Oat and Nut Energy Balls: A Healthy, Protein-Packed Snack

Oat and Nut Energy Balls are the ultimate on-the-go snack that combines the heartiness of oats with the crunch of mixed nuts. These bite-sized treats are loaded with natural energy-boosting ingredients like almond butter, chia seeds, and honey, making them perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout refuel, or midday snack. Plus, they’re no-bake, so they’re ready in just minutes!

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Number of Servings: 12 energy balls
• Serving Size: 1 energy ball

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-Free
• Vegetarian
• Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free nut butter)

Ingredients List

• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (70g) mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews), chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 2 tbsp (30g) honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
• A pinch of salt

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients: Roughly chop the mixed nuts into small pieces. Set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that all the oats and nuts are coated evenly.
4. Add vanilla extract and stir again. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold together when pressed.
5. Using your hands or a small spoon, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. You should be able to make 12-15 balls, depending on your preferred size.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. If you’re in a rush, you can freeze them for 10-15 minutes for quicker results.
7. Once chilled, enjoy your energy balls! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Customize the nuts: Feel free to use any mix of nuts you like. Pecans, hazelnuts, or peanuts also work great. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces to make the balls easier to form.
• Add a protein boost: For an extra protein kick, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture.
• Use dried fruit: If you love a little sweetness, dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots can be added to these energy balls for a fruity twist.
• Make them bite-sized: If you prefer smaller snacks, reduce the size of each energy ball. You can even roll them into mini bites for portion control.
• Make a batch for later: These energy balls freeze well. Simply store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these energy balls nut-free?
Yes, if you have nut allergies, you can substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter and the mixed nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Do I need to bake these energy balls?
Nope! This is a no-bake recipe, so once you’ve mixed everything together and rolled the balls, you just need to chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even date syrup instead of honey. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly depending on the sweetener.

How long do oat and nut energy balls last?
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Oat and Nut Energy Balls are the perfect snack to keep you energized throughout the day. With a delicious combination of oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners, these little bites pack a powerful punch of nutrition. Whether you’re headed to work, the gym, or just need a healthy snack to fuel your day, these energy balls are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track!