No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Bites Make Great Snacks – Only 5 Ingredients Needed!
Homemade oatmeal energy bites are an easy snack or treat the whole family will love using simple pantry ingredients!
Having a snack attack?
If you’re looking for a homemade simple snack recipe, try these no-bake oatmeal energy bites. They taste like a yummy no-bake cookie, are fun to make, and most importantly – they are kid-approved! I originally shared this recipe 8 years ago when my kids were younger and they still love them today!
In fact, this oatmeal energy balls snack has consistently been one of our most pinned and visited recipe posts EVER with over 2 million views, so that tells me lots of readers are fans of this snack too! 😋
Just make sure to refrain from eating the mixture. I promise, if you keep waiting, the final product is incredibly delicious.
Honestly, you can use these measurements as a general guide to creating your own energy bites recipe.
These are extremely customizable to your taste buds and nutritional needs. If you think an additional ingredient (think nuts, dried fruits, candies, etc.) would take these oatmeal energy bites to the next level, do your thing, as long as you let us know how they turned out, of course. 😉
Here are a few other oatmeal energy bites “mix-ins” to consider as ideas:
More of a visual learner? Watch Stetson make these easy no-bake oatmeal energy bites:
If you can’t see the video, watch it here on YouTube.
Oatmeal Energy Bites
yield: 24 SERVINGS
prep time: 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES
cook time: 15 MINUTES
total time: 1 HOUR 35 MINUTES
If youโre looking for a healthy and easy snack idea, try these no-bake oatmeal bites that are kid-approved!
Ingredients
Directions
1
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.
2
Roll out teaspoon-sized balls and place on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
3
Freeze or place them in the fridge until set, about one hour.
4
Enjoy as a snack immediately, or keep leftovers in a Tupperware in the fridge or freezer as desired.
Additional Notes
Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com
Nutrition Information
Yield: 24, Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
87 Calories | 4.9g Fat | 10.0g Total Carbs | 1.3g Fiber | 6.3g Sugar | 1.9g Protein | 8.7g Net Carbs
Here are a few tips when making oatmeal energy bites:
- Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have, like using maple syrup or agave in place of the honey. Or try out crunchy peanut butter instead of almond butter for an added crunchy bite.
- Having trouble rolling your energy bites into a ball. Some readers have also suggested chilling the mixture a bit before rolling them.
- Want to up your protein intake? Add chia seeds or protein powder to the recipe.
- Note that there is an hour of chilling time for this recipe that is factored into the prep time. These treats are a great make-ahead snack considering that you can store them in a container and/or ziplock bag in the freezer for months!
- Looking for some extra flavor? We’ve made these oatmeal energy bites with pumpkin. If you love all things fall-flavored, that version of the recipe is a must-make!
- Some readers have suggested adding rolled oats to a food processor first for a finer texture.
So simple and perfect for a small bite!
With minimal ingredients, low effort, and no baking involved, these poppable energy bites are perfect. They can make a great afternoon snack and are also handy to take along when traveling. I typically throw them in a cooler for my daughter’s softball tournaments instead of buying granola or protein bars.
Try our 3-ingredient chocolate peanut butter banana bites next!
WARNING: These are soooo dangerous!!! Iโve been making these for years, I also add 1/4 cup of raisins, and 3TBS chia seeds. Enjoy๐
And 2TBS of the mini chocolate chips instead, not the regular size
Anything you can sub for almond or peanut butter, like something not from nuts
Are you allergic to tree nuts? Maybe you could use the SunButter, idk, I never tried it, might be worth a shot…
I use sunflower seed butter instead. Itโs so amazing!!!
Iv just made these for the first time, i havent even tried the finished result and the bowl mixture tasted amazing! And sooo easy to make
Oh yay! Enjoy them Ruth!
I added 1/4 cup protein powder. Yum, like eating cookie dough.
Oh good! Thanks for letting us know ๐ฅฐ
I put the mixture in the fridge for about an hour, makes it easier to roll.
Great idea!! Thanks for sharing ๐ฅฐ
I do the same thing and wow does it make a huge difference when rolling๐
Can i use 1/4 of chia seeds instead of flax seeds ?
Sure that sounds great!
Hi! Whatโs the serving size?
1 – makes 24 bites.
Yes what is serving size and calorie count or fat content carb count? Iโm not sure I could eat these in moderation??? Maybe a meal๐.
We have updated the nutrition – see above.
I use a similar recipe but I have coconut oil in mine. You canโt taste it and it keeps the littles regular too!
Awesome ๐ thanks Kim!
I make 2 separate double bowls since I have the ingredients and mess so this makes like 80 bites to last me and my husband 1 1/2 months worth in the freezer.
I also add chia seeds and mini ch. chips work better, stays in the bites better.
I make a similar recipe with 1C. PB, 1 C. Honey and 2 C. Powdered milk. Over the years Iโve found that if I keep the moist (sorry, I know people hate that word!) to dry ratios the same, I can tinker with the ingredients and still have delicious treats! Iโve used wheat germ, and ground flax, in place of some of the powdered milk. Itโs really fun to experiment! Thank you for sharing H2S! And thanks to everyone who shared their ideas! I love these posts! ๐
I wonder if you could put malt powder in for a different flavor? Has anyone tried this?
