Description
A quick, healthy, and customizable snack made with pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and dates. These no-bake energy balls provide sustained energy without refined sugar and can be prepared in under 5 minutes of active time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (128g) natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (150g) Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons (24g) chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup (85g) vegan dark chocolate chips (optional add-in)
- ¼ cup (20g) toasted shredded coconut (optional add-in)
- ¼ cup (40g) dried cranberries or raisins (optional add-in)
Instructions
- Prep the oats: If using large rolled oats, pulse them in a food processor for 10-15 seconds to break them down slightly for better binding.
- Process dates and nut butter: Add pitted dates and peanut butter to the food processor. Pulse until the dates are broken down and the mixture forms a thick, sticky paste. If too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time; if too wet, add more oats.
- Add dry ingredients: Add oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon to the processor. Pulse until evenly combined into a crumbly cookie dough consistency.
- Mix in add-ins: If using chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruit, fold them into the mixture by hand using a spatula to avoid crushing them.
- Roll the balls: Portion the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small ice cream scoop. Roll between palms until smooth. If sticky, wet hands slightly with water.
- Chill: Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Alternatively, freeze for 15 minutes.
- Store and serve: Transfer chilled balls to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Ensure dates are soft; soak in warm water for 10 minutes if hard. Do not over-process the mixture or it will turn into a paste. Wet hands slightly if the mixture is sticky while rolling. For nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: vegan, no-bake, energy balls, oatmeal, healthy snack, gluten-free, peanut butter, dates, meal prep, quick snack