Energy Balls Recipe
Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy snack that’ll keep you energized throughout the day? Whether you need something to power up your morning or want a tasty treat in the afternoon, these Energy Balls are just what you need!
Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and a touch of chocolate chips, they’re the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.
Plus, they’re super easy to make—ideal for busy lifestyles.
These Energy Balls are the ultimate grab-and-go snack. They’re perfect for pre-workout fuel, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a sweet bite after dinner.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to making this delicious, energy-boosting snack!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional, but helps balance sweetness)
How to Make It
- Combine the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl to make sure you have plenty of room to stir everything together without spilling. Add the rolled oats, nut butter, honey (or maple syrup if you prefer), mini chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. If you’re using any optional ingredients like a pinch of salt or chia seeds, toss those in too. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients thoroughly. You want every oat to be coated in the nut butter and honey mixture so the balls hold their shape.
- Form the Balls:
Once the mixture is fully combined, it’s time to roll! Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and use your hands to roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, don’t worry! You can lightly wet your hands with water or even spray them with a bit of cooking oil to make rolling easier. If the mixture feels too soft and sticky, pop the bowl in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let it firm up before rolling. This step ensures perfectly round and neat energy balls.
- Chill and Set:
As you roll the balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, plate, or any flat surface that fits in your fridge. Once all the balls are formed, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the balls firm up, giving them a satisfying texture and making them easier to handle and store. If you’re in a hurry, 15 minutes in the freezer works too!
- Enjoy or Store:
After chilling, your energy balls are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect as a quick snack, breakfast on the go, or even a little dessert. If you’re not eating them all right away, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for freshness. These energy balls stay delicious for up to a week in the fridge, and you can even freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months). Simply take out a few whenever you need a boost!
Pro Tips
- Customize It: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- No Nut Butter? Use sunflower seed butter or a cream cheese alternative if you’re avoiding nuts.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey to your preferred sweetness level, or swap it with agave for a lower glycemic index option.
Storage
- Fridge: Store your energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just take out a few when you need them and let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Tools For This Recipe
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or plate for chilling
- Airtight container for storage
These Energy Balls are super versatile, nutritious, and quick to prepare. Perfect for busy days or an after-school snack, they’ll keep you fueled and satisfied. Enjoy! 😋