What can I substitute for oats? I’m allergic but would love to make these.
Oh man.. well maybe some sort of millet cereal or buckweat. I would go with something like that – and maybe even add coconut.
Ha, just came on to get the recipe to make and voila, it’s on the first page. We must all be craving these today, lol…Thanks for this great recipe!
sure! Thanks so much for the feedback!
These are so delicious! Iโve used a different recipe for years, but itโs almost identical to this one. I have also added a scoop of protein powder, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, chopped apricots, flax seed, hemp seed, chopped cranberries and and even mini chocolate chips. But not all at the same time๐Itโs really fun to change it up and do something a little different. My nieces are on the high school golf team and their #1 request is my protein balls๐They go crazy over them!!
Thanks so much for sharing! This would be a great golf snack ๐
What is the calorie intake?
Iโve made these multiple times and theyโre always SO good! Tried again today and added cranberries, pumpkin seeds, crushed walnut pieces and a dash of cinnamon๐
Wow so yum! Thanks Clarissa!
Thank you for reposting these. I’ve been trying to come up with some good snacks to take to the hospital when my daughter is born. Would these do well to stay frozen for several weeks and then to keep them unrefrigerated for a couple of days? Seems like the ingredients would be okay with being left out, they may just get soft?
Ya soft is fine! They can keep for a couple of days I am sure.
I add cinnamon and chopped walnuts, too! My five year olds favorite snack!
Do these freeze well?
Yep! Just keep them in a covered container or sealed bag and they can last for a few months.
My teenager has been making these for a long time to pack in her lunch to eat after working out. We all love them!
Oh yay thatโs so great!
I have started blending/processing/grinding the oats before adding them in & they are so much better that way!
I do the same thing, sometimes Iโll grind 1/2 the oats and put the other 1/2 in whole for a little texture. Either way you canโt go wrong.๐๐๐
For those who asked here is the break down for one bite cookie. 1.8g fat. 0.8g Saturated fat. 4mg sodium. Total carbs 8.7g. Dietary fiber 0.8g. Total sugars 5.7g. Protein 1g. Calcium 9mg. Iron 1mg. Potassium 40mg.
If anyone has a homemade recipe and wants to know the stats go to: very well fit.com Then under tools pick the nutrition calculator. Follow directions for serving size, and ingredients and it will give you the guide. Happy Holidays!
We also mix in unsweetened coconut flakes
Can you sub packets if instant oatmeal for the rolled oats?
I haven’t tried, but let us know how it goes. Assuming that’s fine.
I have another add in, I tried just a small spoonful, like half teaspoon? of cocoa powder. Unsweetened, because I wanted more chocolate without the extra sugar and they are awesome! This was my 1st time making these and I will use a full teaspoon next time. Try it, even my husband loves them!
Oh good thinking Jane! That sounds yum!
do they have to stay in the fridge or can they stay out on counter for a few days after you make them? I don’t like eating cold snacks. Thank you! recipe sounds delicious and can’t wait to try!
If it’s not too hot in the kitchen, yep they can stay out a couple days I would think! if they start melting, maybe just toss in fridge.
So I ve Made these several times, handed them out to friends who were running races with me. They just love it, I use my friends honey from her bees and also loved all the additional suggestions from previous people. Thank you for sharing this delicious healthy snack !!
Oh we are so glad you love this idea!!thanks for sharing Janet!
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but oats and flax seed increase lactation, so these are great for breastfeeding mamas! Iโll have to give them a try.
I do remember hearing about that, Eva! Thanks for mentioning it!โค๏ธ Good to know! ๐
I love this recipe. I’m not a honey fan, so I use agave syrup. I’m thinking of making my peanut butter by using the PB powder so I can reduce the calories. I’ll post if it works out. Might lose the flavor some.
Iโve made these once and am making them again today. This time doubling the recipe. These energy balls are fantastic, especially when you want something quick and donโt have the time to prepare something else. These are my โgo to โ snack and sometimes even eat a few for breakfast. They freeze incredibly well. I have shared the recipe with my friends and they love them as well.
Oh yay! That is so great to hear Fran! I do love these lots too.
I’ve made many variations of these but don’t always have time to roll them into balls (or just feeling lazy) so I press them into a 9×9 pan and chill them then cut them into squares. lining the pan with wax paper makes it easier to get them out.
Great idea, Teah! Thanks for sharing how you’ve made them! ๐
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Hey there, Dee! Yes, natural peanut butter will also work! ๐
Thanks for reposting. Great reminder. And so good to see Stetson in the video. Hope he is well. We miss him๐
You’re very welcome, Jean! Stetson is doing well! We sure miss him too! โค๏ธ
My daughter just asked me to make something like this and you posted it at the perfect time. Thanks!
Yay! So glad this popped up at the perfect time, Gigi! Enjoy! ๐