No Bake Energy Bites

Published April 28, 2014. Updated April 11, 2019

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These No Bake Energy Balls have quickly become a reader favorite and a family favorite! They are so easy to make, they’re mostly healthy, and they are oh so delicious.

No Bake Energy Bites stacked in a white bowl

Healthy No Bake Energy Balls

Here’s a snack that passes as healthy but tastes good enough that it could replace your dessert! So who wouldn’t love these no bake protein balls?

Not to mention these no bake energy bites are quick and easy — and they require no cooking or baking of course (as long as you buy pre-toasted coconut, that is).

I could easily finish off the whole batch of energy bites myself. They are so addictive and they really do taste like a treat.

They remind me of something like a granola bar, or even peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough (can’t beat that!). They make for a filling snack or they are great for an on-the-go breakfast for those rushed mornings.

I love that they contain protein and fiber so they curb those afternoon munchies (you know around 4:00 when it’s like, is it dinner time yet?).

I also love that they are a great snack for my kids that’s made with healthy ingredients that they really do love, I’m not begging them to eat them — rather, they beg me to make these all the time!

Try them soon, once you do you’ll want to live on these no bake energy balls!

A close up of No Bake Energy Bites

No Bake Energy Ball Ingredients

  • Peanut butter
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract
  • Old fashioned oats
  • Toasted shredded coconut
  • Ground golden flaxseed meal
  • Chocolate chips

How to Make Energy Balls

  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract.
  • Add the oats, coconut, flaxseed meal and chocolate chips and stir.
  • Chill the mixture for 30 minutes, or until it’s firmer.
  • Roll into bite-sized balls, then store in the fridge.

A close up of No Bake Energy Bites in a white bowl with a couple scattered beside it

Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned?

I think instant or steel cut oats would change the texture of these energy bites too much. Stick with old-fashioned oats for the best texture!

Is There a Flaxseed Meal Substitute I Can Use?

If you don’t have flaxseed meal on hand, I’d try using more oats instead. I’ve also had readers report success with sesame seeds or whole flaxseeds, though.

Can I Use Maple Syrup Instead of Honey?

Maple syrup would likely make the energy ball mixture a little looser. You could probably use maple syrup here, but you may need to add additional flaxseed meal to thicken the mixture enough to roll.

Tips for the Best Energy Balls

  • Don’t try to form the mixture into balls until you’ve let them chill. You need the honey and peanut butter to solidify slightly before you can easily roll them!
  • Unsweetened coconut can be used instead of sweetened, if desired. Just make sure to buy shredded coconut and not coconut flakes.
  • Keep these energy balls in the refrigerator, as they lose their shape if left on the counter.

An overhead shot of No Bake Energy Bites in a white bowl

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4.87 from 15 votes

No Bake Energy Balls

These No Bake Energy Balls have quickly become a family favorite! They are so easy to make, they're made with nutritious ingredients (and chocolate for good measure), and they are oh so delicious!!
Servings: 20 servings
Prep10 minutes
Ready in: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract. 
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
  • Transfer mixture to refrigerator or freezer and chill until mixture has firmed up a bit, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove from refrigerator and shape into 1-inch balls. 
  • Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Unsweetened coconut can be used instead of sweetened, if desired. Just make sure to buy shredded coconut and not coconut flakes.
  • Recipe Source: adapted from Smashed Peas and Carrots
Nutrition Facts
No Bake Energy Balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 130 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 42mg2%
Potassium 102mg3%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 10IU0%
Calcium 20mg2%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

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205 Comments

  • Kristine @ Kristine’s Kitchen

    I could just reach into my computer screen and grab one of these little bites! Your photos are lovely. I don’t care for coconut, so I might try adding a few more oats (maybe ground a bit in the food processor) or some finely chopped nuts instead. Or do you think the consistency would work if I just left the coconut out?

    • Nikelle

      I’m not a huge fan of coconut either and want to make these! I was wondering what you ended up doing and how did it turn out?

      • Megan

        I use crushed banana chips and raisins in mine instead of the coconut flakes – they work beautifully, the only pain is crushing the banana!

      • Cathy Rassega

        I made them without coconut…worked just fine…I’d like to know calorie / Carb count ??

        • Danette

          Anyone get back to you on this? These are amazing! Made them and so far have only grabbed one per visit to the fridge, but so good and tempting. In my fitness pal app it is saying 133 per ball and 13.6 carbs. Let me know if you hear differently.

          • DArlene Meador

            Danette, I want to make these but would like to know the protein amount. Could I add a scoop or two ??

    • Mary

      The nutrition information is right at the end of the recipe. Says 151 cals, fat 10g, protein 3g, carbs 13g

  • Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet

    Life is so busy right now. This is exactly what I need to get me through the afternoons! Pinned!

  • Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen

    Oatmeal cookie dough rules! And, so do these energy bites! :) They’re perfect way to fend off a major case of the hangries. Thanks for sharing, Jaclyn. Pinning (of course)!

  • Matt Robinson

    Quick, easy & healthy. Check, check & check. These are awesome and we would devour these quickly. Love the pics too. Thanks!

  • Jessica @ Portuguese Girl Cooks

    These look great! They have been on my to make list for some time.

  • Laura (Tutti Dolci)

    These bites look so good, just what I need to get me through Monday afternoon!

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks

    Some of my most popular (and personal fave) recipes are my no-bake bites like this from years ago. I love them because like you said, they curb those 4pm munchies and not having to turn on the oven and just being able to have a quick treat is always awesome. Beautiful pics of a very hard to photograph subject! (at least for me!)

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I still dream about those healthy cookie dough bites you have posted!! Those are beautiful.