Energy Balls

These Energy Balls are a delicious way to switch up your healthy snack line-up. With 12 different flavors to discover, these no bake bite-sized treats are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, refined sugar free with nut-free, grain-free, paleo, low carb and keto options!

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Updated July 2021

Easy No Bake Energy Balls

Whether it’s a busy school morning or just before a workout, these Energy Balls are exactly what you need. They’re super quick and easy to make with no baking or cooking involved. And all of the flavor options are lick-your-lips delicious!

Don’t have 20 minutes to spare? These energy bites can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. That way, all you have to do is reach into the fridge for a snack to satisfy your cravings and give you lasting energy.

What Are Energy Balls?

Energy balls, energy bites or protein balls are portable, delicious bite-sized snacks that you roll into balls. Energy balls are usually made with oats, nut or seed butter, sweetener, sometimes protein powder, plus any add-ins of your choice. Not only do they taste like dessert, but I love that you can customize them with the ingredients you have on hand.

The great thing about these healthy energy bites is that can make a double batch on your meal prep Sunday, store in your freezer to last you throughout the week.

Here you’ll find not one, not two, but 12 energy ball flavors that are guaranteed to impress and super easy to prepare. Buckle up!

Are Energy Balls Healthy?

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

Each variation uses a unique combination of ingredients, so be sure to check them out and find the flavors that are right for you. They are all refined sugar free, vegan and gluten-free with natural sweeteners such as dates, maple syrup or coconut flower nectar syrup and can easily be made grain-free, paleo or with low carb or keto sweeteners.

What You’ll Need

One thing I really like about these healthy energy balls? They’re made with simple pantry ingredients that you can swap out according to what you’ve got. Here are the basic elements that apply to all the energy ball flavors:

• Rolled Oats: Be sure to use certified gluten-free old fashioned oats or rolled oats as needed. To keep this energy bite recipe grain-free, simply swap the oats for an equal amount of these square-shaped coconut flakes from Bob’s Red Mill and sliced almonds, both roughly chopped.
• Sticky Natural Sweetener: Such as maple syrup, coconut flower nectar syrup, organic agave syrup, date syrup or yacon syrup to keep these protein bites vegan. You can also sub with honey (if not vegan) or a low carb sweetener such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or a couple drops of pure liquid monk fruit to keep them lower in sugar.
• Natural Nut or Seed Butter: This could be almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter – use what you like!
• Add-Ins of Choice: Ideas include shredded coconut, cinnamon, protein powder, cacao powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts or seeds. Check out the recipe variations for some tried and true flavor combos that always hit the spot!

How to Make Energy Balls

This comprehensive guide for making no bake energy balls is your one-stop shop for healthy snacking! This process pretty much applies to all the energy bites, but be sure to check out the specific directions for the variation you’re making in the full recipe or watch the step-by-step video.

1. Combine Oats & Nut Butter: Place the oats in a large mixing bowl (or food processor) with the nut or seed butter and mix until fully combined.
2. Add Sweetener: Add in the sweetener then mix again until the mixture resembles cookie dough and have a sticky texture.
3. Add Additional Ingredients: If you’re using add-ins like shredded coconut, chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the dough until combined.
4. Form Balls: Use a spoon or cookie scoop and roll into balls of (1-2 tbsp) sized dough balls and place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer.
5. Chill & Serve: Store the airtight container of energy bites in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them. Chilling is optional but recommended.

Energy Ball Variations

It’s time to get familiar with the tasty flavor options for these no-bake energy balls. Feel free to add your own twist to them, if desired – but I guarantee they’ll satisfy as is!

These energy ball recipes are all gluten-free, refined sugar free, dairy-free with grain-free, low carb, paleo, vegan and keto options. You can make a few batches for the week for a quick and easy grab and go / after workout snack and add some to your lunchbox arsenal.

1. Almond Joy / Chocolate Protein Balls
2. Apple Energy Bites
3. Apricot Energy Protein Balls
4. Banana Energy Bites
5. Carrot Cake Energy Balls
6. Coconut Energy Bites
7. Cranberry Energy Bites
8. Lemon Energy Balls
9. Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
10. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
11. Pumpkin Energy Bites
12. Turtle Pecan Energy Bites

1. Almond Joy Energy Bites 

Loaded with almonds, cacao powder, dates, and shredded coconut – all the flavors you love about the classic Almond Joy bars in a healthy bite-sized snack!

