake peanut butter oatmeal energy balls are a simple, healthy snack I keep coming back to. They’re endlessly adaptable, easy to prep, and always hit the spot when I need a quick bite. Whether I’m making them for myself or packing them in a lunchbox, I know I can rely on this recipe for a nutritious and delicious snack.
Recipe:
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 energy balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened, these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal energy balls are a quick and healthy snack packed with protein, healthy fats, and just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for meal prep, they’re easy to customize and require no baking.
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Substitute almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
Swap mini chocolate chips for chopped dried fruit for a fruity twist.
Add chia seeds or shredded coconut for extra texture and nutrition.
If the mixture is too dry, add more peanut butter or honey.
Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Quick oats can be used for a softer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
