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Energy Bites

4.93 from 28 votes
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posted: 01/17/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

These Energy Bites are easy and such a perfect snack! Made with only five ingredients and no baking required, these help keep everyone feeling full between meal.

Love these peanut butter energy balls, but want a spin? Make my Chocolate Energy Bites. Both are easy to make and even easier to eat.

bowl of five ingredient no bake energy bites

My kids are big big fans of fruit. We go through a bag of apples, two bags of grapes, and two containers of strawberries in the blink of an eye. They also love to munch on crackers and fresh veggies. Really, as far as kids go, I have some pretty healthy eaters.

I also know that to keep them fuller longer, we have to squeeze some protein in there, and that is why I love these Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites. They are simple to make, and I can attest to how the crush hunger. The other day I went for a run, so I was extra hungry, but it was still two hours until dinner. I had one of these no bake energy balls, and I was totally satisfied until dinner time.

Reader Review

My boys 4, 4, and 7 love them! I make them on Sunday and it starts their Monday off on a good note. It makes me feel like a rock star mom. Thank you for an easy recipe that my kids love!

How to Make Energy Bites

These come together in a snap! This is a brief overview of the recipe. For the full recipe with all of the measurements, be sure to find the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Combine all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix everything together well with a large spoon, spatula, or clean hands.
  2. Form the mixture into one inch balls. You can see my recommendation for scooper below.
  3. Store them in an air tight container. These can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks.
honey being poured into ingredients for oatmeal energy bites
TOP PICK

One Tablespoon Scoop

This scoop is easy to use and so perfect for making fast energy bites.
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Ingredients in No Bake Energy Bites

As I mentioned, these are only five ingredients, so these oatmeal energy bites are perfect for busy parents.

  • Quick Cooking Oats: The difference between quick cooking oats and regular oats is the size. Quick cooking are smaller and so they work a little better for this recipe. You can take traditional oats and run them through your food processor for this recipe.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: If you have a nut allergy in your house, I’ve had readers have good results using Wow Butter as a replacement for peanut butter.
  • Honey: Agave is another great option to use in this recipe. Just use the same amount as is called for the honey.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: These are fantastic in this recipe, but I also have some healthier options listed below.
  • Vanilla Extract
ingredients for no bake energy bites broken down by type in a bowl

Variations on this Energy Ball Recipe

  • Swap the chocolate chips out for something a little healthier. Some great options would dried cranberries or sunflower seeds.
  • Add in some chia seeds. Chia seeds add a lot of nutritional value. You can pull out 1/4 cup of the oats and put in 1/4 cup of chia seeds.
  • Swap the peanut butter for something else. Some great options would be almond butter or sunflower butter. As mentioned below if you have someone with a nut allergy in your house, Wow Butter works great here.
over head view of energy bites recipe in a bowl

Storing and Freezing

Store these at room temperature in an air tight container for up to two weeks.

These also freeze really well. I recommend freezing them in a single layer for a few hours and then transferring them to an air tight container. They can be stored in the freezer for three months, and they will thaw very quickly once pulled out of the freezer.

fingers setting down peanut butter energy balls into a bowl

FAQ

Can I use something besides peanut butter?

Yes! I’ve had readers have good results using Wow Butter in this recipe.

Can I use Old Fashioned Oats?

Yes! But I would recommend that you run them through your food processor for a few pulses to break them down a little. The energy bites will come together better if you do that.

What can I use instead of honey?

Agave is a great swap for honey here.

Are energy bites gluten free?

Yes. While these are naturally gluten free, please double check the oats you use, as some are cross contaminated with gluten containing ingredients.

In a white bowl, the Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites are shaped into little balls and piled on top of each other.

Other Healthy Snack Ideas

If you make this amazing No Bake Energy Bite recipe or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

4.93 from 28 votes

Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites

Serves: 20 energy bites
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
These Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites are easy to throw together and make such a perfect snack!  If you are looking for a snack that will keep the kiddos and you feeling full between meals, these peanut butter energy balls are such a great option. Easy to make and even easier to eat.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
  • Form into one inch balls. Store in an airtight container.
Serving: 1bite Calories: 137kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 17g (6%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 2g Sodium: 42mg (2%) Potassium: 60mg (2%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 8g (9%) Calcium: 10mg (1%) Iron: 1.1mg (6%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American

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Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

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  1. Bethany says

    This recipe has quickly become a family favorite. I just made a double batch today.

    I chose to add dried cranberries as well for a little extra something.

    • Lisa Longley says

      Oooo, I love the idea of the cranberries! Thanks Bethany!

  2. Sarah W says

    Thoughts on using almond butter in lieu of peanut butter??

    • Lisa Longley says

      I would have to try it before I could say for sure, but I think it would be fine!

  3. ashonti says

    can you use maple syrup?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I haven’t tried maple syrup, but I think it will work fine!

  4. Sharon Wood says

    5 stars
    I made these Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites yesterday, they went like ‘hotcakes.’ I made a double batch thinking that they’ll last a few days, I was so wrong. I didn’t have quite all the ingredients so I subbed quick for rolled, mini chocolate chips for a few chocolate covered pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and regular chips.
    The good thing about this recipe is diabetics can have 3 a day to meet dietary standards.
    Thanks, Lisa

    • Lisa Longley says

      So happy to hear this!

  5. Hannah says

    I eyeballed my measurements and they weren’t staying together so I added in almond flour until I could form balls. Just a tip if you hate measuring lol!

  6. Sarah W says

    5 stars
    Oh my word!! Where have these been all my life? I made these today for the first time and I’m obsessed! Such a quick, relatively healthy snack! Thank you!

  7. Mary says

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. I add flax seeds to mine, and sometimes coconut. I keep mine in the freezer at home and at work. I love eating them cold.

  8. Meika says

    Could you use granola and cut oats to half?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I wouldn’t recommend that for this recipe. Granola is a lot drier than oats, and I’m worried they wouldn’t hold together.

  9. Lucy Sanspariel says

    like doing a easy and fast little thing with the kids age 10 an 4 for our snacks. ty

  10. Melody Mackey says

    Can you freeze these? If so how long are they good for?

    • Lisa Longley says

      These would freeze great! I would recommend flash freezing them in a single layer for an hour and then transferring them to an air tight container for up to 5 months.

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