oatmeal energy balls
Looking for a quick, healthy snack Try these oatmeal energy balls packed with protein and perfect for on-the-go
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- Old-Fashioned Oats: 1 1/2 cups
- These will serve as the base for your energy balls providing fiber and a great source of carbohydrates to fuel your day.
- Nut Butter: 1/2 cup Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter
- Nut butter adds creaminess healthy fats, and a bit of protein. Choose your favorite type or try a mix for extra flavor
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup
- These natural sweeteners not only add a touch of sweetness but also help to bind the ingredients together. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste
Optional Add-ins (For extra flavor and nutrition):
- Chocolate Chips: 1/4 cup dark or semi-sweet
- Who doesn’t love a little chocolate Add these for a delicious indulgence that doesn’t derail your healthy snack goals.
- Chia Seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids fiber, and antioxidants. A little goes a long way in boosting the nutritional profile of these balls.
- Coconut Flakes: 1/4 cup
- Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a chewy texture and tropical flair to the mix.
- Protein Powder: 1-2 tablespoons optional
- If you want to up the protein content adding your favorite protein powder is an easy way to boost the nutritional value and keep you full for longer.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Before diving in, gather all your ingredients. It’s always easier when everything is right in front of you. You’ll need:
- Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups)
- Nut butter (1/2 cup of peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite)
- Honey (1/4 cup) or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chia seeds (if desired)
- This prep will ensure you can mix everything smoothly without interruptions.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine your nut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir them together until smooth. This is the magic glue that will hold your ingredients together, so make sure it’s mixed well!
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Now, it’s time to add the oats. Pour them into the wet mixture and stir until they are fully coated. If you’re adding protein powder, cinnamon, or any other dry ingredients like chia seeds, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes, now is the time to do so. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Roll the Mixture into Balls
- Once everything is mixed together, it’s time to shape the energy balls. Use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon per ball). The size can vary based on your preference.
Step 5: Chill and Firm Up
- After shaping the balls, place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. This will help them firm up, making them easier to grab and go.
Step 6: Enjoy and Store
- Once your oatmeal energy balls are chilled and firm, they’re ready to be devoured! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage