Easy, Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Balls We All Love

It’s January, so we [along with the rest of America] have found ourselves trying to be more health-conscious in our daily eating habits. Outside of aiming to get to the gym more often, I’ve also been trying to reach for healthier snacks in between our healthy-er meals. Anyone else?! In case you’re in the same boat and working towards a more balanced lifestyle this year, I thought I’d share these Easy, Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Balls We All Love. 

We’ve been snacking on these yummy bites full of good ingredients for years! 

EASY, HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS WE ALL LOVE

It’s so easy to grab the bag of chips and the jar of salsa or throw a package of something overly processed at the kids at snack-time. 

I know because I’m there. Often.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not giving up the chips and salsa [or the occasional bowl of ice cream in bed], but I am trying to reduce my intake of those things. More fruits and vegetables and when the kids or I want something sweet, I love having these Peanut Butter Balls on-hand!

They curb my chocolate craving…

I get a little fix of salt…

They have a great crunch…

And they’re so, so easy to grab and nibble on. You really only need one!

The boys love them just as much as T and I so it’s a win-win when I make them. Great for a pop of protein and energy before a workout, as quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or mini dessert!

*This recipe was adapted from multiple sources, but my very first attempt at a no-bake energy ball a few years ago was via Gimme Some Oven.

INGREDIENTS FOR PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS

• 1.5 cups dry oatmeal [I use Quaker Old-fashioned Oats]
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips [sometimes I use mini chips or dark chocolate chips]
• 1/4 cup honey [I use Raw Organic honey from Costco]
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract [I use imitation vanilla]
• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or slivered almonds [I pulse in food processor or blender first!]

DIRECTIONS FOR EASY, HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS

1 || Add all ingredients to a large bowl and combine until thoroughly mixed.

2 || Refrigerate the bowl for 15-20 minutes to firm up the peanut butter and oatmeal mixture.

3 || Using your hands [or a cookie dough scoop], form a 1-1.25 inch ball by rolling a small amount in your hands and then cupping it to make a round ball.

4 || Place each peanut butter ball on a wax-paper covered sheet pan. I like to use a rimmed pan with higher sides so the peanut butter balls don’t roll off.

In fact, this is the exact pan I’ve been using lately. It fits 5 rows of 3 balls, but you can definitely squeeze in a 6th row if you need. 

Side note: This is my favorite and most used pan right now. It hasn’t darkened or started to rust and perfectly fits 2 mini frozen pizzas from Costco. The boys love them 😉

The mixture will still be gooey while making the bites, but working with a cold mixture helps.

You’ll just have to wash your hands well when you’re done!

5 || After you’ve filled your pan or run out of mixture [I typically get 15-18 balls per batch, so I often double it!], freeze the peanut butter energy balls for an hour or so before transferring them to a freezer bag or storage container safe to keep in the freezer.

Sometimes I place the entire cookie sheet in the freezer because we go through the bites in a few days!

Like I mentioned earlier, one ball curbs my hunger and satisfies my sweet tooth all in one. They love peanut butter with their apples and these protein balls are just another way to get some wholesome ingredients in a bite-sized snack!

Have you made these before? There are so many variations you could do! I think I’d like to add some coconut next time I make these. Maybe even some almond extract because I love the smell and flavor so much 😉

Let me know if you try these! I’d love to hear if you do.

You can see my full recipe gallery here. It’s full of dips and appetizers and now, a kid-friendly snack!

Like I said, these are easy, healthy peanut butter energy balls we all love as a snack.

Don’t forget to pin these yummy no-bake Peanut Butter bites for later!