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Home » Recipes » Bite Size

No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls

Published: Apr 25, 2018 · Updated: Jul 31, 2023 by Laura Fuentes · This post may contain affiliate links

A healthy and delicious snack is exactly why you'll love these no-bake energy bites that taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie.
4.95 from 38 votes
Jump to Recipe

Need a snack that’s healthy but also tastes like dessert? These no-bake Oatmeal Raisin Energy Balls will do just the trick!

Check out the full recipe for these chewy, bite-size treats in the video below:

If you want to know what they taste like, imagine oatmeal raisin cookie dough and peanut butter in every bite. No wonder they are a favorite healthy treat!

Image: oatmeal raisin bites on parchment paper.

OATMEAL ENERGY BALL INGREDIENTS

I love how easy it is to whip up a dozen of these bite-size treats with simple ingredients like oats, shredded coconut, and peanut butter. Plus, they keep their chewy, delicious texture for up to a week, so you’ll have a healthy snack on hand all week long.

Here’s what you need to make these happen:

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • Coconut flakes
  • Ground flaxseed
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Raisins
  • Peanut butter 
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract

There’s nothing like recreating your favorite recipes into healthier versions that tastes just as good, if not better! And if you want to learn how many parents are doing this while eliminating processed foods and sugars from their family’s diet check out my Family KickStart Program.

It emphasizes on making family-favorite recipes with fresh ingredients while making room for some incredible clean treats!

HEALTHY ENERGY BALLS RECIPE

These are also a gluten-free option, and if you want to make them nut-free, I can help you there too! Swap the peanut butter with soy or sunflower butter or your favorite nut-free option. I have a review on the best nut butter alternatives, and by far, soy and sunflower butter are the most similar in texture to peanut butter. 

Snack time is a must around here, and I love helping families keep their pantry stocked with healthy, easy options like this recipe and other energy bites. They taste like dessert, are good for you, and in my book- the perfect snack! 

Speaking of, I love snacks so much that I wrote an entire book, The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet, devoted to helping families master homemade snacking!

You’ll find everything from no-bake treats, smoothies, homemade fruit leather, and mini-meals, you know, the works!

What are some of your favorite and healthy go-to treats?

No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin Energy Balls

Laura Fuentes
4.95 from 38 votes
A healthy and delicious snack is exactly why you’ll love these no-bake energy bites that taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie.
Servings: 20 bites
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • ½ cup ground flax seed
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips, or raisins
  • ½ cup peanut butter, or other nut/non-nut butter*
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix the oats, coconut flakes, flax seed, mini chocolate chips, if using, and raisins.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.
  • Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mix, until thoroughly incorporated. Let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll it into balls. Store in an airtight container or lunchbox, and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Notes

* The peanut or non-nut butter you use will make a difference in how well these stick together. If they are not holding together well, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more peanut butter. My creamy peanut butter holds these just fine with ½ cup. *you can use quick oats for this recipe, however, you might need to adjust the quantity since the mixture might be a tad sticky. If so, add more oats.

Equipment

The Best Homemade Kid’s Snacks on the Planet
Clean Treats Cookbook

Nutrition

Serving: 1 biteCalories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 32mgPotassium: 143mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
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    Recipe Rating




  1. Chrysta

    June 27, 2018 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    My teenagers have decided that this is their favorite breakfast “cereal.” They don’t wait for it to be rolled into balls; they scoop the muesli into a bowl and top with blueberries and yogurt.
    Question… could I make a big batch ahead of time and freeze for later? Or would the honey act weird when it thawed? Starting to think ahead for busy school mornings next fall.

    Reply
    • MOMables - Laura

      July 01, 2018 at 2:17 pm

      they are smart those teens… bc it’s delicious! You can absolutely make a big batch and freeze it. I suggest you simply line a baking sheet with plastic wrap and spread the dough on there in crumbles. Once frozen, transfer it to a zip bag. Also, this is the perfect recipe to print and have the teens make themselves :)

      Reply
  2. Eileen

    May 06, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    Keeping all of the other ingredients the same, what can I use instead of the coconut?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • MOMables - Laura

      May 07, 2018 at 12:58 pm

      You can omit the coconut. If the dough is too sticky, add just a bit more oats. Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Elisha

        February 07, 2021 at 1:41 pm

        5 stars
        Hi! What kind of oats do you use in this recipe? Rolled oats (quick cook)?

