Description
These Banana Bread Energy Balls are a delicious, no-bake treat perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go. Made with simple ingredients like ripe banana, oats, peanut butter, and a hint of cinnamon, they offer a nutritious energy boost in a convenient bite-sized form. Ready in just 15 minutes, these one-bowl energy balls require no blender and minimal prep, making them an easy and wholesome choice for busy days.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup ripe banana (mashed – about 1 medium-small banana, 3 oz)
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats (or old-fashioned rolled oats)
- ¼ cup walnuts (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (or chia seed)
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the wet ingredients: Mash ½ cup ripe banana in a bowl until mostly smooth. Add ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until creamy and well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Add 1 cup quick oats, ¼ cup walnuts, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon sea salt to the wet mixture. Mix until everything comes together. If using quick oats, set aside for 5 minutes before shaping. If using rolled oats, let it rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. The mixture should be soft but easy to handle. If it feels too wet, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of oats.
- Add extras: Incorporate any optional ingredients or adjust consistency as needed for easier shaping.
- Shape: Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls using slightly wet hands to prevent sticking.
- Chill: Place the shaped balls on a plate or tray. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or freeze for 10 minutes for a firmer texture before serving.
Notes
- Using old-fashioned rolled oats requires longer chill time (20 minutes in the fridge) to soften the mixture compared to quick oats (5 minutes).
- If the mixture is too wet, add more oats 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any nut butter of choice.
- Mini dark chocolate chips are optional but add a nice sweet touch.
- Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
