There’s nothing better than a snack that tastes like a treat: and this recipe covers both. Try these No Bake Energy Bites! They taste like dessert, but they’re a simple combination of peanut butter, oats and honey. Of course, there’s a teeny hint of chocolate thrown in too! Compare them to store-bought energy bites, and there’s no comparison. The homemade version is extraordinarily delicious! Here’s how to make this delicious treat (er, snack).
Ingredients for no bake energy bites
These no bake energy bites take no time to put together and just a handful of ingredients. In fact, you might already have these in your pantry! (Except the mini chocolate chips, though you might already stock those, too.) Here’s what you need:
Old Fashioned rolled oatsCocoa powderMini chocolate chipsUnsweetened shredded coconutCreamy peanut butter (no sugar added, or tahini or sunflower butter for nut free)Honey (or agave syrup for vegan)Cinnamon and salt
Want a variation without cocoa powder or coconut? Go to our Peanut Butter Energy Balls.
How to make energy bites: some tips!
The consistency of the dough in these energy bites varies based on the texture of the peanut butter. It can also vary based on the rolled oats. Here’s what to know:
Use very creamy peanut butter. We don’t recommend using super thick peanut butter or even almond butter, which can be very thick right out of the jar. Creamy PB is best for this one!Start with a little less oats. Follow the recipe below for quantities! If the dough feels stiff, you can proceed. If the dough feels pretty sticky, add the full amount of oats. Freeze, then adjust. Freezing the dough helps it set and become firm and rollable. If it’s not stiff enough add more oats; if it’s too crumbly add a hint more peanut butter and honey.
Variations: sunflower butter and tahini
Battling a peanut butter allergy? We know some classrooms and schools may not allow it due to allergies. Here are a few alternatives to peanut butter that work here:
Sunflower butter: You can try sunflower butter, which is made from sunflower seeds. The flavor isn’t quite like peanut butter in a sandwich, but hidden by the other flavors here it can work. Tahini: Tahini is a great substitute for peanut butter, and it would be fantastic in these energy bites.
Cookie scoop is helpful but not required
When we make these no bake energy bites, we like to use a cookie scoop. Why? It makes for perfectly portioned balls. That’s why these pictures look so uniform! A cookie scoop is also great for making perfect cookies (yep!) and other things like Veggie Dippers.
Use a #40 cookie scoop. This makes 1 1/2-inch balls that are 1 ½ tablespoons. Don’t have one? Here’s the #40 cookie scoop we use.
Storage info for energy bites
These energy bites are good right away after you make them: but even better if you refrigerate for about 1 hour to set the texture. After that, they store well! Here’s what to know:
Homemade energy bites last up to 2 weeks refrigerated. They likely last even longer than that. You could freeze them if you like, but we haven’t tested this. Bites last at room temperature in lunches. They become stickier when they’re room temperature, but they should last in brown bag lunches. If transporting, you’ll want to wrap them. If you’re bringing them somewhere as a snack, wrap in plastic wrap. They become stickier as they get warmer, so eat as soon as you can.
More energy bars and snacks
Oats, peanut butter and honey make magic when it comes to snacking! Here are a few more tasty snacks you’ll love with this combination:
Try these classic Easy Energy Balls Make bars instead! Try Easy Oatmeal Bars, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars or Homemade Granola BarsGo for Pecan Energy Bars or Cashew Energy Bars
This no bake energy bites recipe is…
Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, use agave syrup. For nut allergies, use sunbutter or tahini. 5 from 1 review
