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This No-Bake Energy Bites recipe is easy to make, full of feel-good ingredients, and irresistibly delicious!
Friends, have you tried this no bake energy bites recipe? ♡
It’s one of my all-time favorite recipes here on the blog, and one that I’ve personally made about a zillion times since I first published it here eight years ago.
I love these little energy bites because they are easy to make with simply pantry ingredients that I almost always have on hand. They are super easy to mix up and roll into cute little energy balls. (Or if you would like to save time, you can press the mixture into a parchment-covered baking dish, and then cut them into energy bars.) They are the perfect make-ahead recipe to keep on hand for healthy snacking or breakfasts. And most importantly, they are just irresistibly good.
Over the years, thousands of our readers have made and loved this classic energy bites recipe too. So I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try!
No Bake Energy Bites Recipe | 1-Minute Video
No Bake Energy Bites Ingredients:
To make this no bake energy bites recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Old-fashioned oats: Also called rolled oats — these will serve as the base ingredient for our energy bites.
Shredded coconut: Which I highly recommend toasting — either briefly in the oven or in a sauté pan — before adding to the energy bites. (Just be sure that they have cooled before adding in the chocolate chips, or the chocolate may heat and turn a bit melty.)
Creamy peanut butter: I have used both traditional creamy peanut butter and natural creamy peanut butter in this recipe, and both work!
Ground flaxseed: To add some extra protein, fiber and omega-3s to our energy bites.
Semisweet chocolate chips: I photographed this recipe with standard-sized semisweet chips, but mini semisweet chips mix in easier.
Honey: To add some natural sweetness and also help to bind the energy balls together.
Chia seeds (optional): Feel free to skip the chia seeds, if you do not have any on hand. But I love adding in a tablespoon or so when I do!
How To Make Energy Balls:
To make these energy bites, simply…
Stir everything together. Stir all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
Chill. Cover the mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled.*
Roll into balls. Roll into mixture into 1-inch balls.
Serve. Then enjoy immediately! Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
If you have trouble getting the energy balls to hold together, I recommend adding in more peanut butter to make the mixture a bit more sticky. Or if you would rather, you can also just press the mixture into a square baking dish to make flat energy bars instead of round energy balls.
Possible Energy Bites Variations:
There are all sorts of ways that you can customize this energy bites recipe, so feel free to get creative! For example, you are welcome to…
Make energy bars: Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan, chill, and then slice into energy bars (instead of rolling the mixture into energy balls).
Use a different nut or seed butter: Use almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut/seed butters that you prefer in place of peanut butter.
Omit the coconut: I’ve heard from many of you over the years who don’t love coconut. If that’s the case, no prob, just omit the coconut and add in an extra shake of oats instead.
Add spices: If you would like to give these energy bites some extra flavor, feel free to add in a few pinches of ground cinnamon or some pumpkin pie spice.
More Healthy Snack Recipes:
Looking for more healthy snack inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite snack recipes!
Stir everything together. Stir all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
Chill. Cover the mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled. (This will help the mixture stick together more easily.)
Roll into balls. Roll into mixture into 1-inch balls.
Serve. Then enjoy immediately! Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep Time: The prep time listed does not include time for the mixture to chill. To speed up the chilling, I recommend spreading the mixture out on a small baking sheet and popping it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until the mixture is cool.
These are super delicious! We didn’t have any chocolate chips so I added in some peanut butter morsels instead as a substitute. It isn’t the easiest thing to mix. I used a plastic glove and that made it much easier. Thank you!
These are really good & easy to make. Do you know how many calories in each one?
Amy —
Did you ever find out the calorie count? I would like to know also.
Tricia —
The most accurate way to get the correct calorie count is to weigh each ingredient as you put it in. Keep a count of each ingredient’s nutrition info for the weight you used. (Easiest with my fitness pal or mymacros or other apps out there.) And then weigh the whole thing and get a count for the whole bowl. Then divide it by however many balls you have. ?
Hope —
When I do these, I add up all the calories for the total portions I used and divide by how many I made.
IE: I did the math for these and it’s roughly 2,767 calories. If I made 25 balls, it would be 110 calories per ball.
Kathryn —
Without the shredded coconut, it’s 70 calories per ball if you make 25, and 85 per ball if you make 20.
