Peanut Butter Energy Bites Recipe
Looking for a quick snack that's satisfying, nourishing, and just sweet enough? These Peanut Butter Energy Balls are one of my go-to recipes because they're made with mostly whole-food ingredients, come together in minutes, and are easy to keep on hand for busy days.
They're perfect when I'm heading out the door and need something quick, or after dinner when I'm craving a little something sweet.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. I like using a blend of ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, and chia seeds to add fiber, healthy fats, and a little protein to each bite. Since the serving size is just two energy balls, these ingredients help make them a more satisfying snack.
If you want to boost the protein even more, you can stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. You can also swap the peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter depending on your preferences, or add chopped nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a fun variation.
Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a post-workout bite, or a nourishing sweet treat, these little energy balls are a staple in my kitchen.
(Disclaimer: I did not create this recipe, but I found it so long ago I have no clue where I first saw it.)
Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Makes: About 18–20 energy bites
Serving size: 2 energy bites
Easily gluten free and vegan - just use maple syrup instead of honey, gluten free oats, and vegan chocolate chips.
Ingredients
½ cup peanut butter
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
⅔ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup mixture of ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, and chia seeds
¼ cup chocolate chips
Directions
In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla until smooth.
Add the oats, shredded coconut, seed mixture, and chocolate chips. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Roll into 1-inch balls.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
A few ideas to make them your own
Add 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
Take out the coconut if it’s not your thing.
You can easily just use ground flaxseed, but I like the mix of seeds for more nutritional diversity.
Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Add dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins.
Sprinkle in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.
Use mini chocolate chips to distribute the chocolate more evenly.
