My daughter is a non-stop snack eating machine during swim season. She is always super hungry! These no bake peanut butter oatmeal balls are a quick, healthy snack I can feel good about handing her.
They require absolutely zero cooking (no hot oven to worry about!), call for basic pantry staples you likely already have, and take just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.
They are the perfect little bite of energy to keep both you and the kids going throughout a busy day. They're also a quick grab and go breakfast option for busy mornings!
If you need healthy breakfast/snack ideas, make sure to check out these delicious gluten free granola cookies and this make ahead strawberry baked oatmeal while you're here.
Why You’ll Love These Energy Balls
They taste like a treat but are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and peanut butter.
These energy balls are naturally gluten free.
They're super quick and easy to make. These energy balls take 10 minutes of mixing and rolling, and you're done.
They're meal prep friendly. Make a double batch on the weekend, and you have snacks ready for the entire week!
Ready to make life a little easier this week? Grab a mixing bowl and let’s get rolling!
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Recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Energy Balls
- Servings: 10–12 balls
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats (gluten free, if needed)
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional. I actually use cacao powder)
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Mix until fully combined and a dough forms.
If the mixture feels too dry, add a small splash of milk until it comes together.
Roll into balls (about 1–2 tablespoons each). Keeping your hands damp can keep the dough from sticking. You can also use a small or medium cookie scoop.
The picture balls are about 2 tablespoons each, which is the size this cookie scoop makes.
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I like to place the balls on a baking sheet as I go. This makes them easy to put in the fridge.
Place the balls in the fridge and chill for 30 minutes until firm.
That's it! They're ready to enjoy or transfer to an air tight container for storage. Honestly, I usually use a ziplock bag.
Serving Suggestions
These energy balls are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways we love to enjoy them around our house:
- As a quick afternoon snack before swim practice.
- Tucked into a lunchbox or a picnic basket for park days.
- As a quick pre/post-workout bite for an easy energy boost.
Storage
Fridge: Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Pop them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month (they thaw beautifully on the counter in just a few minutes!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these without cocoa powder?
Yes, it’s completely optional! They’ll be delicious both ways, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a classic peanut butter honey flavor.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, it adds a nice, crunchy texture to the balls if you prefer a bit of a crunch! My husband loves crunchy, but my daughter loves creamy.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, just use a dairy-free milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) or skip the milk entirely if your peanut butter is runny enough that the dough doesn't need it.
Share the Love!
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No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls
These no bake energy balls make a great snack or breakfast on teh go!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats (gluten free, if needed)
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional. I actually use cacao powder)
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Mix until fully combined and a dough forms.
If the mixture feels too dry, add a small splash of milk until it comes together.
Roll into balls (about 1–2 tablespoons each). Keeping your hands damp can keep the dough from sticking. You can also use a small or medium cookie scoop.
Place the balls in the fridge and chill for 30 minutes until firm.
That's it! They're ready to enjoy or transfer to an air tight container for storage. Honestly, I usually use a ziplock bag.
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