        Reply
        • MOMables-Laura

          February 08, 2021 at 2:34 pm

          Hi Elisha, I used regular old-fashioned (rolled) oats.

          Reply
  3. Heather Sipe

    April 20, 2017 at 8:06 am

    5 stars
    Can these be put into bars instead of balls? Like maybe pressed into a pan and then cut into bars? Do you know how I could do that with this recipe? Thanks!! If not then that’s OK…they’ll be great anyways!

    Reply
    • MOMables

      April 20, 2017 at 9:02 am

      absolutely. press it down and allow it to set, then cut.

      Reply
  4. Deb Hatton

    April 18, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    These are absolutely awesome! The perfect grab-and-go breakfast or pre-workout snack. We used to buy Aussie Bites from Costco but we just do up a batch of these on Sunday for the week now instead. Thanks a bunch!

    Reply
  5. Tiffany

    September 25, 2016 at 8:47 am

    5 stars
    Dear Laura,

    Thanks for this recipe! I’m just weeks away from baby no 2. Can I freeze these bites and if so, what’s the best way to thaw and eat for a little extra energy on busy nights?

    Reply
    • Emilie Hebert

      September 29, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      Congrats!! What an exciting time. You can definitely freeze these bites. To thaw them, put them in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for a couple hours. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Mary

    March 15, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    5 stars
    Do these HAVE to be cooled for a half an hour before rolling them? Is that part absolutely necessary?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      March 16, 2016 at 11:10 pm

      No you don’t have to!

      Reply
  7. Emily

    January 28, 2016 at 11:10 am

    5 stars
    I’ve made these a bunch now and love the recipe! It’s fun to play with different ingredients too. I have a 19 month old and Baby 2 is on the way, as well as a very busy firefighter husband. Needless to say they don’t last too long in our house. I made a double batch to send with him to the firehouse during this last big snow storm and they were devoured.

    I’m thinking of trying to add a little Brewers yeast to the mix to make them more like “lactation energy bites” once the baby comes since most of the ingredients are what you see in lactation cookies. . Any thoughts!?

    Great easy recipe! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Emilie Hebert

      January 29, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      I’m so glad you all love them! I’ve never tried added Brewer’s yeast, but if they turn out well for you, let us know!

      Reply
  8. Amber

    August 04, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    Hello! I’m looking for things my husband can take to work and eat on the go. These seem perfect. Do they have to remain refrigerated at all times?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      August 05, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      they can be left out without issues. enjoy!

      Reply
      • Amber

        August 05, 2015 at 7:28 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks for the reply!

        Reply
  9. Katie

    January 21, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    Hi Laura,
    I ordered your book recently and love it!

    I tried making this recipe two times this week and both times the mix crumbled and I couldn’t roll it into a ball. I used sunflower seed butter since my son can’t eat peanut butter. I used additional sunflower seed butter and honey but it still crumbled. I used old fashioned oats (maybe they aren’t a quick oat). Any ideas? I am not giving up on this recipe.

    Reply
    • MOMables

      January 21, 2015 at 9:06 pm

      Katie, the oats are definitely a problem. they must be quick oats. I’m sorry!!

      Reply
    • Katlyn Tang

      October 23, 2015 at 5:07 pm

      3 stars
      I did the same thing at first and then when I did it again it was a sloppy sticky mess…
      What did I do wrong? I used: Quick oats+ granola, coconut, dried strawberries chopped, peanut butter, honey, and well chopped peanuts

      Reply
      • MOMables

        October 27, 2015 at 10:43 am

        the recipe calls for “rolled oats” not quick oats. sorry!

        Reply
    • VALERIE BOURQUE

      February 03, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      Quick oats are just chopped up oats. Throw the regular oats in a blender and you have quick oats. They cook faster in tiny pieces which makes the magical quick oats. The smaller pieces also allow these balls to stay together easier :)

      Reply
    • Nelson Thulin

      April 05, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      5 stars
      I’m allergic to oats so I used Flax seed Meal worked like a charm

      Reply
    • jackie giroux

      July 19, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      Try adding chia seeds. They should do the trick. :)

      Reply
  10. Winnifred

    January 06, 2015 at 8:22 am

    Thanks for the great recipes, Laura!

    Trader Joes has a new Peanut Butter with added flax and chia seeds. This can be used beautifully in this recipe.

