You will love this Energy Balls Recipe! They’re easy to make, made in one bowl and perfect for meal prep. They’re also gluten free and vegan friendly. Keep reading for our master mix recipe and loads of flavor ideas!
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Energy balls are one of my absolute favorite healthy snacks! Filled with healthy fats, good carbs and protein for well-rounded (no pun intended) little energy bites.
Everyone needs a good energy balls recipe and I’ve created the perfect guide for you to make your own flavors…
I’m talking a MASTER MIX where you use the same main ingredients for one recipe, then change up the flavors by using your favorite mix-ins and/or nut butters.
No bake energy balls are great for meal prep, road trips, filling the freezer and helping out postpartum moms too.
The Master Mix Main Ingredients
For these oatmeal energy balls, the main ingredients needed are:
ROLLED OATS – Also known as “old fashioned rolled oats”. Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats as needed.
NUT BUTTER OR SEED BUTTER – peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, tahini, sunflower seed butter, or really a mix of any of these will work. You just want to make sure you’re using a creamy variety, and one with minimally added ingredients. For example, if you’re buying store-bought, look for a nut butter with nuts listed as the first and main ingredient. Depending on the brand and nut butter, some may include added oils. I usually purchase no salt added as well.
CHIA SEEDS OR MILLED FLAXSEED – chia seeds and milled flaxseed are my go-to for no bake energy balls. The main recipe calls for two tablespoons (or chia seeds or ground flaxseed), so you could also do one tablespoon of each.
STICKY SWEETENER – honey, maple syrup or something with a similar consistency. Use maple syrup to keep these vegan as needed.
MIX-INS – You’ll want to use about 3/4 cup total for your mix-ins. You can divide this between two mix-ins, as I did with most of the flavors in this post.
Additional Mix-ins
- chocolate chips
- sliced almonds
- flaked coconut or shredded coconut
- vanilla or almond extract
- cocoa powder
- dried berries
5 Different Flavor Ideas:
For this oatmeal master mix I’ve created 5 unique flavor ideas for you. All of these flavors use the main ingredients, and then your choice of mix-ins and nut butter to create the flavor you want.
Almond Mocha
To make this flavor you’ll use almond butter as the nut butter, add espresso powder, cocoa powder, almond slices and mini chocolate chips.
Cranberry Orange
For cranberry orange energy balls use dried cranberries as the mix-in, cashew butter or almond butter, vanilla extract and mix in some fresh orange zest as well.
Blueberry Coconut
Blueberry Coconut I used cashew butter, dried blueberries and flaked coconut for the mix-ins.
Birthday Cake
The two main ingredients to help make the birthday cake flavor is almond extract and sprinkles. I also recommend using cashew butter for a its buttery flavor and adding in some vanilla extract as well.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
You can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate chip flavor. You could do any nut butter you’d like, or the classic peanut butter chocolate chip combo is always a favorite. Mini chocolate chips work best in energy balls.
Keep scrolling for my other recipes and even more ideas!
A One Bowl Recipe
Energy balls can be made in one bowl and they’re so easy to make.
I typically like to first mix together the nut butter with the sweetener, then add in the rolled oats, chia seeds and whatever mix-ins are being used.
It’s easiest to stir if you have a large wooden spoon or a sturdy silicone spatula.
Chill Bowl Before Rolling
Once everything is mixed together, I like to put the bowl in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop the oat mixture and roll without getting your hands super sticky.
Time Saving Tip! 💡
If you’re short on time, one of my best hacks for this recipe is pressing the energy ball mixture into a parchment paper lined loaf pan (an 8×4 or a 5×7) and then chilling the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes or the fridge for about 40 minutes.
Once the pan and mixture is chilled, lift the parchment paper out and place it on a cutting board. Use a large sharp knife to cut into little squares. You should get about 18 little squares.
How to Store
You can keep these energy balls in the fridge up to two weeks, or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To freeze, place energy balls on parchment lined baking sheet and put the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes before adding to a storage bag.
If putting straight in the fridge, it’s best to store them in one layer but they’ll be fine if stacked in two layers.
Recipe FAQs
Can I change the ratio of ingredients?
It is not recommended to change the ratio of ingredients here or the energy balls may be too wet or too dry and not hold together. For the mix-ins, you can use up to 3/4 cup. For example, if you’re using sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, I don’t recommend using more than 1/2 cup for those unless you want lots of sprinkles and chips in every bite.
Can I use quick oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe. If quick oats is all you have on hand, you could probably make it work but you may only need 3/4 cup.
Can I add protein powder?
It depends on which type of protein powder. If you want to use about 1/4 cup of collagen peptides or whey protein, you shouldn’t need to add other ingredients. If you’re looking to use a plant protein powder, you will likely want to add a few splashes of water and maybe even a tablespoon of melted coconut oil to help absorb the protein powder so the mixture doesn’t get too dry. I wouldn’t add more than 1/3 cup plant protein.
Can I make this nut free?
You can definitely make these energy balls nut free by using sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter or tahini, but tahini is a very strong and distinct flavor so keep that in mind if you want to use that.
Even More Oatmeal Energy Balls
Let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too! Xx Ashley
Energy Balls Recipe (master mix + 5 flavors)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup creamy nut butter of choice, peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, or even sunflower seed or tahini. A mix may also be used
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, or a similar sticky sweetener
- 1.25 cups gluten free rolled oats, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled, not quick
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds, or ground flaxseed
- 3/4 cup total mix-ins, i.e. chocolate chips, dried berries, shredded coconut, etc. Can divide between two or use less.
- See notes for flavor ingredients and amounts
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl mix together nut butter and sticky sweetener until combined. Add in rolled oats, chia seeds (or ground flaxseed) and the mix-ins you're using. Stir using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until combined then place bowl in freezer for 15 minutes to chill – this will make rolling the balls easier.
- Roll into balls: Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper and begin scooping the energy balls and placing on the baking sheet. I use a medium cookie scoop, creating about 1.5" sized balls. Roll between palms to create a smooth ball.
- Store: To freeze, place tray directly in freezer for 30 minutes, then transfer to storage container, layering as needed. If keeping in the fridge, it's best to place energy balls in one layer but you don't have to.
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