The flavors and variations for energy balls (energy bites or power balls) are endless! This energy ball recipe is my go-to. They taste great, my kid loves them, and they hit the spot when I need a snack. These energy bites are also easy to adapt to your favorite ingredients. I bet you already have most, if not all, of the ingredients needed to make the recipe. More recipes like these are peanut butter granola bars, my chia seed pudding, and our strawberry banana baked oatmeal.
Key Ingredients
Oats: I usually use rolled oats, but quick oats will do the trick if you’re in a pinch. Just remember, no steel-cut oats here! We’re not cooking them, so they need to be the softer kind. Power Ingredients: This is where you can get creative! I love adding ground flaxseed, chia, or hemp seeds for an extra nutritional boost. Protein powder is also a great option if you want more protein (add 1 to 2 scoops). Nut Butter or Sunflower Butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even more exotic nut butter will all work beautifully. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower butter is my go-to. You could even try homemade tahini for a delicious twist! Honey or Other Sticky Sweetener: Honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness, but if you don’t have any on hand, try pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Salt and Spices: A pinch of sea salt is a must, and I love the warmth of cinnamon. Feel free to experiment with other baking spices like cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, clove, allspice, or nutmeg. Chocolate, Nuts, or Dried Fruit: This is the fun part! Adding something melty, crunchy, or chewy takes these bites to the next level. I usually go for mini chocolate chips (like when I make granola bars), but regular-sized ones, chopped chocolate, or even cacao nibs are delicious.
How to Make Energy Balls
Making these power balls really could not be any easier. Add everything to a bowl and mix until well blended and sticky. Then, using your hands, roll into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, dip your fingers into water and roll with damp hands.
Energy Ball Recipe Variations
I make the basic energy balls recipe all the time and love it. That said, there are many ways you can adapt these. I’ll share a few below to get you started, and then, if you come up with an epic variation, share it in the comments below so we all can see!
Oatmeal Raisin: Take a cue from oatmeal raisin cookies, increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon, and add raisins and chopped nuts (I like pecans or walnuts). Extra Chocolate: Stick with the basic recipe, then drizzle melted chocolate over the formed balls or roll in cocoa powder. Chai: Use the spices from chai tea to make a spiced energy ball. Try adding 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Coffee: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the recipe for a caffeine kick.
3 tablespoons (18g) ground flax meal, chia seeds, or hemp seeds 1/2 cup (135g) nut butter or sunflower seed butter 1/3 cup (112g) honey or pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, optional 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 cup (45g) mini chocolate chips or substitute dried nuts and fruit 2If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add a bit more nut butter or honey. If the mixture seems too wet, sprinkle in some more oats. 3Form into 1-inch balls or for a slightly easier time forming the balls, place the mixture into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes and then roll into balls. 4When forming the balls, a medium cookie scoop is useful and helps to keep each ball the same size — we try to make the balls about 1 inch in diameter, but this is up to you.
