Blend and shape a batch of wholesome bites—and get inspired to invent your own version—with this easy step-by-step.
Follow this formula and mix and match ingredients to make your own energy ball creation.
Energy bites are packed with good-for-you ingredients and they're simple to make at home. You can customize them with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even spices, and unlike granola, there's no baking involved—a big bonus if you're short on time. Lots of versions call for blending all the ingredients in a food processor, but we like the ease (and minimal mess!) that hand-stirring provides. Our basic version is accomplished in a few simple steps. Once you've mastered it you'll be able to make two more flavors with some easy ingredient swaps, or create your own tasty combination.
How to Make Energy Balls
Joy Howard
We use our super-easy Peanut Butter Energy Balls as the base of this formula from which you can build your own tasty combo. We just loved this recipe so much we wanted to make a few more easy and delicious versions!
1. Start with oats and nut or seed butter
In a large bowl, blend 2 cups rolled oats with 1 cup nut or seed butter. You can use any kind of the latter you like, but we found that creamy or smooth varieties work best. If you're gluten free, be sure to used oats that are labeled as such on the packaging.
2. Add a liquid sweetener
Next, drizzle in ½ cup of honey. Aside from adding a little sweetness, it makes the end result more moist and helps bind the ingredients. We also prefer honey for its flavor over other sweeteners like agave or molasses.
3. Toss in some extras
Here's where you can get really creative. For our basic recipe, we use ¼ cup mini chocolate chips and ¼ cup coconut, but any healthy add-in will work. Sunflower or chia seeds, raisins or other dried fruit, and roasted nuts all make great additions. Just be sure to chop them up and don't add more than about ½ cup total. Too much ingredient will keep the balls from binding. And did we mention spices? Ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and/or a generous pinch of kosher salt will give your bites a boost of flavor without adding any calories.
3. Stir and roll
Once everything has been added to the bowl, stir all the ingredients until evenly blended. Scoop a tablespoon-size portion of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. The balls can be refrigerated in an air-tight container for 5 days.
Favorite Energy Ball Recipes
Use our basic formula from above, then try our S'mores Energy Balls, Salted Coconut Caramel Energy balls and more!
S'more Energy Balls
Joy Howard
These two-bite, protein-packed snacks have all the flavors of a campfire favorite rolled right in. Mini chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces are blended into the base mixture, while a mini marshmallow is tucked into the center. Even better, they're no-bake and you can make a big batch in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup creamy sunflower seed or nut butter
½ cup honey
8 graham crackers, coarsely crushed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Heaping ½ cup mini marshmallows
Combine oats, sunflower seed butter (or nut butter), honey, ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and chocolate chips in a medium bowl; stir well. Place the remaining graham cracker crumbs in a small bowl. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a mini marshmallow in the center, cover it with the mixture, and roll it into a ball. Roll in the graham cracker crumbs to coat. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes about 3 dozen balls.
Salted Coconut-Caramel Energy Balls
Joy Howard
A blend of dates, sunflower seed butter, salt and vanilla make these bites surprisingly reminiscent of salted caramel—both in taste and texture. Unlike our ultra-easy mix and match basic energy ball recipe, you'll need a blender to make a paste for the base of these balls, but the extra effort is oh-so-worth it for the sweet and satisfying result.
Ingredients
4 dozen pitted dates (about 6 cups)
¾ cup creamy sunflower seed butter
1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 cups rolled oats
6 tablespoons coarsely chopped roasted pecans
6 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
In a high-powered blender, combine the dates, sunflower seed butter, vanilla, and salt with 6 tablespoons warm water. Blend until mostly smooth with a few small bits. Place in a medium bowl with the oats and chopped pecans. Stir well. Place the shredded coconut in a small bowl. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Roll in the shredded coconut to coat. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes about 3 dozen balls.
This article was written by Joy Howard from EatingWell and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
