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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls Recipe for After School Snacks

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These no-bake peanut butter energy balls are a quick, wholesome, and mess-free snack perfect for after school or anytime you need a fast energy boost. They combine peanut butter, oats, honey, and a few pantry staples for a chewy, slightly crunchy, and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (90g)
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (130g), unsweetened
  • 1/3 cup honey (113g)
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (14g), optional
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (43g), optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (12g), optional

Instructions

  1. Gather your ingredients and measure everything precisely.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, salt, chia seeds (if using), and mini chocolate chips. Stir to distribute evenly (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add peanut butter, drizzle honey over the dry mix, and add vanilla extract. Fold everything together with a sturdy spatula or spoon until well combined and sticky (3-4 minutes). If too dry, add more honey or a splash of milk; if too sticky, add a tablespoon of oats.
  4. Check the texture to ensure the mixture holds together when pressed but is not overly wet or crumbly.
  5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon (15g) of mixture and roll into tight balls. Place on a lined baking sheet. Repeat until all mixture is used, making about 12-14 balls.
  6. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Once chilled, transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

Notes

Adjust wet and dry ingredients gradually to get the right texture. Chilling is essential to firm up the balls and make rolling easier. Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for best flavor and health benefits. Optional ingredients like flaxseed, chia seeds, and mini chocolate chips add nutrition and flavor. Variations include using almond or sunflower seed butter for nut allergies, adding protein powder for a protein boost, or swapping honey for maple syrup for a vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, energy balls, healthy snack, after school snack, quick snack, protein snack, no bake energy balls