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- 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup natural peanut butter - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - ¼ cup dark chocolate chips - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt For these energy balls, you need just a few simple items. Rolled oats give a nice base. Natural peanut butter adds creaminess and flavor. Honey or maple syrup serves as the sweetener. Dark chocolate chips bring a rich touch. Chia seeds add a bit of crunch and health benefits. Vanilla extract boosts the taste, while a pinch of salt balances everything out. - Calories per serving: About 120 calories - Macronutrients breakdown: 4g protein, 7g fat, 12g carbs Each energy ball packs a good punch of nutrition. With roughly 120 calories per ball, they offer a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs to keep you going. This balance makes them a great snack for any time of day. - About 1-2 energy balls per serving For the best experience, I suggest enjoying 1 to 2 energy balls at a time. This serving size gives you enough energy without overdoing it. These treats are perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing Ingredients Start by taking a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of natural peanut butter, and ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir all these together until they blend well. 2. Add the Extras Next, throw in ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until you see the chocolate and seeds spread out evenly. 3. Rolling the Energy Balls Grab a tablespoon and scoop out some of the mixture. Roll it in your hands to make a ball. If your hands get sticky, wet them lightly with water. This helps the mixture roll easier. 4. Chilling for Firmness Place the energy balls on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once done rolling, put the tray in the fridge. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. - Suggested Images I recommend taking photos of each key step. Capture the mixing, rolling, and finished energy balls. This visual guide will help you see what each stage should look like. - Tips for Easy Rolling If you find the mixture too sticky, remember to use damp hands. Keep your hands slightly wet as you roll to make the process smoother. - Sticky Mixtures If your mixture is too sticky, add a bit more rolled oats. This will help absorb the extra moisture and make rolling easier. - Adjusting Texture If you want a firmer texture, let the rolled balls chill a bit longer. You can also add more chia seeds to help thicken the mix. To make the best energy balls, start with high-quality ingredients. Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils. This choice keeps the flavor rich and the texture smooth. When it comes to sweetness, balance is key. If you find the mix too sweet, cut back on honey or maple syrup. Adding a pinch of salt can help enhance the flavors. For the best storage, keep your energy balls in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. If you notice any odd smells or changes in texture, toss them out. This ensures you enjoy only the best snacks. These energy balls pair well with milk or your favorite plant-based drink. They make a great snack anytime, whether before or after a workout. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat. Pro Tips Use Old-Fashioned Oats: They provide a better texture and hold the energy balls together more effectively than instant oats. Experiment with Nut Butters: Try almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile while still keeping it nutritious. Chill for Best Results: Refrigerating the energy balls not only helps them firm up but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Make a Batch for Meal Prep: These energy balls are perfect for on-the-go snacks. Make a double batch and store them in the freezer for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can make your energy balls even better with some simple changes. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm and cozy flavor. Just a pinch can elevate the taste. Try different nut butters too! Almond butter or cashew butter can change the whole vibe. Each nut butter adds a unique twist. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats. These oats keep the recipe safe for your diet. For vegan alternatives, swap honey with maple syrup. This will keep the sweetness while staying plant-based. You can enjoy your treat without worries. There are many fun add-ins to try! You can toss in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. Nuts add protein and flavor, so mix in some chopped almonds or walnuts. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can make your energy balls chewy and sweet. If you want a twist on chocolate, use white chocolate chips or carob chips instead. These options keep your snacks exciting and tasty. Store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge. Make sure to keep them sealed tight. This helps keep them tasty and prevents drying out. To freeze your energy balls, follow these steps: 1. Place the rolled energy balls on a tray. 2. Put the tray in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. 3. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. 4. Label it with the date for easy tracking. When you want to eat them, thaw the balls in the fridge overnight. This way, they will keep their nice texture and flavor. For long-term storage, you can keep energy balls in the freezer. They last up to three months this way. Check for any off smells or changes in color. These are signs they have gone bad. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can! If you want to switch things up, try almond butter or cashew butter. Both will give a nice flavor. Just make sure you choose a nut butter that is smooth and has no added sugar. This will keep your energy balls tasty and healthy! These energy balls last up to one week in the fridge. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They will stay good for about three months in the freezer. Just let them thaw in the fridge before you eat them. Yes, making these energy balls ahead of time is a great idea! You can mix and roll them up to a week in advance. Just keep them in the fridge or freezer. This way, you have a quick snack ready when you need it. Meal prepping makes it easy to eat healthy! You now have all the ingredients and steps to make energy balls. This simple snack is healthy and easy to prepare. Remember to balance the flavors and choose quality ingredients. Store them properly to enjoy longer. Feel free to experiment with variations or add-ins to keep things exciting. These energy balls fit into any routine, whether you're at home or on the go. Now, it's your turn to roll up your sleeves and create a tasty snack! Enjoy every bite of your energy-giving treat.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Delicious and nutritious energy balls made with oats, peanut butter, and dark chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
  • Add in the dark chocolate chips, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.
  • Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
  • Once all the mixture has been rolled into balls, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
  • After chilling, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container for storage. They can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

These energy balls can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Keyword chocolate, energy balls, peanut butter, snack