    Reply
  11. Shirley

    October 18, 2014 at 8:17 am

    These sound like a grape at snack for kids. Is it possible to use maple syrup instead of honey?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      October 18, 2014 at 1:39 pm

      absolutely. I consider honey/maple syrup interchangeable.

      Reply
  12. Michele

    October 03, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    I realize this recipe has been around for a while and I’m just way behind the times but I thought I’d share a couple adjustments I made to this recipe. My kids LOVE them and I feel so good about them eating them over the processed things found in the store that don’t even help with energy at all!

    First,..I did not add the raisins or coconut as my kids aren’t fans of those. Second, I added about 1/2-3/4 cups protein powder to the mixture. I typically stay around 1/2 cup. If the bites are too dry to roll into balls I add a little more honey. I just love peanut butter and chocolate so our favorite is to mix 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder and 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder. I’ve also used banana flavored powder with the vanilla and those were delicious too (I mean, who doesn’t love peanut butter and bananas, right?).

    With the addition of the protein powder these delicious bites give an even longer lasting energy boost! I even asked our Dr. about all the added vitamins my kids were getting (from the protein powder) and whether that could potentially cause health problems and she assured me that unless they were eating in excess of 5-6/day they should be fine. Not only are they perfect for snacks but they can serve as a healthy breakfast alternative when you’re running late (which of us mom’s are never running late when we’ve got a houseful of busy kids?!) !!!

    If anyone is still reading about these delicious bite, I hope this helps if you decide you need to change them up a little once in a while!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      October 27, 2014 at 10:07 am

      I’m not familiar with protein powder. Where do you buy it? Can you give me a little more information about cooking with it?

      Reply
      • MOMables

        October 28, 2014 at 11:12 am

        Kristi, the protein powder in this recipe can be omitted or substituted with milk powder. You don’t actually cook with it it’s for added nutritional benefit.

        Reply
      • NoAdditives

        January 04, 2015 at 2:25 pm

        Protein powder is what you use to make a protein shake. You can find it pretty much everywhere, Target, GNC, I think even grocery stores. Most brands use artificial sweeteners, but there are some good natural brands. I like Now Sports or the natural line from Optimum Nutrition. There are all kinds of ways to add it to cookies and other foods, do a google search for recipes.

        Reply
  13. Amber

    August 30, 2014 at 4:02 pm

    5 stars
    Can you make these without the coconut and raisins? What are some good substitutes for them? Thanks!

    Reply
    • MOMables

      August 30, 2014 at 4:20 pm

      you can make these. they don’t have either.

      Reply
  14. Martha

    July 07, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    5 stars
    I’m planning on making these, they sounds great but I have a question. The last ingredient is vanilla. Is that vanilla extract?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      July 08, 2014 at 11:03 am

      yes. sorry

      Reply
  15. Kgiuliani

    June 17, 2014 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    Any suggestions on substitutions for the butter-my kids are allergic to all nut and seed butters

    Reply
    • MOMables

      June 17, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      unfortunately, this is the base for the snack so no.

      Reply
    • Sue

      November 25, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      You can substitue with “WOW” butter!

      Reply
      • MOMables

        November 26, 2014 at 3:46 pm

        Of course!

        Reply
  16. Alejandra Pazos

    May 14, 2014 at 9:40 am

    5 stars
    I’m trying to figure calories before making these… On average how many balls do you get from a recipe?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      May 14, 2014 at 4:50 pm

      I get 18-20 bites

      Reply
  17. Ilissa

    April 21, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    I just made these today. They were not holding together as some other people had also indicated so I added more peanut butter. They rolled together much easier after that. I think the recipe should call for 1 cup of peanut butter instead of 1/2.

    Reply
    • MOMables

      April 22, 2014 at 11:38 am

      thanks Ilissa!

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth

    April 08, 2014 at 7:40 am

    5 stars
    hi I made these last night. put them in the fridge overnight. I made some balls input the rest into a pan and covered it. thinking I could make those into bars. They weren’t sticking this morning so I put that tan in the freezer. I read a comment I need to add more liquid than? I will try this again I tasted it and it taste yummy.

    Reply
  19. Michele

    March 16, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    I have made these twice now. They are very good, but the first time I really struggled to get it all to hold together for balls and this time I can’t get the balls to form at all; it’s too crumbly. Obviously it needs more liquid, but at this point what should I add, and how much?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      March 16, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      Michelle, did you make any substitutions? they hold fine for me every time. perhaps add a little bit more honey

      Reply
  20. Pam

    January 26, 2014 at 6:29 pm

    5 stars
    Love the recipe. Do you know the calorie count when rolled into small balls?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • MOMables

      January 27, 2014 at 10:46 am

      I don’t know Pam. You can plug all the ingredients to some of the calorie counting websites out there.

