Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

These simple no-bake chocolate peanut butter energy balls are loaded with old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, flax seeds, honey and chocolate which make a great healthy snack.

Lately I've been trying to make easy healthy snacks with ingredients we usually have lying around the house. It can be quite nice when you already have all the ingredients and can make something in under 30 minutes. Even better when you don't have to cook or bake anything.

I realize we're a little late to the bandwagon with these chocolate peanut butter protein balls. Both Lauren and I have pinned probably 25 recipes over the past few years if that is any conciliation.

So with that in mind, I decided to finally make some myself. I was actually inspired by Chef Savvy's 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites. These chocolate peanut butter protein balls are loaded with fiber, healthy fats and protein that keep you energized throughout the day.

They also make for a great on the go breakfast as well if you're short on time. So if you're like me and wanting to have healthier snacks that almost tastes like dessert, I suggest giving these energy balls a try.

Or if you want something a little more savory, you can never go wrong with homemade cheese crackers.

Jump to:

• Recipe Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• What if I Want More Protein?
• Benefits of Energy Balls
• Do the Energy Balls Need to Be Refrigerated?
• Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
• Other Snack/Breakfast Recipes
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Recipe Ingredients

• Old-fashioned oats - the base for the energy balls.
• Peanut butter - gives added protein and binds the energy bites together.
• Ground flax seeds - loaded with nutrients and healthy fats.
• Dark chocolate chips - semi-sweet chocolate works as well.
• Honey - adds sweetness and helps bind everything together.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - gives the chocolate flavor.
• Chia seeds - add a ton of nutrients.
• Vanilla extract - enhances the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
2. Use a wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Cover and place in fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Use and ice cream scoop to scoop out 12 balls. You'll have to use your hands to squeeze together so they stay together.
4. Place in an airtight container in the fridge and keep for up to a week.

What if I Want More Protein?

That's not a problem. If you have some chocolate protein powder, just substitute that for the cocoa powder. You can also mix and match and do half protein powder and have cocoa powder as an example.

Benefits of Energy Balls

Energy balls are full with nutrients, made with whole and super foods. They are high in protein, healthy carbs, fats, and fiber, which helps build lean muscle mass, boost energy and aid weight maintenance. Basically these are the perfect, guilt-free snack!

Do the Energy Balls Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes as it helps them keep their form. They'll last for 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• Use old-fashioned oats as they are heartier than quick cooking oats.
• Use quality dark chocolate. If you want dairy-free, try Enjoy Life.
• If you don't want to use or have honey, replace it with maple syrup.
• Use natural cocoa powder vs Dutch-processed cocoa powder as natural cocoa powder isn't as intense of a flavor.
• If mixture is dry, stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time until you can easily form balls without them falling apart.
• Place the energy balls in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so they can set up and stay firm.

Other Snack/Breakfast Recipes

• Carrot Cake Balls
• Peanut Butter Energy Balls
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
• Apple Chips
• Candied Pecans

If you’ve tried these chocolate peanut butter energy balls or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.