Energy Balls Recipe

Introduction

Energy balls are a simple, nutritious snack packed with natural ingredients to keep you fueled throughout the day. These no-bake bites combine fruits, nuts, and wholesome add-ins into delicious, portable treats perfect for busy lifestyles.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup natural creamy almond butter, slightly heated
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 small (1/4 cup) extremely ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews or walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried Medjool dates, pitted (soak in hot water for 5 minutes if dry and drain before using)
• 1/3 cup dried apricots or raisins
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup creamy almond butter, slightly heated
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 12 whole almonds (optional for garnish)
• 1/2 cup cashew butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 2/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup dried Medjool dates, pitted (soak if dry)
• 1 cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons creamy almond or cashew butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 12 pecan halves (optional for garnish)
• 1/4 cup cashew butter (or substitute with other nut or seed butter)
• 1.5 tablespoons Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup superfine blanched almond flour
• 1 tablespoon pea protein powder (optional; substitute with 2 tablespoons more almond flour if preferred)

Instructions

1. Step 1: For the Apricot Energy Bites, pulse cashews and almonds in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add dried apricots, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, sea salt, almond butter, maple syrup, banana, and oats. Pulse until mixture forms a sticky dough.
2. Step 2: Wet your hands slightly and form the dough into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
3. Step 3: For Banana Nut Energy Bites, combine heated nut butter, maple syrup, and mashed banana in a bowl until smooth. Stir in oats, vanilla, salt, and chopped nuts until well mixed. Form into balls using slightly wet hands, adding water or coconut oil if needed to bind.
4. Step 4: Repeat the shaping and storing process as above.
5. Step 5: To make Carrot Cake Energy Bites, pulse apricots, dates, and nuts in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add carrots, shredded coconut, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, warmed almond butter, maple syrup, and oats. Pulse until combined into a sticky dough.
6. Step 6: Form into balls and store as directed.
7. Step 7: For Lemon Energy Bites, pulse apricots, cashew butter, and 1/4 cup shredded coconut until chopped. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut oil, salt, oats, vanilla, and remaining shredded coconut. Pulse into a sticky dough.
8. Step 8: Form balls and roll in remaining shredded coconut if desired. Store properly.
9. Step 9: For Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites, mix heated almond butter and coconut oil until smooth. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, shredded coconut, and oats until combined. Form balls and press an almond on top if you like.
10. Step 10: Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
11. Step 11: For Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites, mix heated nut butter and honey. Stir in oats, raisins, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and other ingredients. Form into balls, adding a bit of water or coconut oil if needed to help binding.
12. Step 12: Store as usual.
13. Step 13: For Turtle Pecan Energy Bites, pulse dates and pecans until roughly chopped. Add other ingredients except pecan halves and pulse until well combined. Form balls and press a pecan half into each for garnish.
14. Step 14: Store in airtight containers chilled.
15. Step 15: For Grain-Free/Keto/Paleo Protein Bites, mix nut or seed butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, almond flour, and optional protein powder. Form into balls and store accordingly.

Tips & Variations

• Soak dates before using if they seem dry to help blend into a smooth dough.
• If dough is too dry and crumbly, add small amounts of water or melted coconut oil until it holds together well.
• Wet your hands slightly before shaping balls to prevent sticking.
• Customize energy bites by swapping nuts, dried fruits, or spices according to your preference.
• Refrigerate dough before shaping to make it easier to handle.
• Optional garnishes like almonds or pecan halves add a lovely crunch and presentation.

Storage

Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw frozen bites for a few minutes at room temperature. These no-bake snacks hold their texture and flavor well when properly stored.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nut or seed butters instead of almond or cashew butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond or cashew butter with peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini depending on dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Do I need a food processor to make energy balls?

While a food processor makes combining ingredients easier and smoother, you can roughly chop nuts and mix ingredients by hand or with a sturdy spoon for a chunkier texture.

Energy Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

These Energy Balls are nutrient-dense, no-bake snacks made from wholesome ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, oats, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they come in a variety of flavors including apricot, banana nut, carrot cake, lemon, coconut almond butter, oatmeal raisin, turtle pecan, and grain-free keto options. Easy to prepare and store, these bites provide a healthy, portable snack for any time of day.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 20–25 energy balls depending on size and variety 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Apricot Energy Bites

• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup natural creamy almond butter (slightly heated)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Banana Nut Energy Bites

• 1/3 cup natural creamy almond butter (slightly heated)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 small (1/4 cup) extremely ripe banana, mashed
• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews or walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Carrot Cake Energy Bites

