Peanut Butter Energy Balls (gluten-free, dairy free, and refined sugar-free)

If you haven’t heard of energy balls before, then get ready for a life-changing recipe that is going to blow your mind. These bites are SO good!

They are the perfect on the go snack that both you and your children will enjoy. Seriously, these energy bites are for the whole family to enjoy. Keep them in the fridge and grab them on your way out or snack in your home. Either way you can’t go wrong.

Why we love these peanut butter energy balls

1. This is one of those easy recipes you can make quickly with minimal clean up necessary.
2. These peanut butter energy bites are refined-sugar-free meaning no post-snack sugar rush followed by a crash.
3. Energy balls are great to have on hand for an after school snack or to eat on your way to dropping your kiddos off at their various activities.
4. They are allergen friendly!
   1. In fact, if you use dairy free chocolate chips these are vegan peanut butter energy balls.
   2. You can easily substitute for almond butter or sunbutter if anyone in your family has a peanut allergy.
5. Despite how delicious these peanut butter energy balls taste, they are healthy snack!

Are energy balls good for you?

These energy balls are so tasty, you will probably be wondering if they are good for you or just another sweet treat. We are happy to tell you that, yes, while they taste indulgent, our peanut butter energy balls are healthy.

Peanut butter is an incredible source of protein, well balanced fat, and make for a satiating snack. The oats pack in fiber and healthy carbs while also adding a yummy texture. Our recipe also does not call for any added sugar!

Sweetening these peanut butter energy balls with honey is a game changer. You still get the sweet flavor you crave without any of the downsides of refined sugar. That combined with the naturally sweet flavors of coconut oil and vanilla extract make this recipe as appetizing as it is nourishing.

If this doesn’t scream healthy, we don’t know what does. Because of the balance of nutrients in this healthy recipe, this makes for a mouthwatering pre-workout snack.

Are these energy balls easy to make?

This may be one of the simplest recipes we have to offer here at Food Dolls. All you need is a food processor or blender and a bowl. Seriously – that’s it!

Can you eat raw oats?

While we don’t recommend eating raw oats straight with a spoon, you absolutely can eat them in their raw form! On their own, oats can taste fairly bland and are not the most palatable texture. But, when combined with the other ingredients in this recipe, they help to create the chewy texture that binds these energy balls together.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, however we recommend reading labels of the products you are using before serving to someone with a gluten intolerance.

This is because the farming, transportation and storage of some of these ingredients may result in cross contamination with glutenous products. For example, oats are naturally gluten-free but some distributors may process them in the same factory as wheat, rye, and barley.

A lot of gluten-free oat products are clearly labeled so be sure to grab the right bag. We use this brand of gluten-free oats linked here.

How to make peanut butter energy balls

1. Grind oats and peanuts together in a blender or food processor. You just want the texture to be similar to  flour.
2. In a large bowl, add the peanut and oat mixture, followed by peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and salt.
3. Note: the salt is optional, but we highly recommend it!
4. Mix everything together with a silicone spatula until you have formed a dough.
   • TIP: After you process the oats and flour, you can place all the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) in the food processor and pulse until it is smooth.  This can be easier than trying to stir by hand!
5. Add in the chocolate chips and mix until they are evenly distributed.
6. Use a small ice cream scooper or a tablespoon to form 1 inch balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and these delicious treats are ready to be consumed!

How to store peanut butter energy balls

To get the most out of your energy bites, we recommend that you store them in a sealed air tight container in the fridge. Storing these energy balls in the fridge will have them last up to a week (if they aren’t eaten first!).

Because all of the ingredients in this recipe are shelf stable, you can actually leave them out at room temperature. However, if you leave them out at room temperature, they should be consumed within 1-2 days.

In a hot, humid environment, we strongly recommend against storing these at room temperature as there is a higher risk for mold development.

Lastly, if you are as obsessed with these peanut butter energy bites as we are, you can make a double or triple batch and store them in the freezer! They will last up to 3 months in an air tight container in the freezer. All you need to do is thaw them at room temperature for an hour on the counter when you are ready to eat them!

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Food Dolls

These energy bites are the perfect sweet treat, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course CHOCOLATE, Dessert, Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 268 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup lightly salted peanuts (or no salt added)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup melted creamy peanut butter
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 tsp salt *if using unsalted peanuts
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a blender, blend oats and peanuts until ground, it should resemble flour.
• Place mixture in a bowl and add peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and salt *if using any. Mix until it comes together into a “dough.” *See note below.
• Add chocolate chips and mix until chocolate chips are evenly distributed.
• Form into 1 inch balls using a small ice cream scoop. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Notes

TIP: After you process the oats and flour, you can place all the ingredients (except for the chocolate chips) in the food processor and pulse until it is smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips. This is can be easier than trying to stir by hand!

Nutrition

Serving: 12g | Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg

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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

NOTES

If you like this recipe, try these Peanut Butter Monster Balls with a boost of protein!