Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
These delicious energy balls have the perfect mix of sweet and salty. With only 8 ingredients, they're simple to make and they'll easily become your new favourite snack. This has become a recipe that I whip up almost every week and pack as a snack for work, running errands, post-workout or on my way to daycare pickup!
The inspiration for these energy balls came from my wonderful group of friends here in the Columbia Valley. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, they showed up at my door with a container of energy balls that quite literally saved my life during those late night breastfeeding sessions. After all, hunger can strike at any time and when you’re up feeding a little one, it’s natural to need to feed yourself too!
Needless to say, I am a huge advocate for honoring your hunger and snacking can be a great way to help you bridge the gap until your next meal. Hunger is nature’s way of saying “I need fuel!” By listening to and honouring your hunger, you are establishing trust with your body. But more on that another time!
What you will need:
Oats - I usually use old-fashioned quick oats (aka rolled oats). These serve as the base of the energy balls and provide a source of “energy”-boosting carbohydrates. Opt for gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
Peanut Butter - I typically use natural peanut butter, which provides a creamy texture and helps to bind the ingredients together nicely.
Substitutions: feel free to use any other nut or seeds butter to suit your dietary needs or preferences (ie. almond butter, cashew butter, sesame seed butter aka tahini)Honey
Honey - To add some natural sweetness and to act as another binder to hold the energy balls together
Pumpkin Seeds - This is the crunch factor! Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein fibre and healthy fats, which helps make them more filling and satisfying
Sesame seeds - these will add a slightly speckled look to the energy balls along with a nutty flavour and crunchy texture. Plus, they’re a great source of fibre and calcium
Dried Cranberries - This is my secret ingredient! The sweetness of the dried cranberries hits just right and makes them super satisfying!
Ground Flaxseed - To add some extra protein, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids
Semisweet Chocolate Chips - You can also use milk chocolate instead, but I like the slightly bitter undertones of the semi sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup old fashioned oats (ie. quick oats)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together and stir well until thoroughly combined.
- Place the bowl in the fridge for 30mins - 2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled. This will help the mixture stick together more easily.
- Roll into 1-2 inch balls and enjoy immediately or store in the fridge or freezer (see below for storage instructions).
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months
Ways to Enjoy These Energy Balls
Whichever way you want to categorize them - dessert, snack or protein ball - the sweet flavour and nutrient density of these energy balls can serve a variety of different needs, including:
As a Dessert - enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner to satisfy your taste buds
Afternoon Snack - simply eat them as a quick and convenient snack between meals
Pre/Post-Workout Snack - enjoy them before a workout for a quick boost of energy or after a workout to help with recovery
With Breakfast - pair an energy ball (or two!) with eggs and toast or add it to a yogurt bowl
On the Go - pack them for snack while travelling, hiking or during busy days when you need a pick-me-up
Crumbled over Foods - this one is my favourite! Crumble energy balls over oatmeal, smoothie bowls, yogurt or salads to add a burst of flavour, texture and nutrients
Gift Giving - package energy balls in decorative jars or bags to give as homemade gifts for the holiday or special occasions
Party Platter - include energy balls on a charcuterie board or snack platter alongside fruit, nuts, cheese, crackers, pickles and olives.
I hope you find an opportunity to try (and enjoy!) these energy balls.
If you do make them, I would love to hear all about it. Please leave a comment below or, better yet, post your creation on Instagram - I’d love to see how it went for you! Don’t forget to tag me @krystalclear_nutrition
