Need a boost of energy? Grab one of these no-bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls! They’re an easy 5-ingredient snack you can take on the go or freeze for later.
If you’re looking for more easy and energizing snacks, you’ll also love my Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Vegan Granola, and Vegan No Bake Cookies.
These no-bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls taste like a mix between an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and a peanut butter cookie! They’re just as chewy, sweet, and addictive, but a little better for you thanks to the 5 wholesome ingredients. Plus, as a no-bake recipe, they’re ready to eat in a matter of minutes.
You’ll always find a batch of peanut butter and oat balls in my fridge or freezer because they’re a convenient way to power me through a sleepy afternoon. One or two energy bites later, and I’m feeling like myself again!
I can’t get enough of the mix of peanut butter, old-fashioned oats, and vegan chocolate chips in each one, but you can easily put your own spin on the recipe with your favorite add-ins. Shredded coconut, protein powder, or warm spices are all welcome! Whatever you do, I know you’ll love this fun, easy, and energizing snack.
Why this is the best peanut butter energy balls recipe
- An easy no-bake treat – Just stir the 5 feel-good ingredients together in one bowl, roll into bite-sized balls, and enjoy!
- Perfect for an energy boost! Grab one or two chocolate chip energy balls whenever you need a quick pick-me-up (that isn’t a cup of coffee).
- Make them your own – I’ve included a bunch of add-in ideas and flavor boosters to help you customize your energy bites.
Ingredients needed
- Creamy peanut butter: Or use crunchy if you’d like some texture. You can use natural peanut butter (the kind that needs to be stirred) but I prefer the no stir variety.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: I haven’t tried using quick oats as a substitute, but they should work. Use gluten free certified if needed.
- Ground flaxseeds – Or chia or hemp seeds.
- Maple syrup or agave
- Mini vegan chocolate chips: Check out the other mix-in ideas below!
How to make peanut butter energy balls
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
Stir all of the ingredients together in a medium-sized mixing bowl until combined.
Place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes so the oat mixture can chill and firm up slightly.
Afterward, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to roll the oat mixture into 1-inch balls. Enjoy the balls right away or chill them for later.
Are the oats sticking to your hands? Wet your hands with a little water to keep the oat mixture from sticking as much.
Variations
Put your own spin on this energy bites recipe with these variation ideas:
- Peanut butter energy bars – Instead of rolling it into bite-sized balls, press the oat mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish and chill until they’re solid. Cut into bars and enjoy!
- Chocolate energy balls – Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with the oats and peanut butter.
- Add protein powder – Add 1 scoop of peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored vegan protein powder. You may need to add a little more peanut butter or maple syrup if the mixture is dry.
- Add warm flavor boosters – Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a little sweetness or 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for warmth.
- More add-in ideas – Feel free to swap the chocolate chips with chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.), dried fruit (dates, cranberries, raisins, etc.), rainbow sprinkles, or shredded coconut.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, these oat balls are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Nope! You can use an equal amount of almond butter instead if you’d like. Or, for a nut-free alternative, use sunflower seed butter.
An equal amount of chia seeds or hemp seeds will work just as well.
The rolled energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Yes, the oat balls freeze very well! Flash-freeze them on a baking sheet until they’re solid, transfer them to an airtight container or large ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseeds
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. This makes rolling the balls easier.
- Once chilled, roll into 1 inch balls. If it's too sticky, get your hands slightly damp every so often.
- Store in the refrigerator for 1 week, or freeze them for longer.
Notes
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May use a combination of flax and chia seeds, or even hemp seeds if you want.
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Use almond butter instead of peanut for a different variation, or sunflower seed butter for nut allergy.
Hi! I’m interested in making these and I have some chia seeds I need to use up. Would I need to grind them up like the flaxseeds? Thanks!
You don’t have to, if you don’t mind whole chia seeds. I prefer them ground myself, but it works either way.
Hi Nora! I cannot ear oats. May I substitute like a seed or nut flour for the oats.?
I adore your recipes and you.
Thanks! Take care…
I bet something like almond flour would work, but I haven’t tested it. Thanks for loving my recipes! 🙂
just made these and, as promised, they were delicious – in all fairness, though, it’s hard to go wrong with the peanut butter/chocolate combo!!
because i did not have chocolate chips, i ended up crushing some 85% dark chocolate to put into it, and it ended up working great. next time, i may add a bit of cinnamon for an autumnal twist.
the only thing i’ll have to improve is my stirring technique, combining everything was a little tricky for me (but very worth it).
I’m glad you enjoyed them, and I agree, it’s hard to go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate! You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer if needed, but I just keep mixing by hand with a spoon. 🙂