I've found that my kids come home super duper hungry afterschool (yours, too?) and I can't always get a snack ready quick enough that will get them off the hangry ledge, and quick. My chocolate chip energy bites are the answer! They come together in less than 10 minutes and require no baking
As a busy mom of 3, I love that this recipe uses simple pantry staples, so I don't have to make an extra trip to the grocery to make them. These 5 ingredient energy bites are one of my go-to recipes for snack prep.
While I'm prepping chocolate peanut butter smoothies, banana oatmeal breakfast cookies or chocolate overnight oats for the week, I grab a bowl and with similar ingredients, I mix up a batch of these lifesavers for the week! And I totally suggest hiding these chocolate chip oatmeal balls for yourself...you won't be sad about it.
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Ingredients
- Rolled oats: These provide a great chewy texture. Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be softer.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter is what I use, but almond or cashew butter are great alternatives. For a nut-free version, try SunButter or any seed butter you love..
- Honey: A natural sweetener that also helps everything stick together. Maple syrup or agave can be used instead.
- Chocolate chips: Regular size are good, but mini is better for the perfect burst of chocolate in every bite.
A note about oats
Many people wonder if they can use quick oats instead of rolled oats. The answer is yes, but the texture will be a bit softer. If you prefer a chewier bite, stick with rolled oats.
How to make chocolate chip energy bites
- Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, chocolate chips and any optional spices.
- Shape the bites. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into small balls.
- Chill and enjoy. Place the energy bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
🔥Hot tip
If your mixture feels too dry when mixing, a teaspoon or two of warm water or additional nut butter can help bring everything together.
Awesome add-ins
These bites are incredibly flexible. Try dried cranberries or chopped nuts instead of chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!
- Optional mix-ins - A sprinkle of cinnamon, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chia seeds can be added for extra texture.
- Protein powder: A scoop of vanilla protein powder or PB2 is a great way to add a little extra protein to your day. You may need to add a little more liquid to the mix to really get it well incorporated.
Storage tips
These bites store best in the fridge, where they'll stay fresh for up to a week. If left at room temperature too long, they may soften.
To keep them longer, store them in the freezer for up to a month. Just grab one and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating, or enjoy it straight from the freezer for a firmer bite.
More awesome snack recipes
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📖 Recipe
Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ Tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a large glass bowl. With a mixing spoon, mix until thoroughly combined.
- Roll into tablespoon size balls (about half the size of a golf ball) and pop onto a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate about 30 minutes and then you can put them into any storage container you like.
Notes
-
- Try dried cranberries or chopped nuts instead of chocolate chips.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chia seeds can be added for extra texture.
- Add protein: A scoop of vanilla protein powder or PB2 is a great way to add a little extra protein to your day. You may need to add a little more liquid to the mix to really get it well incorporated.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost anything that you would like. You just want to keep the proportions the same. So if you leave out the chocolate chips, substitute and equal amount of another mix in. Here are some ideas for you:
* Seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds).
* Fun and sweet (coconut flakes, chocolate chips, mini mu0026m's).
* Nuts and fruits (raisins, dried berries, chopped nuts)
Quite easily in fact. They are easily adaptable for those with special diets, food sensitivities, etc.
To make dairy free energy bites just make sure your mix-ins contain no dairy products.
To make nut free energy balls substitute the peanut butter for a nut free option like SunButter.
To make gluten free energy bites be sure your oats and mix-ins are all gluten free. Most old fashioned rolled oats are naturally gluten free, but always check the label.
Yes, however, if you are going to serve them to kids under 1 year old, I would substitute the maple syrup in place of the honey. They can get a little messy, but they are a great healthy-ish snack for your kiddos!
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