Energy Bites – No Bake – 12 Ways + Video

Energy Bites – No Bake 12 Ways  – switch up your snack lineup with these easy energy ball recipes for healthy on-the go snacks. Best of all, these protein bites are simple to customize and make ahead for school or work lunchboxes. Refined sugar free, gluten free and nut free options. Plus recipe video!

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Energy bites and granola bars are one of our favorite healthy snack recipes to make. 

SO WHAT ARE ENERGY BITES?

Energy balls or protein balls are bite-sized portable snacks that you roll into balls. They are usually made with oats, nut or seed butter, sweetener, sometimes protein powder plus any add-ins of your choice.

WHY DO PEOPLE MAKE ENERGY BITES?

Well, first of all, they are delicious. Not only do they taste like dessert, but I love that you can customize them with ingredients you have on hand.

We usually make a big batch of No Bake Energy Bites on meal prep Sunday to last us throughout the week. You really can’t go wrong with how quick and easy they come together.

Plus, energy balls require no cooking or baking and provide a tasty solution for a quick boost of nutrition. One thing I really like about healthy energy balls? They are made with simple pantry ingredients that you can swap out according to what you have on hand. 

A few of our favorite energy ball recipes include:

1. 5 Ingredient Energy Bites / Peanut Butter Energy Bites
2. Almond Joy Energy Bites
3. Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
4. Apricot Energy Protein Balls – recipe below
5. Banana Nut Energy Bites
6. Carrot Cake Energy Bites
7. Coconut Energy Bites
8. Cranberry Energy Bites
9. No Bake Lemon Coconut Energy Bites
10. Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
11. Pumpkin Energy Bites
12. Turtle Pecan Energy Bites – recipe below

And if you’re looking for some more breakfast options – here are some really popular reader favorites:

• Overnight Oats (8 Ways)
• Steel cut Oatmeal
• Baked Oatmeal Cups (10 Ways)
• Breakfast Egg Muffins – 9 Ways

This comprehensive tutorial guide for no bake energy bites (energy balls, power balls, protein bites) is perfect if you’re a fan of having healthy snacks around.

It includes my favorite recipes along with some tips in case you guys are looking for more variety in your snack or lunchbox arsenal.

They are all refined sugar free and instead we’ve included recipes for energy bites with dates, with honey and maple syrup.

And, all of these energy balls can be made ahead and are freezer-friendly. We like to make a few batches for the week for a quick and easy grab and go / after workout snack.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE NO BAKE ENERGY BALLS:

• rolled oats (use gluten free if necessary)
• sticky sweetener like maple syrup, honey, brown rice syrup or organic agave
• natural nut or seed butter (almond, peanut, cashew, sunflower or pumpkin seed butter)

SO WHAT OTHER INGREDIENTS YOU CAN ADD TO NO BAKE PROTEIN BITES?

• pure vanilla extract (recommended for adding flavor)
• ground cinnamon (my favorite)
• Himalayan or sea salt (cuts down on sweetness)
• almond meal or oat flour
• avocado oil or melted coconut oil
• shredded coconut
• protein powder
• ground flax seeds, chia seeds
• chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans etc.)
• pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
• dried fruit (preferably unsweetened or with less sweetener – cranberries, raisins, blueberries, cherries etc.)
• chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (optional) 

Remember to check the labels if you have any food allergies or sensitivities. Use gluten free or nut free ingredients as needed.

HELPFUL TIPS & TRICKS FOR MAKING THE BEST NO BAKE ENERGY BITES

• Pack and roll your energy balls tightly into 1 – 1.5 ” sized balls – (about one – two tablespoons of dough)
• Chilling the dough prior to rolling helps the dough stick together
• Press dough into a square baking pan lined and cut into bars after chilling instead of rolling into balls
• Wet hands slightly to help the dough stick together
• Heat nut butter with 2 teaspoons of avocado or coconut oil to make it more liquidy – this is especially necessary if you are using nut butter near the bottom of the jar
• Different brand of nut butters yield slightly different consistency and results, adjust as needed. I usually like to use organic and / or natural nut / seed butters
• Increase amount of liquid (nut butter / sweetener / oil ) if dough seems too dry

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Swap out shredded coconut for ground flaxseeds, almond meal or oat flour
• Add protein powder, hemp seeds and / or chia seeds for an extra boost of nutrition
• Pulse softened dried dates, prunes or apricots with some water in your if you don’t want to add any liquid sweeteners
• A pinch of sea salt helps to cut down sweetness and adds flavor

DO YOU ENERGY BITES HAVE TO BE REFRIGERATED?

You don’t have to store energy balls in the refrigerator but I would highly recommend them especially if they are no bake. You can store them at room temperature but, I prefer them chilled since I find them delicious that way.

ARE ENERGY BITES FREEZER FRIENDLY?

