Looking for a healthy snack for kids and yourself? These peanut butter oatmeal balls are a delicious energy bite that works great for a post-workout snack or lunch box addition!
These healthy snacks are made with a handful of ingredients, in just a few minutes, and without an oven!
That's right! They are made entirely in the food processor! Y'all, does it get any better? I love my Cuisinart and have used it for YEARS.
If you love these healthy peanut butter oat balls you might also enjoy these chocolate coconut balls and raspberry bliss balls.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly recipe! My boys have been taking these to school for a while and loving them! Who am I kidding? I love them just as well. Oh, and don't forget the hubs. He is so obsessed with them as well!
- Made with wholesome ingredients and go together easily.
- A delicious healthy snack with no baking required.
Ingredients
These chocolate peanut butter energy balls take just a handful of simple ingredients to prepare. Here's what you need:
- Oats: I like to use a base of old-fashioned oats. They are inexpensive and totally healthy.
- Peanut butter: My boys love creamy peanut butter, so I make these peanut butter snacks with it. Crunchy works really well though if you want to use it!
- Chia seeds: An optional ingredient that adds some more nutrition to the peanut butter balls. They add a bit more protein and also some healthy fats.
- Maple syrup: To add more sweetness but the amount you add is variable. How much you need will depend on how sweet you want your energy bites and also what type of peanut butter you are using.
- Vanilla: Adds a bit of warming sweetness to the peanut butter energy bites.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate so don't skip it.
- Chocolate chips: I like to make these with semi-sweet chocolate chips but you can also use dark chocolate, chocolate chunks, or even cacoa nibs. The dark chocolate will be less sweet and the cacao nibs contain no sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oat Balls
Are you ready to get started? Here's an overview to show you what goes into making these peanut butter energy balls! Be sure to check the recipe card for all the details.
- Add the oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to the blender or food processor.
- Pulse the food processor until all ingredients are combined.
PRO TIP: If the mixture feels too dry you can add in a little water. I suggest starting with two tablespoons at a time. Add it slowly. You don't want it to be dry but you also don't want them to be too sticky.
- Add the chocolate and pulse only 2 or 3 times. The goal is to mix them into the oatmeal and peanut butter without breaking up the chocolate chips or chunks too much.
- Scoop into balls using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure.
- Roll them in between your hands until they are smooth.
- Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan and into the fridge to chill for at least an hour.
Expert Tips
Store the peanut butter oatmeal balls in an airtight container for up to five days.
Using natural peanut butter results in a slightly drier consistency. You may need to add additional water if you opt to use it.
Feel free to change up the sweetness and type of chocolate added to make these healthy energy bites to your tastes!
Can I make energy balls without peanut butter?
Yes, definitely! You can swap the peanut butter in this recipe for any other nut butter. If you're looking for something completely different, try these Strawberry Energy Balls or Chocolate Orange Energy Bites.
Can I freeze peanut butter energy balls?
Yes! These work great to freeze. They thaw out quickly once you pull them out and you can even add them to the lunch box while frozen since they will thaw out by lunchtime!
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 3 cups regular oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds this is optional, but a great healthy add in
- ¾ cup maple syrup Now, this is a variable, you might need more
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips, chunks or even cacoa nibs
Instructions
- Add oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and salt to blender or food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are combined. If it feels too dry, add in a little water, about 2 tablespoons at a time. You don't want it to be dry, but you also don't want them to be too sticky.
- Once it is combined, add in chocolate. Pulse this only 2 or 3 times to incorporate. You don't want to break up the chocolate chips or chunks too much.
- Now, scoop into balls. I like to roll mine until they are smooth.
- Place on a parchment lined sheet pan and into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. From here, store in an airtight container. I imagine they will hold at least 5 days, although I cannot verify this as they have never lasted that long in my house!
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!