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

  • Lori

    I am always cautious of recipes on the internet when people say that they are fabulous (how I ended up with several packages of Peanut Flour and horrible tasting “coffee mug cake”). HOWEVER! I made these 2 days ago. They ARE FANTASTIC! Even my “selective” 7 year old likes them. I did crunchy peanut butter (it’s what i had on hand) and omitted the coconut – just don’t like it). I did not add more oats and it turned out just fine w/ consistency! I picked up ground flax meal at Winco in the bulk section for really cheap too! My daughter asked me why I bought sawdust. I obviously did not tell her it went into the “bites”. She shoved the whole thing in her mouth. I said, “That’s TOO MUCH!” She said, “Mom, it’s called a BITE!” Anyhow – I doubled batch and made about 40 bites. I will be making LOTS of these for our house and my “munching” family. THANKS!

  • Sabrina

    Absolutely delicious! Thank you for this recipe :) I didn’t have flaxseed, so I used chia seeds instead, and they turned out just fine. Looking forward to taking some to work with me tomorrow!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I like your sub of chai seeds, I’ll have to try that sometime! Thanks for your comment Sabrina!

  • katina may

    I made these twice already & shared the recipe with my sister in Florida. They are a big hit! Thanks, Katina

  • Shari

    I just made these for my 7 year old. We loved them. So much better than a granola bar from the store. Thanks for the great recipe!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I’m happy to hear they were enjoyed! Thanks for leaving a comment Shari!

  • Kevin | keviniscooking

    No-bake, chocolate and easy – sounds like a perfect way to have that on-the-go healthy snack or office quick fix. Thanks and the Chocolate ones, I could eat my screen the image looks so good!

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  • Scott

    They look like oatmeal raisin cookie balls. I want to make these and think I’ll try the Rice Krispie thing and substitute raisins instead of chocolate chips. Do you wrap them up and take them in your pack or are these just for snacking at home ?

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I take them around with me all the time, definitely good for on the go! I hope you love them Scott!

  • Laura

    Hi Jaclyn, once again, your recipes do not dissappoint. My son and husband loved these. I didn’t have flax so I used krispie rice cereal instead. They had a little extra crunch and were fabulous.

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      Love the rice krispies idea! Probably makes them more like a granola bar, yum! Thanks for your comment Laura!