2. Apple Cinnamon

Made with cozy cinnamon, applesauce and pecans – it’s like apple pie in a healthy bite-sized version

3. Apricot

Made with dried apricots, cashews, almonds, sea salt and dried coconut, these sweet and salty energy balls are a party for your mouth! The nuts provide a satisfying crunch while the coconut adds texture and flavor.

4. Banana Nut

Mashed bananas make this flavor ultra creamy and decadent. It also features chopped cashews or walnuts, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for good measure.

5. Carrot Cake 

Packed with shredded carrots and coconut with cozy spices – all the flavors you love about carrot cake in a healthy bite-sized treat!

6. Coconut 

Maple syrup and ground cinnamon flavor this tasty variation while a whole almond tops them off. The creamy almond butter and shredded coconut are the stars of the show!

7. Cranberry

Dried cranberries, shredded coconut and your favorite nut butter are the key ingredients for this healthy sweet snack!

8. Lemon

If citrus is your guilty pleasure, this is the flavor for you. No guilt needed here though! Think lemon bars in energy ball form. This variation uses both lemon juice and lemon zest for maximum zing.

9. Oatmeal Energy Balls

This particular energy bite recipe bring you the comfort of oatmeal raisin cookies with even more nutrition. They use maple syrup, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, raisins and more. Yum!

10. Peanut Butter Energy Bites

There’s no better combo than peanut butter and chocolate and these bite-sized snacks are the perfect healthy pick-me-up!

11. Pumpkin Energy Bites

Full of delicious pumpkin and cozy warm spices with sweet cranberries for the perfect healthy snack for on the go!

12. Turtle Pecan 

Dates and pecans combine with cocoa powder and vanilla extract for a wonderfully dessert-like snack in this simple variation. I like to garnish these with halved pecans for an added crunch!

13. Grain-Free / Paleo / Keto Protein Balls

Dietary restrictions won’t stop you from enjoying delicious homemade energy balls! This variation features the nut or seed butter of your choice, Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup, pea protein powder and much more. Everything is completely grain-free and paleo-friendly.

Tips for Success

Want some extra advice for making the best no-bake energy balls? I’ve got you covered with this list of tips and tricks.

• Heat Nut Butter: Your nut butter should be heated with 2 teaspoons of avocado or coconut oil to make it more liquidy – this is especially necessary if you’re using nut butter near the bottom of the jar. Different brands of nut butters yield slightly different consistencies and results, so adjust as needed. I like to go for organic and/or natural nut or seed butters.
• Pack & Roll: After you scoop out the dough, roll your vegan energy balls tightly into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. This is about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough.
• Dough Not Sticking? If your dough is too dry, simply add more liquid ingredients (nut butter, sweetener, oil), a little bit at a time. If it’s still having trouble sticking to itself, chill it for about 20 minutes prior to forming the balls. This should help bring it to the proper texture. You can also slightly wet your hands while rolling to help it stick, if needed.

Substitutions

Wondering what works well as ingredient substitutions? Once again, I’ve got you covered!

• Instead of Shredded Coconut: You can use ground flaxseeds, almond meal or oat flour.
• In Place of Liquid Sweeteners: Pulse softened dried dates, prunes or apricots with some water.
• In Place of Protein Powder: Not a fan of protein powder? Use hemp seeds and/or chia seeds instead for that extra boost.

Storage Instructions

How to Store:

You don’t actually have to store these energy bites in the refrigerator, but I think they are even more delicious when they’re chilled, so I highly recommend it! Keeping them in the fridge also prevents them from getting too soft or mushy.

Store these vegan energy balls in an airtight container in one layer (or use parchment paper to separate layers).

How long: 

They’ll stay good for 3 days on the counter at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Keeping them in the fridge prevents them from getting too soft or mushy.

Can I Freeze No Bake Energy Balls?

Absolutely. These healthy energy bites are the perfect make-ahead recipe!

