Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls

These no bake peanut butter chocolate energy balls are a healthy snack loaded with protein.  Rich and delicious morsels of nutrition made with simple ingredients like dates, oats, and peanuts.  Sweetened lightly with maple syrup, these chewy, fudgy energy bites will really hit the spot! 

 

Are energy balls good for you?

Energy balls are little tiny powerhouses of nutrition.  These no bake chocolate peanut butter protein balls are a combination of protein, good carbs, and fiber. 

Energy bits like this are portable, making them a healthy snack for on the go or a post workout treat.  I have been bringing them for a mid morning snack all week at work and they fill me up and keep me satisfied til lunch. 

Energy Bite Ingredients

This healthy energy balls recipe uses peanuts and peanut butter, however, you can replace those with almonds or cashews if you prefer. 

Other ingredients in this healthy energy balls recipe are also flexible.  Make them with coconut or add chocolate chips right before rolling them into balls. 

Like these peanut butter chocolate energy balls?  Try these healthy snacks, too:

• Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bites: Loaded with real peanut butter and whole oats, then sweetened with honey, these energy bites are a great source of nutrients a delicious snack idea!
• Cinnamon Apple Energy Bites with Organic Freeze Dried Fruit: These cinnamon apple energy bites have a nice sweet/tart flavor and are loaded with healthy ingredients. 
• No Bake Pumpkin Balls That Are Totally Guilt Free! For these delicious pumpkin treats, just mix a few ingredients, roll into balls, cover with cinnamon and sugar and you are done!

Some people wonder if you can eat raw oats in energy balls.  Personally, I have NEVER had an issue with raw oats. If eaten in excess, they may cause digestive issues, however, no bake chocolate oatmeal balls like this have very small amounts of oatmeal per serving and they are finely ground which minimizes intestinal problems.  Here are all the ingredients you need for these easy energy balls

• ¾ cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons hot water
• ½ cup peanut butter  
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup toasted peanuts
• ½ cup rolled oats (not the quick cooking kind)
• 1 to 2 TBSP maple syrup (optional-helps add sweetness and bind the energy balls together)

Do energy balls give you energy?

These healthy peanut butter energy balls are not a replacement for a good night sleep.  Nor are they going to wire you up like a couple cups of coffee.  However, if you get that afternoon fatigue after a coke and a few cookies, you need to rethink how you snack.

These energy bites give you a slow release of nutrients and energy rather than a quick high.  Which means you also avoid that post sugar crash that leaves you feeling worse then you did before your snack.  Reach for these healthy chocolate energy balls instead of sugar and caffeine and you will get a lot more done in the afternoon. 

How do you make energy balls?

These energy bites use dates, which is the ‘base’ of the dough.  It is sticky and sweet and holds everything else together.  However, you do need to soften them up with some hot water before putting the ingredients in the food processor.  So, here is a quick step by step to get you started:

Put the Medjool dates in a small glass bowl.  Pour the hot water over them and cover to keep warm.  Let them sit for a few minutes while you gather your other ingredients.

Place the peanuts, peanut butter, oats, cocoa powder and maple syrup in a food processor.  Add the hot water and dates.  Cover the food processor and mix until the dough starts to hold together.  It won’t be one solid ball but should be moldable.  I swear by my Cuisinart food processor.  I have had it for over 10 years and it is still going strong. 

Press the dough into balls and roll in the palm of your hand until smooth. Enjoy with a glass of milk because they are rich and yummy!

How do you store energy bites?

Place there homemade energy bites into and airtight container for storage.  I stored mine at room temperature for 4 or 5 days with no problems.  You might want to store in the refrigerator if you will be storing them longer than that.  

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls Recipe

Chocolate peanut butter no-bake energy bites are loaded with simple, whole food ingredients and provide plenty of energy to get you through your day.  If you are looking for healthy snacks, this one will be a hit!    If you want a NOT so healthy chocolate dessert, check out my Kahlua Chocolate Truffle Recipe instead!

Yield: 18

Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls

Print

No bake peanut butter chocolate energy balls are a protein rich snack. Tiny morsels of nutrition made with simple ingredients like dates, oats, and peanuts.  

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• ¾ cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons hot water
• ½ cup peanut butter  
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup toasted peanuts
• ½ cup rolled oats (not the quick cooking kind)
• 1 to 2 TBSP maple syrup (optional-helps add sweetness and bind the energy balls together)

Instructions

1. Put the Medjool dates in a small glass bowl.  Pour the hot water over them and cover to keep warm.  Let them sit for a few minutes while you gather your other ingredients.
   
2. Place the peanuts, peanut butter, oats, cocoa powder and maple syrup in a food processor.  Add the hot water and dates.  Cover the food processor and mix until the dough starts to hold together.  It won't be one solid ball but should be moldable.  
   
3. Press the dough into balls and roll in the palm of your hand until smooth. Enjoy with a glass of milk because they are rich and yummy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 116mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 4gSugar: 19gProtein: 7g

Nutrition Information not always accurate