      Reply
  21. Renae

    January 25, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    Not sure what I did wrong….they tasted wonderful but there’s no way I could have rolled them into balls, they just all fell apart. I did omit the raisins, would that have been the problem?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      January 26, 2014 at 11:28 am

      did you use quick oats? that will do it.

      Reply
  22. Jenny

    January 19, 2014 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    Do you think they are really only good for a week? All the ingredients are shelf stable much longer then a week! Just trying to get as much out of them as I can!

    Reply
    • MOMables

      January 19, 2014 at 11:29 am

      Yes, I am sure they last longer than a week.

      Reply
  23. Becca

    November 10, 2013 at 11:22 pm

    I think I’ve burned my kids out on snack cookies that use raw oats. Have you tried doing this with toasted oats? I’m wondering if it would give it enough of a cooked flavor that my kids would eat it.

    Reply
    • MOMables

      November 11, 2013 at 12:36 pm

      I have tried making these with toasted oats (as in granola). they turn out pretty good too.

      Reply
    • Sara

      January 11, 2014 at 7:25 am

      You can use any nuts, make sure to graind them first. Or sunsflower sedd, also chopped… or almonds. And coconutflakes can tasete nice too :)

      Reply
  24. Kim

    November 07, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    Hey! I’m wanting to try making these right now but I don’t have any flax seed. Can i just leave it out this time? Or use something else to replace it?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      November 08, 2013 at 9:21 am

      yes, you can leave it out. enjoy!

      Reply
  25. Jamie

    October 22, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Good recipe. I did add about 1/4 cup shredded carrots and 2 T chopped sunflower seeds.

    Reply
  26. Cynthia

    August 21, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Wondering if you might know the answers to these questions. Can ground flaxseed be made by taking flax seeds and grinding them in a mini food processor? Can flaxseed be toasted, or is it better to use as is?

    I want to try this substituting the raisins for cranberries! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jay Melo

      August 29, 2013 at 9:05 pm

      I grind flax seeds in my blender. It works great. Just an old blender no special kind. I have not tried toasting.

      Reply
  27. Newbie

    August 10, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    I tried to make these, but because the oatmeal I made was fresh …thus warm, it melted all if the chocolate chips and turned into a gooey, sticky chocolate mess. Is the recipe supposed to say just oats or do you use oatmeal from the fridge?

    Reply
    • MOMables

      August 10, 2013 at 8:46 pm

      I apologize, the oatmeal is dry. or, Dry oats. What you have you can warm a serving in a bowl and serve with milk. We call that an “energy bowl”

      Reply
  28. sarah

    July 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm

    I really want to make these, but would probably end up freezing them, since we have a small family! Anyone know how long they will keep in the freezer? Thanks in advance!!

    Reply
    • MOMables

      July 24, 2013 at 12:41 pm

      Sarah, you can absolutely freeze them! :)

      Reply
  29. Casey

    July 12, 2013 at 7:45 pm

    Could you do this without the coconut. My kids are not fans of the texture.

    Reply
    • MOMables

      July 13, 2013 at 4:23 pm

      Absolutely! it’s just an added ingredient.

      Reply
  30. LissyS

    March 08, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    I love this recipe, but tend to not be able to stomach oats – any ideas for a substitute?

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 08, 2013 at 10:39 pm

      Lissy- check out this recipe. It’s delish and no oats! https://www.momables.com/raw-cookie-dough-bites/

      Reply
  31. Beth

    February 12, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    We love these at our house! I use a small ice cream scooper, it’s a little bigger than a melon baller to make these. I do the scooping part and my 4yo makes them into the little balls! She loves to help and is always so proud when we are done. The last few times I made them I added a couple Tbsp. of melted coconut oil and they tasted just like an Almond Joy!

    Reply
  32. Sunithi

    October 13, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    5 stars
    Love the no bake version of a yummy healthy snack and the size is just perfect. Going to try this on the weekend with my kids :)

    Reply
    • Laura

      October 13, 2011 at 1:03 pm

      Let us know how they come out! :)

      Reply

Trackbacks

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