How to freeze:

Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to flash-freeze. Then, transfer the balls to freezer-friendly bags, squeeze out all the air and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

More Healthy Breakfast Ideas

The following breakfast recipes are all huge hits among my readers, and you’re bound to fall in love with them too!

• Overnight Oats (9 Ways)
• Breakfast Egg Muffins (9 Ways)
• Baked Oatmeal Cups (10 Ways)

5 from 20 votes

Print

Energy Balls - 12 Ways

Prep Time

20 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

These Energy Balls are a delicious way to switch up your healthy snack line-up. With 12 different flavors to discover, these no bake bite-sized treats are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, refined sugar free with nut-free, grain-free, paleo, low carb and keto options!

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: energy balls, healthy snacks to make, no bake protein balls

Servings: 12 balls (for each recipe)

Calories: 77 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

Click this link for Almond Joy Energy Bites

Apricot Energy Bites

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

Click this link for Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Banana Nut Energy Bites

• 1/3 cup natural creamy almond butter , slightly heated
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup , can also sub with coconut flower nectar syrup, organic agave syrup, date syrup or honey (if not vegan). For low carb, you can sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or a 2-3 drops of pure liquid monk fruit.
• 1 small (1/4 cup) extremely ripe banana , mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats for grain-free, you can try subbing with 1 cup of these square-shaped coconut flakes and 1 cup of sliced almonds, both roughly chopped.
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews (or walnuts)

Carrot Cake Energy Bites

• 1/2 cup dried Medjool dates - pitted , soaked in hot water for 5 minutes if they seem dry (drain before using)
• 1/3 cup dried apricots or raisins
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded 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 pure maple syrup , can also sub with coconut flower nectar syrup, organic agave syrup, date syrup or honey (if not vegan). For low carb, you can sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or a 2-3 drops of pure liquid monk fruit.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats , for grain-free, you can try subbing with 1/2 cup of these square-shaped coconut flakes and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, both roughly chopped.
• 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 unsweetened shredded 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 , for grain-free, you can try subbing with 1/4 cup of these square-shaped coconut flakes and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds, both roughly chopped.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

Oatmeal Raisin Bites

• 2/3 cup natural creamy almond butter , slightly heated
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup , can also sub with coconut flower nectar syrup, organic agave syrup, date syrup or honey (if not vegan). For low carb, you can sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or a 2-3 drops of pure liquid monk fruit.
• 1 2/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats , for grain-free, you can try subbing with 3/4 cup of these square-shaped coconut flakes and 3/4 cup of sliced almonds, both roughly chopped.
• 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 Medjool dates - pitted , soaked in hot water for 5 minutes if they seem dry (drain before using)
• 1 cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons creamy almond or cashew butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup , can also sub with coconut flower nectar syrup, organic agave syrup, date syrup or honey (if not vegan). For low carb, you can sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or a 2-3 drops of pure liquid monk fruit.
• 2 teaspoons cacao powder , or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 12 pecan halves optional for garnish

Grain-free Paleo / Keto Protein Bites

• 1/4 cup cashew butter , can sub with nut butter or seed butter of your choice
• 1.5 Tbsp Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup OR you can sub with a 2-3 drops (or more depending on taste) of pure liquid monk fruit. Sub with pure maple syrup (for strict paleo)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup superfine blanched almond flour
• 1 tbsp pea protein powder , or can also sub with 2 Tbs more superfine blanched almond flour

Instructions

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 and mashed banana until smooth.

   Stir in the remaining ingredients 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.

   

3. 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.

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 Bites

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.

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.

For the Grain Free/Keto/Paleo Protein Bites

1. In a large bowl, mix together the nut or seed butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, almond flour and protein powder (if using.

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.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

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

How to Store:

Store these energy balls in an airtight container in one layer (or use parchment paper to separate layers). They'll stay good for 3 days on the counter at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Keeping them in the fridge prevents them from getting too soft or mushy.

How to freeze:

Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to flash-freeze. Then, transfer the balls to freezer-friendly bags, squeeze out all the air and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Energy Balls - 12 Ways

Amount Per Serving (1 energy bite (for each flavor))

Calories 77 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Carbohydrates 7g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 1g2%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.