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 energy 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 ingredients
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
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate chips
- Cocoa powder
- White chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
- Shredded coconut
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.
📋 How to make No-Bake Energy Bites
Don’t be alarmed at how simple this recipe is. It comes down to three simple steps.
- Stir all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl using a rubber spatula until well combined.
- 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.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop for portioning out the bites.
🌟 Recipe 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!
ℹ️ FAQs
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.
There are 115 calories in each energy bite.
Yes. Store homemade protein balls in an airtight container or zipper bag in the fridge for up to 1 week.
✔️ More easy snack recipes
- Homemade Energy Bars with Dark Chocolate
- Cookie Dough Bites with Almond Flour
- Breakfast Cookies with Blueberries and White Chocolate
- Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites
Did you try these no bake energy balls?
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No-Bake Energy Bites Recipe
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 Mix-Ins
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Chocolate Chip Mix-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
White Chocolate Cranberry Mix-Ins
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
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
- 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.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2015. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The energy ball recipes remain the same. Enjoy!
Pinned because these are one little snack I can’t wait to nibble on!
Butterscotch chips are a downfall of mine! These make be feel a bit better about snacking on them!
these would be perfect as a grab and go breakfast!!
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 😉
What a perfect healthy, on-the-go snack!
On-the-go is perfect for breakfast! I don’t have the energy to cook!
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!
Thanks Michelle – I think the kids will love these for sure 🙂
I wonder if you could freeze these to make ahead and eat at a later date?
I think that these would definitely stay fresh in the freezer for a few months Lori.
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!)
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!
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!
Hi Kim – You could definitely make these into bars. I would prepare them in the style of this recipe.
Thank you! 🙂
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!
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!
How many calories? Betsy. Bneblett23860@gmail.com
Hi Betsy – I calculate them to have about 115 calories each.
I want to make sure when you say dry oatmeal does that mean uncooked. What brand do you use.
Hi Barbara – Yes, uncooked oatmeal. Any quick cooking oats will work!
They are so very yummy…but how are they healthy?
Could I use cacao nibs in place of the chocolate/butterscotch chips?
You sure can!
Thanks, Erin. I just LOVE your recipes by the way!
Thank you!
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