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Healthy Energy Balls

Healthy Energy Bites are so good to have on hand! My kids especially love to grab these when they’re on their way out the door. You can make these energy balls and take them almost anywhere with you. clear container of energy ballsThese are great for bringing to sporting events, picnics, field trips and school. You can also easily freeze these energy balls as well as our Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls, which is a huge win in my book! I can take an hour, make a bunch, and freeze what we’re not going to use. Later in the week, we can pull a few out and enjoy them as we want. 

Energy bites are a fantastic way to “hide” healthier food that your kids normally wouldn’t be willing to eat. I treat the energy balls I make as a treat and therefore, my kids see them as a special food. They love them and ask for them often.

Since we have a large family, this recipe makes 45-50 energy bites. If you have a small family, you can either freeze the leftovers or half the recipe.a dozen energy ball bites

Why You’ll Love Healthy Energy Balls 

  • One of the best things about no-bake energy balls is that they are so nutritious. They are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from ingredients like nuts, seeds, and oats. This makes them a powerful snack that can give you a quick energy boost when you need it.
  • No-bake energy balls aren’t just for snacking. They can also be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a post-workout fuel source, or even a dessert. With so many uses, they’re a versatile addition to any diet.
  • I have to say that these no bake energy balls are quite satisfying. When you eat one, you easily want another, but they are filling! 

Healthy Energy Balls Ingredients

  • Old fashioned oats – The oats are needed to give the energy balls that wholesome taste! 
  • Unsweetened coconut – I find that the unsweetened coconut adds so much flavor to the energy balls.
  • Peanut butter – You can use any type of nut butter you want. Peanut butter works best for us, but you can switch it up. 
  • Ground flax seed – You’ll love how much fiber and protein are in the energy balls. A little bit of flax seed has a lot of nutrition. 
  • Chocolate chips – A little sweetness goes a long way in these chocolate chips. You don’t have to add them, but the chocolate chips add the perfect amount of sweet flavor. 
  • Honey – When you add honey, you are adding a little natural sweetness, which is always a win in my book. 
  • Hemp hearts – These small, crunchy seeds have a slightly nutty flavor and are packed with nutrients and they have a ton of protein. 
  • Vanilla – Whenever I’m baking anything sweet, a little vanilla goes into it. 

How to Assemble the Energy Balls 

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium to a large bowl. Put the bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes to make them easier to shape.

Using a cookie dough scoop is the easiest way to shape the energy balls. It also ensures that they are approximately the same size which is important if you are feeding these to kids who notice if their brother or sister’s energy ball is bigger than theirs! (Am I the only one whose kids fight over things like that?!)energy ball dough in a bowl with a wooden spoon and the dough shaped into ballsIf it seems like they are too goopy, add more of the dry ingredients and if they don’t seem to hold together well enough, add more peanut butter and/or honey. This recipe is very forgiving and hard to mess up.

How to Freeze Energy Balls 

Freeze flat in a single layer on a cookie sheet and then transfer to a large resealable freezer bag, remove the excess air, seal, and freeze. 

Or these can be frozen in a freezer safe container.

Can I use no bake energy bars for meal replacement?

While no bake energy bars are nutritious, they shouldn’t be used as a complete meal replacement. They’re intended to be a snack or supplement to a balanced diet.

Are no bake energy bars suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes, no bake energy bars can be suitable for both vegans and vegetarians as long as plant-based ingredients are used. However, always check the recipe to ensure it aligns with your dietary restrictions.clear container with energy balls in it

Can I eat no bake energy bars if I’m gluten intolerant?

Many no bake energy bars are made with gluten-free ingredients like nuts, seeds, and certain types of oats. However, you should always check the specific ingredients in the recipe to ensure they’re safe for your dietary needs.

Can I customize the ingredients in my no-bake energy bars?

Absolutely. One of the great things about no bake energy bars is that they’re highly customizable. You can add or substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs and preferences. 

I often add in what I have on hand. Some examples include dried cranberries, dates, white chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, and nuts. 

How long do no bake energy bars last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, no bake energy bars can last for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Check out these other easy make ahead recipes for kids in our Hungry Kid Solutions video below: 

YouTube video

No-Bake Energy Bites
Prep Time
20 mins
 
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Servings: 45 energy balls
Ingredients
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
or mini chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hemp hearts
  • 3 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
  1. Mix all the ingredients together in a medium to a large bowl. Put the bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes to make them easier to shape.
  2. Use a cookie dough scoop to shape the dough into balls.

  3. Freeze flat in a single layer on a cookie sheet and then transfer to a large resealable freezer bag. Remove the excess air, seal, and freeze. Can be frozen in a freezer safe container instead if preferred.