Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Don't reach for that coffee, roll with these No Bake Energy Balls instead 😉 Full of nutrients, high in protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and fiber.
Busy Mom Alert! Do you ever find yourself realizing half way through the day that you haven't eaten because you're too busy chasing around children? Do you also find yourself grabbing anything and everything you can get your hands on then later regretting it? Have no fear, these balls are the perfect healthy snack to store in your fridge for the next time this happens to you.
Hint Hint: Every dam* day 😉 and an added bonus, you get more energy after eating one! Yay!
These no bake energy balls are no joke! These balls are considered vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free! The best part is you can make them ahead of time. They'll keep up to one week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer. There are also so many different flavors to you can make these delightful bites of heaven.
I actually find them quit satisfying too. They aren't loaded with anything to keep you too energized so having one after dinner is always a nice little treat if you're craving something sweet, but watching what you're eating. These fall under my, "just one bite" dessert rule! The fact that you don't have to bake them is also an added bonus.
Ingredients for the balls
You don't need much to make these balls. Just these 5 ingredients pictured below!
- 5 pitted dates- you will soak the dates for 5 minutes then chop them up! Linked below is my hand chopper I strongly advise, but if not using a paring knife and cutting board will also work.
- semi-sweet chocolate chips - Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- peanut butter powder - PB2 powdered peanut butter bundle! This is the bundle I always have stocked in my house.
- You will also need a mixing bowl to put everything in. Here is a link to my favorite bowls OXO good grip mixing bowls!
- Cuisinart Hand Blender - I blend my dates using this hand blender. One of my favorite kitchen appliances I own.
How to make no-bake balls
First, soak the dates in hot water for 5 minutes.
Step 1: Add to a mini chopper along with 2 tbsp of the soaking liquid your dates were just in and puree. If you don't have a mini chopper, you can dice your dates with a paring knife and cutting board. Then use a potato masher to mash them up.
Step 2: Transfer to a bowl and add oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter powder, and salt. Stir to combine, adding more oats if mixture is too sticky.
Fun tip: I use half peanut butter and half peanut butter powder because it cuts the calories in half. Powdered peanut butter contains 90% less fat and 70% fewer calories than what you'll find in regular peanut butter
Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove from fridge and roll into balls using clean hands. Each ball is about 1 tbsp.
The next step is optional, but if you want more peanut butter powder you can roll the balls around in some to coat the outside or just leave without the extra powder.
This recipe makes about 10 balls. Here is the mini chopper that I use and have linked on my favorites page. Cuisinart Hand Blender!
What is powdered peanut butter
PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter Bundle - Original and Cocoa
Powdered peanut butter is made by pressing out most of the natural oils from roasted peanuts. The nuts are then ground into fine powder. Standard peanut butter typically has about 190 calories, 16g of fat, and 7g of protein per serving. In comparison, powdered peanut butter has an average of just 60 calories, 1.5g of fat, and 6g of protein per serving. A serving here is defined as 2 tbsp. It also has that same delicious peanut butter taste that we all love so much!
Other flavors to try 😉
Cocoa-Coconut Almond - In a large bowl, stir ²⁄3 cup chunky almond butter, ½ cup dark chocolate chips, ½ cup old fashioned oats, ½ cup finely shredded coconut, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, ½ tsp almond or coconut extract and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Continue mixing ingredients until dough comes together. Wrap and refrigerate 30 min. Form into balls using clean hands. Each ball will use 1 tbsp, then roll balls in more finely shredded coconut to coat. Makes about 10 balls.
Very Berry - In a small zip lock bag, crush ½ cup freeze dried raspberries. Transfer half to a large bowl and add ²⁄3 cup crunchy sunflower seed butter (stir well), ²⁄3 cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup white chocolate chips, ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries, 2 tbsp pure honey, and ¼ cup kosher salt. Stir until combined and dough comes together. Wrap and refrigerate 30 min. Form dough into balls using clean hands. Each ball is about 1 tbsp. Then, roll balls in remaining crushed raspberries to coat. Makes about 10 balls.
Tips and FAQ's
They are loaded with nutrients, high in protein, and have good carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. This provides you with a sufficient energy boost.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
The easiest way to transfer these balls is to toss some into a small Tupperware so they don't smush in your bag. I found these cute little ones I recommend. Click here to check them out! Or you can always use plastic sandwich bags.
Always!
Check out these other yummy desserts to try
If you give these balls a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
No Bake Energy Balls
Equipment
- hand blender
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 5 pitted dates
- ¾ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup peanut butter powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Soak dates in hot water for 5 minutes. Add to a mini chopper along with 2 tbsp of the soaking liquid and puree.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and add oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter powder, and salt.
- Stir to combine, adding more oats if mixture is very sticky. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 min. Remove from fridge and form into balls with clean hands. Each ball is about 1 tbsp. Then roll into more peanut butter powder, if desired.
- Makes about 10 balls.
Cindy Munson
Yum! These look delicious! I make a similar recipe, but I look forward to trying your variations. 🙂
PS Photos look amazing too.
Jillian
Thank you so much! Let me know how you like this recipe. I'd love to try your variation too 🙂