Caroline —
I did the math and they’re about 150 calories each if you use all the ingredients and the measurements listed.
I was able to make 21 “energy balls” with this recipe and in doing the math. ONE 1″ ball has LESS THAN 3 grams of protein and NEARLY 14 CARBS. I could die.
Jill —
Healthy carbs are a great energy source. Obviously it isn’t a keto recipe, but it’s a great one for providing a healthy boost on the go! I love to take them on long hikes.
Jenn —
I added hemp hearts and chocolate protein powder instead of chocolate chips
PewPew —
yeah thats why they are called energy balls and not protein balls :D
I make this recipe for my family all the time, using almond butter and no chocolate chips. And toasting the coconut is genius—it adds an incredible depth of flavour!
Peanut butter makes me really sick (it’s not an allergy though). Can this recipe work with almond butter?
Jill —
I’ve used almond or cashew butter, both have been great!
Tricia —
I’ve used Costco almond butter and it’s great! Just make sure to stir really well (Costco peanut butter too, for that matter.) If you get too much oil it’ll be too sticky.
D —
I make with almond butter n love them still
JoAnn —
Yes. I make them both ways, with almond butter or natural peanut butter. Both are so good.
Beth Wilke —
I believe I read that any nut better can work well. Good luck
I put this recipe in very well fit.com. Here are the nutrition facts i got. I use toffee bits instead of chocolate chips but not sure that will change that much in the nutrition facts
22balls per recipe: calories-121; fat-7; carbs-12; total sugars-8; protein-3
Instead of chocolate chips I used one date and it was delicious! I also coated the balls with hemp seeds and ground flax seeds, so it was not sticky to store them.
So yummy! All if my 5 kids devoured these in minutes!!! Best part, they were super easy to make, and I could trust that my 11 year old could make them, and clean up the No-flour mess.
The toasted coconut makes this a 10 out of 10! The first time I made these I got them all rolled out and then realized that I’d forgotten the coconut sitting in the pan to cool after toasting. They were delicious anyway. Made them again WITH the coconut and SHAZAM! They add the perfect crunch!
Looking for a nutritious snack for my 15 month old granddaughter. Made these minus the flaxseed as I didn’t have any in the house. She loves them and so does the rest of the family. Quick and easy to make. Thanks to my friend Jess got the suggestion!
Good recipe, but TOO sweet!!! For people who are mostly eating whole foods, this may be a little much. Next time, I will make sure that my peanut butter is JUST peanuts to cut back on the sugar and reduce the honey to a quarter cup and add more PB until I get the consistency I want. Also, be sure that your coconut is unsweetened. Mine was unsweetened and it was still a bit much for me. But, I’m sure this modification will do the trick!
I am standardizing this recipe for a class. I did a nutritional analysis of the balls (without chia seeds).
One protein ball contains:
Calories: 35
Cal from fat: 15
Total Fat: 2
Sat Fat: 1
Trans Fat: 0
Sodium: 4
Carb: 4
Fiber: 1
Sugars:2
Added Sugars: 1
Protein: 1 (add protein powder if looking to increase protein amount)
Ariana —
Hi, how many balls did you make or how many grams per ball? thank you!!
Delicious! I omit coconut because I am not a fan. I like the balls to be more firm before eating, so I just they chill in the refrigerator for at least a day, or put in the freezer for a few hours then transfer to the refrigerator.
My teenagers absolutely love these. We are not fans of coconut so I have experimented about a dozen times with a few alternatives. One we like…In addition to the ground flax, I also add 1/4 cup toasted flax seeds and about 3 tbsp chia seeds. The toasted flax seeds bring an excellent flavor similar to what the coconut probably does. Delicious!
I skip the coconut and use fine blanched almond flour until I get the right consistency… It’s the key to making them taste and feel just like true cookie dough! Major score with the kids. I just use Bob’s Red Mill extra thick rolled oats, almond flour, natural PB, raw local honey, vanilla extract, and a blend of hemp/flax/chia seeds.
Made for my Nordic Walking group’s all day hike as a snack that was healthy and tasty! Was not disappointed!! Toasting the coconut (i used unsweetened) is absolutely the best idea ever!!!! I even toasted extra to put on my oatmeal! I used all ingredients listed and added a tablespoon of chia seeds! Everyone wanted the recipe!! Would love a real accurate nutritional info on them though!
