Hey there! If you're looking for a quick and easy healthy snack, these Peanut Butter Energy Bites with Oats are just the ticket. I remember one Saturday morning when my son, Jake, decided he wanted to help in the kitchen. We whipped up these no-bake peanut butter bites together, and they quickly became a family favorite. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of the day!
Why You’ll Love It
- They're super easy to make with no baking required.
- You can customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- They're packed with protein and fiber, making them a filling snack.
Pure Comfort
These bites are not just delicious; they also bring back memories of family time in the kitchen. Plus, they satisfy that sweet tooth without the guilt.
What You Need
- 1 cup 1 cup rolled oats (90 g) – Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup peanut butter (128 g) – Almond butter is a great alternative.
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup honey (113 g) – Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (45 g) – Feel free to skip or use dark chocolate chips.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – You can use almond extract for a different flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 0 minutes | Total: 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, they can be made a few days in advance.
Steps to Make It
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and peanut butter. Stir them together until they form a thick mixture that clumps together. This should take about a minute, and the aroma of peanut butter will fill the air.
- Next, add in the honey and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The mixture will start to look sticky and cohesive, making it easier to form into bites.
- Now, fold in the mini chocolate chips. You want them evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The chocolate will add a delightful sweetness, and you’ll see little specks of brown throughout.
- Once everything is mixed, use your hands to form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 12 to 15 bites. They should feel firm but slightly sticky, and that’s just right!
- Place the formed bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. This will prevent them from sticking. You can pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- After they’ve chilled, transfer the bites to an airtight container. These no-bake peanut butter bites can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making them a great grab-and-go snack.
Make It Perfect
- If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more honey or peanut butter to help it stick together.
- For a fun twist, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Keep a batch in the fridge for a quick snack after school or before workouts.
Mix It Up
- Swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- Add in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
- Mix in some protein powder for an extra boost.
Perfect Partners
- These bites pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a smoothie.
- Serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
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FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a few days in advance and store them in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze these energy bites?
Yes, they freeze well! Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup works great as a vegan alternative.
How do I know when they are done?
Since these are no-bake, they’re ready to eat as soon as you form them into bites!
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Energy Bites are a fantastic healthy snack that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. So, grab your kids and get cooking; you’ll be glad you did!
Peanut Butter Energy Bites with Oats Easy Healthy Snack
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Fridge
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup rolled oats Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter Almond butter is a great alternative.
- 1/3 cup honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips Feel free to skip or use dark chocolate chips.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract You can use almond extract for a different flavor.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and peanut butter until thick and clumpy.
- Add honey and vanilla extract and mix until sticky and well combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture.
- Form small balls about 1 inch in diameter, yielding 12 to 15 bites.
- Place bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate to prevent sticking.
- Chill bites in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.