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

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I wouldn’t recommend it because the texture would be off and they likely wouldn’t even hold together.

    • Supriya

      Hi! I just used a mix of rolled & steel cut b/c I had some s.c. left over and they definitely hold together. However the balls were a little too chewy (sorry – my adolescent self couldn’t resist!). On another site I saw a suggestion to pulse the oats slightly for a better texture so I’ll try that next.

  • Heather

    I want to make these but I can’t stand the taste of honey or agave. Do you think i could substitute a pure maple syrup?

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I think that should be fine. They might be a little harder to stick together though since the maple syrup is runnier.

  • Aaryn Souliere

    Theses are great! Thank you so much for the share. Thinking of making them without chocolate next time as it will cut back on sugar and calories. So good! Dangerously good ;)

  • Stacy

    I made these last weekend and while it is absolutely delicious, I could not get them to even remotely stick together. Anyone else have this issue? Any suggestions on how/why this happened? I checked the recipe and many others on Pinterest, they are all the same and I followed it exactly, so I am stumped as to why they didn’t stick together?

    • Alison

      I ended up adding a spoonful more of peanut butter when mine didn’t stick together.

  • Michele

    I’ve made these often. We’re not fans of coconut so I omit that. My recipe also calls for 1/2-3/4 cup of protein powder for added protein and energy! Our protein powder is bought from a nutritionist (my husband had weight loss surgery a couple years ago and protein shakes were/are part of his diet). I’ve used several flavors (vanilla, chocolate, banana). Our favorite combination is half vanilla and half chocolate protein powder and I typically use about 1/2 cup. They’re great pick-me-ups after school for my kids in sports–enough energy to get them through practice!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      Yes, one ball is one serving but I always eat two. Too hard to resist and I don’t feel guilty about it anyway since they are packed with good for you ingredients.