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

  • Jennifer

    Made these for the first time a couple months ago. Now it’s almost a weekly thing and a HUGE HIT with my hubby and kids!!
    Thank you! My family wants these instead of the store brought cookies!

  • Beth Licht

    I saw that you could substitute almond butter. what about sunflower butter and leaving out coconut?

  • Wendy

    I just made these bites and they are awesome! I have a 7year old son who we try to keep on an all natural/organic diet because artificial flavor/colors and preservatives literally make him sick, and makes his anxiety levels sky-rocket. it is VERY difficult to find snacks that are healthy and filling. The vast majority of granola bars and such at the store are full of artificial everything! I made this with all organic ingredients. I had wheat germ on hand instead of flax, and I could only find organic unsweetened coconut flakes, but they were delicious! Even my VERY VERY picky 9 and 7 year old sons love them! I have made many things from your site also, and they have all been great! Thank you!!

  • Emily

    do you have any suggestions as to how I could incorporate pumpkin into this recipe? I made them this weekend for my family and they were a huge hit! I’m getting excited for fall and would love to make them with pumpkin!!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I haven’t ever tried we always eat them within a day or two but I imagine it would be okay to freeze them for about a month.

  • Doreen

    I made these several times and my family loves them! Just wondering if I could substitute almond butter for the peanut butter.