Absolutely. These healthy energy balls are the perfect make ahead recipe. You can make them on your meal prep Sunday, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

We like to make a double batch and place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set. Then we store them in freezer-friendly zip-top bags.

Then you just grab one or two in the morning or any time  you need a quick pick-me-up.

ARE ENERGY BITES HEALTHY?

Energy balls are a great healthier treat option when enjoyed in moderation on a balanced diet. They are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with fiber and protein but sweet enough to satisfy that sweet dessert craving.

12 ENERGY BITES RECIPES:

1. 5 Ingredient Energy Bites

2. Almond Joy Energy Bites

Paleo Energy bites / Vegan Energy Bites

3. Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

4. Apricot Energy Bites – recipe below

5. Banana Nut – vegan

6. Carrot Cake

Nut Free Energy Bites

7. Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites – click the link or scroll to the bottom for the recipe listed below

8. Cranberry Energy Bites

9. Lemon Energy Bites

10. Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites – click the link or scroll to the bottom for the recipe below

11. Pumpkin Energy Bites

12. Turtle Pecan – recipe below

5 from 3 votes

Print

No Bake Energy Bites - 12 Ways

Prep Time

20 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

No Bake Energy Bites 12 Ways – the perfect easy and healthy snack for on the go! Best of all, no refined sugar and super easy to customize and make ahead for packing into school or work lunchboxes. With gluten free and nut free options. Plus video.

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: energy bites, gluten free, healthy, no bake, no cook, oatmeal, oats, snacks

Servings: 144 (12 energy bites per flavor)

Calories: 77 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• Click this link for 5 Ingredient Energy Bites:
• Click this link for Almond Joy Energy Bites:
• Click this link Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites:

Apricot Energy Bites

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 3 tablespoons dried unsweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Banana Nut Energy Bites

• 1/3 cup natural creamy almond butter slightly heated
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup , OR honey if not vegan
• 1 small (1/4 cup) extremely ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups rolled oats gluten free as needed - I use Bob's Red Mill
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews (or walnuts)

Carrot Cake Energy Bites

• 1/2 cup pitted dried dates
• 1/3 cup dried apricots or raisins
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites

• 2/3 cup creamy almond butter slightly heated
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup gluten free old fashioned oats
• 12 whole almonds for garnish, optional
• Click this link for Cranberry Energy Bites

Lemon Energy Bites

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup cashew butter
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut divided
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut

Oatmeal Raisin Bites

• 2/3 cup natural creamy almond butter slightly heated
• 1/3 cup liquid honey
• 1 2/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats gluten free as needed - I use Bob's Red Mill
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup raisins
• Click this link for Pumpkin Energy Bites

Turtle Pecan Energy Bites

• 3/4 dried pitted dates
• 1 cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 12 pecan halves optional for garnish

Instructions

Go to link for 5 Ingredient Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-energy-bites/

Go to link for Almond Joy Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/stuffed-almond-joy-energy-bites/

Go to link for Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/apple-energy-bites/

For the Apricot Energy Bites

1. Place the cashews and almonds in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined into a sticky "dough" like consistency.

2. Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls.

3. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

For the Banana Nut Energy Bites

1. In a large bowl, mix together heated nut butter, maple syrup (or honey if not vegan) and mashed banana until smooth.
   

2. Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.

3. Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.

4. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

For the Carrot Cake Energy Bites

1. Place the apricots, dates and nuts in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined into a sticky "dough" like consistency.

2. Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls.

3. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

Go to link for Cranberry Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/no-bake-cranberry-coconut-energy-bites/

For the Lemon Energy Bites

1. Place the apricots, cashew butter and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients except for the reserved coconut and pulse until combined into a sticky "dough" like consistency.
   

2. Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls. Roll into the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, if desired.
   

3. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

For the Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites

1. In a large bowl, mix together the heated nut butter and coconut oil until smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut and oats and mix until well combined.

2. Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.

   Garnish each energy bite by pressing one almond in the center, if desired.

3. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

For the Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bite

1. In a large bowl, mix together heated nut butter and honey until smooth.

2. Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.

3. Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.

4. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

Go to link for Pumpkin Energy Bites: https://lifemadesweeter.com/pumpkin-energy-bites-no-bake/

For the Turtle Pecan Energy Bites

1. Place the dates and pecans in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the pecan halves and pulse until chopped well).

2. Form and roll dough tightly (wet hands slightly if needed) into 1" - 1.5" balls. Press one pecan halve in the middle of each energy bite.
   

3. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

No Bake Energy Bites - 12 Ways

Amount Per Serving (1 energy bite)

Calories 77 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g 8%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Sodium 14mg 1%

Potassium 100mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates 7g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin A 6%

Vitamin C 0.4%

Calcium 1.8%

Iron 2.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.