No Bake Energy Balls – For the Holidays!

Everyone loves these no bake energy balls that are packed with goodness. A quick and simple to make 4 ingredient no bake treat that’s great for an on the go snack and even breakfast!

If you are thinking M&M’s are not healthy, I feel that adding a few of these to each energy ball is not going to break the calorie bank or add too much added sugar. Of course you can leave these out and add in some nuts or dried fruit. (See below my suggestions for healthy add-ins)

During the holiday season, we tend to eat all the fattening foods and yes, they are sooo delicious. But, it’s really good to have some healthy and nutritious snacks and treats to keep us on track.  

These energy balls are so yummy and a quick and easy snack that I love to make for my family on a regular basis. I used Christmas mini M& M’s for this batch and plain mini chocolate chips for energy balls during the year. (You’ll see the picture down below.)

I always have the three ingredients on hand right in my pantry. Nothing from the fridge or freezer needed for this simple and easy recipe. The M&M’s and chocolate chips are also in my pantry most of the time. 

Seriously, I bet most of you have these ingredients too.  Peanut butter, dried oats, honey, any M&M’s of choice and chocolate chips.

For those of you that can not eat peanut butter, swap out any other nut butter or you can use any seed butter works well too.

This is a very versatile recipe that works great with swaps, especially when you want a variety once in a while. For those of you that are looking to add some protein into these no bake energy balls, swap out some of the oats for protein powder. I give you the amounts in the ingredient section.

Speaking of variety, here are a few swaps I have made over the last few months.

Dried fruit, gives a great chew. Currants work really well because they are small like mini chocolate chips. Any chopped up nut gives the crunch factor. Another delicious addition is coconut. If you are a fan, add some sweetened or even unsweetened shredded coconut into the mixture.

Those are just a few suggestions for some added texture and taste but, to be honest my kids and I love these just as is. The four basic ingredients.

Since I started making these energy balls, we all have enjoyed them so much that this is our go-to snack instead of cookies or crackers.

Give these no-bake treats a try and you’ll know what I’m talking about after just one of these gems

 

No Bake Energy Balls 

Yields: between 20 -24 balls

 

What you’ll need to make no bake energy balls…

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky both work
• 1 3/4 cups old fashioned or quick cooking oats, for a punch of protein, take out 1/4 cup of the oats and add in 1/4 cup or one scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/3 cup drippy honey, for vegan use maple syrup
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, I used mini for this recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s how they’re made…

Directions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add all ingredients. Mix until all is combined.
2. Place in fridge for about 30 minutes. If dough is too sticky to form into balls. Put back in fridge or place in freezer for up to 30 minutes.
3. Take out and form into golf ball size balls. Place on rimmed cookie sheet or wire rack and place back in fridge to firm up for about 30 more minutes.
4. Store in fridge up to 1 week or freeze in a sealed container or Ziploc bag up to 3 months. Recipe note: They taste pretty delish frozen, just wait a couple of minutes after taking out of the freezer and then enjoy.

Here’s a picture of these no bake energy balls made with chocolate chips…

 

Here are a few more healthy treats to enjoy…

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Healthy Zucchini Carrot Muffins

Orange Honey Ice Pops

 

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Bye for now…