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No-Bake Energy Bites (3 Ways!)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

January 21, 2025

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5 from 3 votes

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Energy balls pinterest image.
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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.

ENERGY BITES ON BAKING SHEET WITH PARCHMENT.

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Table of Contents

  • Ingredients needed
  • Flavor mix-ins
  • How to make them
  • Variations
  • How long do energy bites last?
  • Can energy balls be frozen?
  • FAQs
  • Full Recipe

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

Ingredients needed

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.
Energy bite ingredients in bowl before mixing.
Energy bites ingredients in bowl after mixing.

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

  • 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 bites?

If you loved these butterscotch energy balls I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Energy bites arranged on baking sheet.

Full Recipe

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
Serves 20 balls
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

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

  • ½ cup chocolate chips

White Chocolate Cranberry Protein Balls

  • 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

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. 

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
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

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

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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28 responses

  1. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
    June 23, 2015

    Pinned because these are one little snack I can’t wait to nibble on!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      June 23, 2015

      Butterscotch chips are a downfall of mine! These make be feel a bit better about snacking on them!

      Reply
  2. heather @french press
    June 23, 2015

    these would be perfect as a grab and go breakfast!!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      June 23, 2015

      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
  3. Amy Basso
    June 23, 2015

    What a perfect healthy, on-the-go snack!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      June 25, 2015

      On-the-go is perfect for breakfast! I don’t have the energy to cook!

      Reply
  4. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
    March 3, 2016

    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
    1. Erin
      March 3, 2016

      Thanks Michelle – I think the kids will love these for sure 🙂

      Reply
      1. Lori
        August 18, 2016

        I wonder if you could freeze these to make ahead and eat at a later date?

        Reply
        1. Erin
          August 23, 2016

          I think that these would definitely stay fresh in the freezer for a few months Lori.

          Reply
  5. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
    March 3, 2016

    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
    1. Erin
      March 3, 2016

      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
  6. Kim
    July 2, 2017

    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
    1. Erin
      July 3, 2017

      Hi Kim – You could definitely make these into bars. I would prepare them in the style of this recipe.

      Reply
      1. Kim
        July 4, 2017

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
  7. Kristin
    January 9, 2018

    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
    1. Erin
      January 9, 2018

      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
  8. Betsy
    February 23, 2018

    How many calories? Betsy. Bneblett23860@gmail.com

    Reply
    1. Erin
      February 27, 2018

      Hi Betsy – I calculate them to have about 115 calories each.

      Reply
  9. Barbara
    January 12, 2019

    I want to make sure when you say dry oatmeal does that mean uncooked. What brand do you use.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      January 15, 2019

      Hi Barbara – Yes, uncooked oatmeal. Any quick cooking oats will work!

      Reply
  10. Mindi SMITH
    February 2, 2019

    They are so very yummy…but how are they healthy?

    Reply
1 2
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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