I have always made these over the years from time to time but over the last few months I have made them for months straight.. I love with with my morning coffee or as a snack throughout the day!
I swapped out peanut butter and used almond butter instead. I also used hemp hearts instead of chia seeds…tasted great! Use what you have ….be flexible. Yum!??
These are super delicious! We didn’t have any chocolate chips so I added in some peanut butter morsels instead as a substitute. It isn’t the easiest thing to mix. I used a plastic glove and that made it much easier. Thank you!
This recipe is awesome
I made the balls and the bourbon caramel sauce and dipped it in that it was so good I recommend trying it
How many does this make?
I get about 20 – 25 bites, depending on how small I make them.
Great snack and filling!
Yummers
I absolutely LOVE this recipe. It’s a great as a quick dessert or snack!
These are really good & easy to make. Do you know how many calories in each one?
Did you ever find out the calorie count? I would like to know also.
The most accurate way to get the correct calorie count is to weigh each ingredient as you put it in. Keep a count of each ingredient’s nutrition info for the weight you used. (Easiest with my fitness pal or mymacros or other apps out there.) And then weigh the whole thing and get a count for the whole bowl. Then divide it by however many balls you have. ?
When I do these, I add up all the calories for the total portions I used and divide by how many I made.
IE: I did the math for these and it’s roughly 2,767 calories. If I made 25 balls, it would be 110 calories per ball.
Without the shredded coconut, it’s 70 calories per ball if you make 25, and 85 per ball if you make 20.
I did the math and they’re about 150 calories each if you use all the ingredients and the measurements listed.
I made this and my family bought it on a hiking trip and we all loved it
It is a bit sticky and a bit weird but it is so yummy
rolled mine in cocoa powder
Hello, wondering how many calories per balls?
Thank you and just love this recipe.
Annie
I ran my own math and my version is about 120 per ball (making 20 balls). I leave out chia and flax.
These were AMAZING to make and were so easy too!
Simple and great tasting. My kids made it by themselves!
I was wondering if it’s possible to use quick oats? I have a bag I need to get rid of ?
Love these no bake energy bites, but with being on NOOM, I would love an idea on how many calories are in each ball.
I made some without coconut and with sugar free chocolate chips, and it’s around 148 calories per ball. The ones I made are close to 2” in diameter.
I was able to make 21 “energy balls” with this recipe and in doing the math. ONE 1″ ball has LESS THAN 3 grams of protein and NEARLY 14 CARBS. I could die.
Healthy carbs are a great energy source. Obviously it isn’t a keto recipe, but it’s a great one for providing a healthy boost on the go! I love to take them on long hikes.
I added hemp hearts and chocolate protein powder instead of chocolate chips
yeah thats why they are called energy balls and not protein balls :D
I make this recipe for my family all the time, using almond butter and no chocolate chips. And toasting the coconut is genius—it adds an incredible depth of flavour!
i made these today and they were so good ! the mix was a bit dry so i added more honey.
Peanut butter makes me really sick (it’s not an allergy though). Can this recipe work with almond butter?
I’ve used almond or cashew butter, both have been great!
I’ve used Costco almond butter and it’s great! Just make sure to stir really well (Costco peanut butter too, for that matter.) If you get too much oil it’ll be too sticky.
I make with almond butter n love them still
Yes. I make them both ways, with almond butter or natural peanut butter. Both are so good.
I believe I read that any nut better can work well. Good luck
I put this recipe in very well fit.com. Here are the nutrition facts i got. I use toffee bits instead of chocolate chips but not sure that will change that much in the nutrition facts
22balls per recipe: calories-121; fat-7; carbs-12; total sugars-8; protein-3
Very Good, May use a little less honey. I used both white and semi sweet chocolate chips. It was a great snack on the go
Hi I wanted to try these out but I was wondering what vegan alternative would work for the honey. Thanks!
I’ve done them with maple syrup!
I’ve used pancake syrup with white Karl syrup half and half
Maple syrup
Instead of chocolate chips I used one date and it was delicious! I also coated the balls with hemp seeds and ground flax seeds, so it was not sticky to store them.
So yummy! All if my 5 kids devoured these in minutes!!! Best part, they were super easy to make, and I could trust that my 11 year old could make them, and clean up the No-flour mess.
