6 Healthy Energy Balls Recipes – Easy No-Bake Snacks

Ever find yourself reaching for cookies or chips in the afternoon, only to regret it an hour later? Enter healthy energy balls, little no-bake bites that satisfy your cravings while keeping you fueled. Made with oats, nut butter, dried fruit, and seeds, they’re easy to prepare, store well, and are endlessly versatile.

From chocolatey to zesty to fruity, these six energy ball recipes are proof that healthy can also be delicious.

What Are Energy Balls and Why Are They Healthy?

Energy balls (also called bliss balls or protein bites) are nutrient-dense snacks that combine healthy carbs, protein, and fats. They’re naturally sweetened with dried fruit like dates or raisins and usually held together with nut butter.

Why they’re a smart choice:

• Convenient: Grab-and-go snacks for busy days.
  
• Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
  
• Flexible: You can swap ingredients for whatever you have at home.
  

1. Carrot Cake Energy Balls

These bites capture the flavor of carrot cake in a healthy, snackable version.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded carrots
  
• ½ cup shredded coconut
  
• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• 1 cup pitted dates
  
• ½ cup almond or cashew butter
  
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
  
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  

Instructions

1. Add the shredded carrots and dates to a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and starts clumping together.
   
2. Add oats, shredded coconut, nut butter, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Pulse until thick and uniform. If too dry, mix in 1–2 teaspoons of water.
   
3. Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands.
   
4. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
   
5. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
   

For another protein-packed recipe, try our Loaded Chicken and Broccoli Salad

2. Double Chocolate Energy Balls

Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you, indulgent but guilt-free.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  
• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• 1 cup pitted dates
  
• ½ cup nut butter
  
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
  

Instructions

1. Blend the pitted dates in a food processor until a paste forms.
   
2. Add oats, cocoa powder, nut butter, and chia seeds. Pulse until well combined. The mixture should be thick but pliable.
   
3. Stir in chocolate chips by hand for extra crunch.
   
4. Form into bite-sized balls and set on a lined tray.
   
5. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
   

3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

Think peanut butter cookie, but lighter and more portable.

Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter
  
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  
• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• 1 cup pitted dates
  
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
  
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
  

Instructions

1. Blend dates into a sticky paste.
   
2. Add oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, and flax seeds to the food processor. Blend until mixture holds together.
   
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips.
   
4. Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls.
   
5. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
   

Don’t miss our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, if you’re craving another easy comfort recipe.

4. Lemon Zest Energy Balls

Fresh, citrusy, and revitalizing—the snack summer calls for.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• ½ cup nut butter
  
• 1 cup pitted dates
  
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
  
• Juice of 1 lemon
  
• Zest of 1 lemon
  

Instructions

1. Blend dates and lemon juice in the food processor until smooth.
   
2. Add oats, nut butter, chia seeds, and lemon zest. Pulse until sticky and well mixed.
   
3. Taste and adjust, add more lemon juice for tanginess or more oats if too sticky.
   
4. Roll into balls and chill for 30 minutes.
   
5. Keep refrigerated for a cool, grab-and-go snack.
   

Pair them with our Vegetable Tortilla Roll Ups, for a light lunch combo.

5. Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls

Sweet, tangy, and tropical all at once.

Ingredients

• ½ cup dried cranberries
  
• ½ cup shredded coconut
  
• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• ½ cup nut butter
  
• 1 cup pitted dates
  
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
  

Instructions

1. Blend dates and cranberries until they form a sticky paste.
   
2. Add oats, coconut, nut butter, and chia seeds. Blend until the mixture is well combined.
   
3. If the mixture feels dry, add a teaspoon or two of water.
   
4. Roll into balls and coat lightly with extra shredded coconut if desired.
   
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
   

6. Oatmeal Raisin Energy Balls

The flavor of oatmeal raisin cookies, but healthier.

Ingredients

• ½ cup raisins
  
• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• ½ cup nut butter
  
• 1 cup pitted dates
  
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  

Instructions

1. Process raisins and dates together until smooth.
   
2. Add oats, nut butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Blend until thick and sticky.
   
3. Roll mixture into small balls.
   
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
   
5. Store in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.
   

For another creamy comfort dish, try our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest.

Conclusion

With these six healthy energy ball recipes, you’ll never get bored of snacking again. Each variation offers something unique. Whether it’s the sweetness of carrot cake, the indulgence of double chocolate, or the tang of lemon zest.

They’re quick to make, meal-prep friendly, and far healthier than store-bought snacks. Keep a batch in your fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a nourishing bite ready when hunger strikes.

For more make-ahead inspiration, see our Sweet Potato Black Bean Avocado Breakfast Burritos.

FAQs About Energy Balls