These yummy energy bites are a healthy snack that’s easy-to-make with no need to bake! This whole-food snack tames tummy grumbles *and* tastes delicious. Try making this quick and easy no-bake energy balls recipe for after-school snacks that kids and parents like to eat.
Energy bites: A healthy snack idea for kids
Liam took a “Little Chefs” cooking class at his Montessori school. The class focused on making easy snack recipes for kids, and the energy bites recipe was his absolute favorite. In fact, we’ve made this after-school snack so often that our school’s printout is getting a little, um, worn so I thought I’d post their recipe online (and now I can remove this peanut-butter-stained recipe printout from the side of our fridge, yay for de-cluttering).
See also: Sweet Potato Crackers Recipe >
Easy energy bites recipe that tastes like cookie dough
This yummy energy balls recipe has just a few ingredients — oatmeal, peanut butter, unsweetened coconut flakes, raisins, honey, vanilla, and chocolate chips. The ground flax is optional to add protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. And sometimes, we add a little bit of ground cinnamon or chopped walnuts.
Yummy no-bake energy balls
We had always used the school’s printed recipe to make energy bites so little did I realize that energy balls are all the rage! I started searching for healthy energy balls recipes and there are so many. I couldn’t find this exact recipe that we got from Liam’s school so thought that I’d just post their energy bites recipe here. Why tinker with something that’s already great?
An easy snack that kids can make themselves
My kids request this energy bites recipe so often that I have them making their own energy balls now. Liam’s become a pro. I think that baking is great for practicing fractions and it’s good for him to learn how to cook. Plus making energy bites is pretty fun.
Energy bites make easy after school snacks
I keep the ingredients in my pantry at all times so it’s easy to make energy bites when the mood strikes. One thing to note: There’s a bit of refrigeration time so be sure to start early so the energy bites are ready for after-school snacking. I’ve also been known to sneak one here and there as an evening treat after the kids go to bed. Shh, don’t let them in on it.
How to make energy balls
Making energy balls is really easy. You basically mix the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla until creamy and then add everything else. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes, scoop into balls, and store in an airtight glass container in the fridge. It’s so easy that you can have the kids make them for you. 😀 Stir it up, Liam. Stir it up.
Yummy No-Bake Energy Bites
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
- Large spoon
- Optional – Small ice cream scooper
- Optional – Coffee grinder or small food processor to grind flax seeds
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or sunbutter creamy or crunchy, your choice
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup oats
- 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup flax seeds or chopped walnuts Ground flax is more digestible so ideally grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder or small food processor. Can also sub chopped walnuts.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – regular or mini We prefer dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll into bite-sized balls. We use a small ice-cream scooper and then roll slightly to form a ball.
- Store in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Be sure to pin these energy bites – healthy snack for kids
And see more easy recipes for kids like my Snow Day Scones and Mini Frittatas for Breakfast.
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