These Chocolate No Bake Energy Bites are a delicious, easy snack! They taste like a treat but are packed with nutrition to give you that boost of energy you need.
My family is constantly on the hunt for snacks that will give my kids an energy boost without giving them that sugar crash 30 minutes later. My three are the most obvious humans in the world when they are overly hungry – they come by it honestly – I’m a bear when I’m hungry. So we really need snacks that have some protein in them.
Chocolate Energy Bites are a great solution to this problem! They are made with simple ingredients I always have in my pantry and each bite has only 84 calories and 3 grams of protein. These little guys freeze great, so you can always have some on hand to grab before running to soccer practice, the gym, work, the park, or whatever has your sweet family busy.
Ingredients in Chocolate Energy Bites
- Quick Cooking Oats: The difference between quick cooking oats and old fashioned oats is the size. Quick oats are smaller which creates a better texture for this recipe. If you have old fashioned oats on hand and want to use them, just run them through the blender or a food processor first to make them smaller.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: See my recommendation below if you have a nut allergy.
- Honey: I love using honey in this recipe because you can get a lot of sweetness in a smaller quantity than you can with sugar. I have a few honey alternatives listed below
- Mini Chocolate Chips: The more the merrier when it comes to chocolate in this recipe. I’ve got more ideas for other mix-ins listed below.
- Vanilla Extract
- Cocoa Powder
How to Make Energy Bites
Here is a brief overview of how this easy no bake energy bite recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Combine ingredients. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix well using a spoon, spatula, or clean hands.
- Form into balls. A small cookie scoop works well, you can see my recommendation below. Roll and store in an airtight container. See my tips below on freezing.
One Tablespoon Scoop
Peanut Butter Substitution
If you or any of your family have nut allergies, you can try this recipe with almond or sunflower seed butter. I’ve also heard Wow Butter is a great alternative for peanut butter. Use an equal amount of one cup nut butter.
Quick Cooking Oats
As you can see in the ingredient list, this recipe calls for quick cooking oats. Quick cooking oats are basically just old fashioned oats that are broken down. They work great in this recipe because the bites are so small you wouldn’t want to get a big piece of oat.
If you only have old fashioned oats on hand, you can easily make quick cooking oats by tossing the old fashioned oats in a food processor or even a blender. You will want to process them just a few pulses or until they form smaller pieces but pieces that are still big enough to pick up on their own. You can see in the photo of ingredients above what we are looking for.
Substitutions for Honey
As mentioned above, I love using honey in this recipe because it gives a sweet flavor without too much sugar. Generally speaking you can replace sugar with half the amount of honey leading to a recipe that is just a little healthier.
If you don’t have honey on hand or you need to us an alternative, maple syrup and agave syrup work great here. You will want to use the same amount, so either 3 tablespoons of maple syrup or 3 tablespoons of agave.
Energy Bites Variations
I love the texture of oatmeal, peanut butter, and mini chocolate chips in this recipe. But the greatest thing about this recipe is you can add just about anything you like! Here are some yummy suggestions:
- Add dried fruit like raisins, chopped dates, figs, or cranberries.
- Toss in a few teaspoons of flaxseed, chia seeds, or hemp seeds.
- Flavor up your energy bites with all kinds of spices: Pumpkin Spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
- Love these but want the original? Make these Five Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites, then let me know which ones you prefer in the comment section below!
Storing and Freezing
Store your chocolate no bake energy bites in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
You can freeze these yummy treats too! Freeze them in a single layer for a few hours then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months.
FAQ
Yes! Add one scoop of your favorite protein powder before mixing. Just keep in mind that the added dry powder might make it harder for them to stick together. Add an additional 1 teaspoon peanut butter, and 1/2 teaspoon honey to help them bind if that is the case.
These energy bites are naturally gluten free, but always double check your labels, especially of your oats, to make sure none of the ingredients have been contaminated by gluten.
Sure can! I recommend running them through a food processor or blender to make them smaller. The texture will be better and they will stay together better.
If your energy bites seem dry or crumbly, add a bit more agave or peanut butter. If they seem too mushy, add a little more oats or cocoa powder.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
You and your kiddos will positively love these quick and easy chocolate no bake energy bites. The mild chocolate flavor, the hearty oats, and the creamy peanut butter make these feel more like a treat.
If you are looking for more great snacks to keep you going in the afternoon, here are a few more to try:
- Roasted Chickpeas: I have a reader who used to make these all the time for her swim champ high school student. Such a great healthy snack!
- Pickled Eggs: These are one of my very favorite snacks. Such a great protein source and they last in the refrigerator for three months.
I would love to hear from you! Do you love energy bites? Leave me a comment below and we can swap ideas.
Chocolate Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking oats (read more about this here)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Mix together all of the ingredients until fully combined.
- Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, make one inch balls, roll, and store in an airtight container.
Ashley@blondegirlcravings says
I have been having a moment with energy bites. I have been struggling to get on the bandwagon after the holidays, and those make me feel like I am having a treat after a meal. Can’t wait to try this version!!
Lol! I totally hear you! I have only squeaked out two. They are super delicious though! Though . . . when I called them a treat to my kids they took bites and were all . . . “Ummm, these are NOT treats.” Lol!
Linda Davis says
They look good and I need to gain weight
Phyl says
Could honey replace agave nectar?
Yes, that would be a great substitute!
Judy says
What can you replace the agave with?
Honey would work great!
Candy Vincent says
Is there anything else you could use instead of honey or the nectar?
I’m really sorry, I haven’t tested this with anything else.
DAN CASSIDY says
HOW MUCH HONEY WOULD YOU USE-THANKS
3 Tablespoons in place of the Agave
Stephanie says
Should these be stored in the refrigerator?
Nope, they can be stored at room temperature.
Traci says
These were very good. My mixture was a bit crumbly so after I scooped it out, I had to smoosh it a bit in my hands as I rolled them into balls. I used sugar free chocolate chips.
I do want to find a recipe with less calories so we can eat them without worrying. Me and my kids like something to give us a bit of energy to work out.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed these!
Kara Pontzer says
Whole family loves these. Don’t last long!
I’m so glad to hear that!