EASY No-Bake Energy Bites Recipe (3 Variations!)

This No-Bake Energy Bites recipe is an easy, healthy treat that will keep you energized all day long! This simple recipe is made with wholesome ingredients. Keep these little bites in the fridge for up to one week for the perfect healthy snack.

I will admit that I almost NEVER eat breakfast. But when I do, I want it to be quick, easy, and healthy. Usually I turn to a green smoothie or an energy bar. Even better is when I sneak in these Blueberry White Chocolate Breakfast Cookies or these Quinoa Cookies with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt.

The newest addition to my list of quick and easy breakfasts (or snacks) is this no-bake power bites recipe. This great recipe is packed with oats, coconut, flax seed, and almond butter for a healthy dose of protein and fiber.

These oatmeal energy balls are the perfect make-ahead recipe for healthy snacking and will be a huge hit with the whole family. And the good news is they can be customized in three different ways with minimal prep time!

You can use butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips & dried cranberries.

All three flavor options are equally simple and delicious. If you want some of each flavor, you can always make the base of the dough, split it into thirds, and stir different mix-ins into each third.

Energy bites rolled on cookie sheet with bowls of toppings next to it.

Ingredients needed

These No-Bake Energy Bites only need a handful of pantry ingredients.

For the base of the dough you’ll need the following healthy ingredients:

  • Old Fashioned Oats
  • Coconut Flakes
  • Almond butter
  • Ground flaxseed
  • Agave
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Flavor mix-ins

  • Butterscotch chips (the butterscotch protein balls are my favorite!)
  • Cinnamon
  • Chocolate chips
  • Cocoa powder
  • White chocolate chips
  • Dried cranberries
  • Shredded coconut
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.

How to make them

Don’t be alarmed at how simple this recipe is. It comes down to three simple steps.

  1. Stir all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl using a rubber spatula until well combined.
  2. Chill the oat mixture in the fridge for at least a half hour. This makes them easier to roll and helps them hold their shape.
  3. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop for portioning out the bites.

Variations

  • Almond butter – This can be substituted with creamy peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
  • Agave – You can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
  • Swap in chia seeds or hemp seeds for the flax seed.
  • Mix-ins – You can really use whatever mix-ins you’d like! I most often use mini chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. You can also try dried blueberries, dried strawberries, different nuts, or chocolate chunks.

How long do energy bites last?

You can store no bake energy bites in the fridge for up to 1 week. Keep them in an airtight container or a zipper bag.

Because of this, these are a great snack to make for meal prep!

Can energy balls be frozen?

Yes! You can store them in a zipper bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Then grab one out of the freezer and let it thaw for about 10 minutes before eating.

Pro-tip: To prevent the energy balls from freezing in one giant clump, I suggest lining them up on a baking sheet (not touching), freezing until solid, then storing in a zipper bag. Now it will be super easy to just grab one and go!

FAQs

Are energy bites good for you?

Yes! These bites are full of nutrients and packed with oats, coconut, flax seed, and almond butter for a healthy dose of protein and fiber. They give a healthy boost of energy and are perfect for snacking.

How many calories do energy bites have?

There are 115 calories in each energy bite.

Do you store protein balls in fridge?

Yes. Store homemade protein balls in an airtight container or zipper bag in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Hand picking up no-bake energy bite from cookie sheet

More easy snack recipes

Did you try these no bake energy balls?

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Energy bites arranged on baking sheet.

No-Bake Energy Bites

These No Bake Energy Bites are an easy, healthy treat that will keep you energized all day long! They can be made into three tasty flavors – Butterscotch, Chocolate Chip, or White Chocolate Cranberry.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 20 -25 balls

Ingredients

Energy Bites Base

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2/3 cup coconut flakes (toasted)
  • 1/2 cup almond butter (or other nut butter (see notes))
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/3 cup agave (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch salt

Butterscotch Protein Balls

  • ½ cup butterscotch chips

Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

White Chocolate Cranberry Protein Balls

Instructions

  • Place all the base ingredients and mix-ins of choice in a large mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
  • Place bowl in the fridge for at least a half hour.
  • Once chilled, roll into 1 inch balls.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

Variations: 
  • Almond butter – This can be substituted with creamy peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. 
  • Agave – You can substitute with honey or maple syrup. 
  • Mix-ins – You can really use whatever mix-ins you’d like! I most often use chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. You can also try dried blueberries, dried strawberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chunks. 
Freezing:
Store in a zipper bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw for ten minutes before eating. 
Pro-tip: To prevent the energy balls from freezing in one giant clump, line them up on a cookie sheet (not touching), freeze until solid, then store in a zipper bag. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.6mg

This recipe was originally published in 2015. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The energy ball recipes remain the same. Enjoy!

28 thoughts on “EASY No-Bake Energy Bites Recipe (3 Variations!)”

    • You’re right Heather! I need grab and go in the morning – I’m not one to fuss over scrambled eggs on the weekdays! I’d rather sleep in 😉

      Reply
  1. I never eat breakfast either, although I do love bacon and eggs…I’m just too lazy in the morning to cook them for myself. LOL My kids though are constantly on the go though (as am I)…these are perfect for when they don’t have time for breakfast or need a quick snack as they are running out the door! Can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
  2. When I was in 3rd grade, my teacher let me choose a Dairy Queen Sundae every month for good behavior. My best friend always got butterscotch flavor and convinced me to try–I have been in love with the flavor ever since. Love these and so much cleaner eating than a sundae (which I have not had since 3rd grade I do believe!)

    Reply
    • That’s such a great story Kristen! It’s been a loooong time since you had a butterscotch sundae – That’s some strong willpower! But, these are definitely a healthier option!

      Reply
  3. Hi, These sound great, but do you think they would also work as bars instead of bites? I’d like to try putting them in a baking dish but I’m not sure what size, or even if the recipe would still work.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Hi! These look amazing, can’t wait to make them! But do you think there’s a different substitute for the coconut, or if the balls would still hold together without it? We have an allergy in the family, but these look delicious so I’m hoping it won’t affect the flavor or consistency if it’s missing!

    Reply
    • Hi Kristin – I would add in a bit more oats to get the correct consistency, but otherwise, I think you’ll be OK without the coconut. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  5. Hi Erin,
    I love this recipe, but I can’t get the mixture to stay together. It did the first time, but the last two times, they just crumble apart. I’ve done everything correctly. Any advice?

    Betsie

    Reply

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