The toasted coconut makes this a 10 out of 10! The first time I made these I got them all rolled out and then realized that I’d forgotten the coconut sitting in the pan to cool after toasting. They were delicious anyway. Made them again WITH the coconut and SHAZAM! They add the perfect crunch!
Quick to make and they taste great
If I want to make a bar instead what can I do to make it crunchy …not moist but dried out like?
How would I add protein powder to the recipe? Thanks!
Looking for a nutritious snack for my 15 month old granddaughter. Made these minus the flaxseed as I didn’t have any in the house. She loves them and so does the rest of the family. Quick and easy to make. Thanks to my friend Jess got the suggestion!
Good recipe, but TOO sweet!!! For people who are mostly eating whole foods, this may be a little much. Next time, I will make sure that my peanut butter is JUST peanuts to cut back on the sugar and reduce the honey to a quarter cup and add more PB until I get the consistency I want. Also, be sure that your coconut is unsweetened. Mine was unsweetened and it was still a bit much for me. But, I’m sure this modification will do the trick!
I am standardizing this recipe for a class. I did a nutritional analysis of the balls (without chia seeds).
One protein ball contains:
Calories: 35
Cal from fat: 15
Total Fat: 2
Sat Fat: 1
Trans Fat: 0
Sodium: 4
Carb: 4
Fiber: 1
Sugars:2
Added Sugars: 1
Protein: 1 (add protein powder if looking to increase protein amount)
Hi, how many balls did you make or how many grams per ball? thank you!!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Delicious! I omit coconut because I am not a fan. I like the balls to be more firm before eating, so I just they chill in the refrigerator for at least a day, or put in the freezer for a few hours then transfer to the refrigerator.
Great for sports moms! Great protein snack and less sugar that store bought bars. Teens thought they were equal taste to cookies!
Easy and delicious, Take along for quick energy boost inbetween kids’ sports games!
Hi ..can this recipe be baked ?
I have used normal cooking oats ..shouldn’t they be roasted or cooked ?
My teenagers absolutely love these. We are not fans of coconut so I have experimented about a dozen times with a few alternatives. One we like…In addition to the ground flax, I also add 1/4 cup toasted flax seeds and about 3 tbsp chia seeds. The toasted flax seeds bring an excellent flavor similar to what the coconut probably does. Delicious!
It’s super easy and oh so good.
Does anyone know how many WW points these are (blue)?
My daughter’s field hockey team demand these for every game :)
So tasty! Easy to make, too! Thank you ??
Delish! I add egg white protein powder to amp up the protein and omit the chia seeds. This is my go-to post work out snack. :)
this by far is the best recipe I have run across for the power/energy balls/bars!
I skip the coconut and use fine blanched almond flour until I get the right consistency… It’s the key to making them taste and feel just like true cookie dough! Major score with the kids. I just use Bob’s Red Mill extra thick rolled oats, almond flour, natural PB, raw local honey, vanilla extract, and a blend of hemp/flax/chia seeds.
Made for my Nordic Walking group’s all day hike as a snack that was healthy and tasty! Was not disappointed!! Toasting the coconut (i used unsweetened) is absolutely the best idea ever!!!! I even toasted extra to put on my oatmeal! I used all ingredients listed and added a tablespoon of chia seeds! Everyone wanted the recipe!! Would love a real accurate nutritional info on them though!
I have always made these over the years from time to time but over the last few months I have made them for months straight.. I love with with my morning coffee or as a snack throughout the day!
Made these a few times, they are great! Very tasty as a snack but it take them with me to fuel long runs when I start flagging..
Amazing
I swapped out peanut butter and used almond butter instead. I also used hemp hearts instead of chia seeds…tasted great! Use what you have ….be flexible. Yum!??
how about keeping them at room temp? will it ruin them?
How long do they last in the freezer? I freeze mine and leave them in there
Does anyone know where I can see the carb, sugar, calorie, etc on this recipe?
carbs are your energy source (hence energy bites), protein is your recovery
I rolled mine in chopped Tamari almonds and I used cacao nibs in place of flax seeds as an add in.
Everyone loves them. Thanks for the great base recipe❤️
Ps I used a tiny cookie scoop and ended up with 55 tiny bites. It’s a good size.