Description
These homemade energy balls are a nutritious, no-bake snack packed with healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness. Made with oats, dates, nut butter, and chia seeds, they provide a boost of energy without refined sugar. Perfect for meal prep, pre-workout fuel, or a healthy dessert, these bites are customizable with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for a chocolatey version)
Instructions
- Soften the Dates: If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine oats, dates, peanut butter, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Add Mix-Ins: If using chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut, stir them in with a spoon or pulse lightly in the processor.
- Roll into Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball and roll it between your hands to form a round shape.
- Chill for Best Texture: Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
- Store & Enjoy: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Keto Version: Replace dates with a sugar-free sweetener and swap oats for almond flour.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder and adjust moisture with extra nut butter if needed.
- Storage Tip: Freeze for up to 3 months and let thaw for a few minutes before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy energy balls, no-bake snack, protein bites, homemade energy balls, vegan energy balls