• 1/2 cup dried Medjool dates – pitted (soaked in hot water 5 minutes if dry, drained)
• 1/3 cup dried apricots or raisins
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup creamy almond butter (slightly heated)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Lemon Energy Bites

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/4 cup cashew butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (divided)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2/3 cup natural creamy almond butter (slightly heated)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites

• 2/3 cup natural creamy almond butter (slightly heated)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 12 whole almonds (optional for garnish)

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

• 2/3 cup natural creamy almond butter (slightly heated)
• Honey (amount assumed 2 tablespoons)
• 1 2/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup dried Medjool dates – pitted (soaked in hot water 5 minutes if dry, drained)

Turtle Pecan Energy Bites

• 1/2 cup dried Medjool dates – pitted
• 1 cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons creamy almond or cashew butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 12 pecan halves (optional for garnish)

Grain Free/Keto/Paleo Protein Bites

• 1/4 cup cashew butter (or other nut/seed butter)
• 1.5 tablespoons Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup superfine blanched almond flour
• 1 tablespoon pea protein powder (or substitute with 2 tablespoons more almond flour)

Instructions

1. Prepare Apricot Energy Bites: Place cashews and almonds in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add dried apricots, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, sea salt, almond butter, and maple syrup. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough-like consistency.
2. Form Apricot Balls: Wet your hands slightly and tightly roll the dough into 1 to 1.5 inch balls. Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
3. Prepare Banana Nut Energy Bites: In a large bowl, combine the heated almond butter, pure maple syrup, and mashed banana until smooth. Stir in oats, salt, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Form Banana Nut Balls: Wet your hands slightly and form the dough into 1 to 1.5 inch balls. If the dough doesn’t stick together, add water or melted coconut oil a half tablespoon at a time, or chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping. Store in airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
5. Prepare Carrot Cake Energy Bites: Pulse apricots, dates, and nuts in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add grated carrots, shredded coconut, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Pulse until combined into sticky dough consistency.
6. Form Carrot Cake Balls: Roll the dough tightly into 1 to 1.5 inch balls with slightly wet hands. Store airtight in fridge or freezer.
7. Prepare Lemon Energy Bites: Pulse apricots, cashew butter, and 1/4 cup shredded coconut in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add lemon juice, coconut oil, lemon zest, sea salt, rolled oats, remaining shredded coconut, almond butter, and maple syrup. Pulse until the dough forms a sticky consistency.
8. Form Lemon Balls: Roll into balls 1 to 1.5 inches and optionally roll each ball in remaining shredded coconut. Store airtight refrigerated or frozen.
9. Prepare Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites: In a bowl, mix heated almond butter and coconut oil until smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, shredded coconut, and oats. Mix well.
10. Form Coconut Almond Butter Balls: Roll into 1 to 1.5 inch balls with slightly wet hands. If dough is sticky, add water or melted coconut oil a little at a time or chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping. Optionally press one almond on top of each ball. Store airtight refrigerated or frozen.
11. Prepare Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites: Mix heated almond butter and honey until smooth. Stir in oats, ground flaxseeds, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, raisins, and dates until combined.
12. Form Oatmeal Raisin Balls: Wet hands, roll dough into 1 to 1.5 inch balls. Adjust stickiness with water or melted coconut oil if needed. Chill if necessary before forming. Store in airtight container refrigerated or frozen.
13. Prepare Turtle Pecan Energy Bites: Pulse dates and pecans until roughly chopped. Add almond/cashew butter, vanilla, coconut oil, maple syrup, and cacao powder. Pulse until well chopped.
14. Form Turtle Pecan Balls: Roll dough into 1 to 1.5 inch balls, slightly wetting hands. Press one pecan half into center of each ball. Store airtight refrigerated or frozen.
15. Prepare Grain Free/Keto/Paleo Protein Bites: Mix nut or seed butter, sugar-free maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, almond flour, and protein powder in a bowl until combined.
16. Form Grain Free Balls: Roll dough tightly into 1 to 1.5 inch balls with slightly wet hands. Store airtight in refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

• Use slightly wet hands to prevent dough from sticking while rolling balls.
• If dough feels too sticky or crumbly, adjust moisture by adding small amounts of water or melted coconut oil.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and roll.
• Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
• Optional garnishes include whole almonds or pecan halves pressed on top of the balls.
• You can substitute nut butters and nuts based on your preference or dietary restrictions.
• Soaking dates in hot water softens them and helps achieve a sticky texture in the dough.
• These energy balls are naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free oats and ingredients.

Keywords: energy balls, no bake snacks, healthy snacks, gluten free snacks, nut butter energy bites, vegan energy balls, paleo snacks, keto energy bites, healthy on-the-go snacks