We’re 7 days into the new year. How’s it going so far?
I don’t know if you made any resolutions, but perhaps these wholesome, easy-to-make energy bites can help you stick with any healthy eating-related goals. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and they taste like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
Yes, all of your dreams can come true. Let me show you how!
These energy bites require just 7 ingredients, 15 minutes, and 1 bowl to make!
The base is peanut butter, maple syrup, protein powder, and oats. Flaxseeds and chia seeds are added for plant-based protein and fiber plus a serving of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids!
The “jelly” in this recipe comes from dried fruit. I personally love dried strawberries, cherries, and blueberries, but virtually any dried fruit will do.
I hope you all love these energy bites! They’re:
Easy to make
Chewy + Delicious
Peanut Buttery
Fruity
Full of protein (~5 g protein per bite!)
Salty-sweet
& Nutrient-rich!
These would make the perfect on-the-go snack or healthy dessert. They pack easily and keep in the freezer for at least 1 month! I personally love reaching for 1 or 2 in the afternoon with tea. They’re the perfect little pick-me-up.
Aren’t into PB&J? Try my Mango or Peanut Butter Cup variations!
Super into PB&J? Try my PB&J Muffins, PB&J Chia Pudding, PB&J Smoothie, PB&J Thumbprint Cookies, and PB&J Snack Bars!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. We’d love to see your energy bites in action. Cheers, friends!
No-Bake PB & J Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy salted peanut butter (or almond, cashew, or sunbutter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or sub finely chopped dates)
- 2 Tbsp vegan protein powder* (optional – just omit if you don’t have any)
- 1 ¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats*
- 2 ½ Tbsp flaxseed meal
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (i.e. dried strawberries, cherries, blueberries, cranberries)
Instructions
- To a large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, protein powder, rolled oats, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and dried fruit of choice. Mix until well combined. If too dry/crumbly, add more peanut butter or maple syrup. If too sticky or wet, add a little bit more oats or flaxseed meal.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Then scoop out 1 1/2 Tbsp amounts (I like using this scoop) and roll into balls. The “dough” should yield about 13-14 balls (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
- Enjoy immediately and store well-sealed leftovers in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month (or more).
Video
Notes
*For protein powder recommendations, check out my Vegan Protein Powder Review post, which notes Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powder as my favorite!
*Adapted from the lovely Gimme Some Oven.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Monica says
We LOVE this delicious recipe and have had it on repeat in our household since discovering it. They are incredibly easy to make and we’ve found that simple modifications can be made while remaining tasty. Sometimes we leave the protein powder or dried fruits out depending on what we have on hand.
Bonus- our 2yr old and 4yr old can’t get enough of them either!
Yay! We’re so glad this is a favorite in your household, Monica. Thank you for sharing! xo
Laurie says
Absolutely delicious and ridiculously easy!!! We are watching sodium so I left out the protein powder. Thanks for a great recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoyed these bites, Laurie! Thank you for sharing! xo
Kristin says
This is my go-to recipe for PB balls. I nix the chia seeds (they get stuck in my teeth), and add 1/4 c. hemp hearts instead. I tried flax meal and didn’t care for that flavor. I have also added coconut shreds (a little too “shred-y” for me). I also usually add 1/4 c. mini unsweetened chocolate chips. I’m amazed at how versatile this recipe is; you just have to balance “too wet” vs “too dry” when rolling. The protein powder (we use Orgain vanilla bean) really pulls in moisture so a few tablespoons is all you need if too wet.
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this recipe, Kristin. We love your creativity with it! xoxo
Victoria says
The recipe says flax seed meal but it looks like you use flax seeds in the video. Could either work?
Hi Victoria, we used flax seed meal, which is a better option for this recipe! Whole flax seeds will add a little crunch and not soak up moisture as well.
Cathy Vanmatre says
I only had quick cook steel cut Oats is that okay to use?
Hi Cathy, we aren’t familiar with quick cook steel cut oats, but if the texture is similar to regular steel cut oats, we wouldn’t recommend it! Steel cut oats will be too firm for this recipe.
Naomi says
I made this recipe with chopped dates instead of dried fruit. These are delicious!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Naomi! Thanks so much for the lovely review. xo
Lilyg says
Delicious! I used 2 dates instead of syrup so I needed to add a couple T of water. I put everything in the food processor then stirred in dried blueberries. Very easy to work with, not sticky at all
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience, Lily! xo
prashanthi atluri says
Do you have the video for the recipe?
Yes, you can find it here.
Melanie says
These were super simple to make and delicious. Mine were a tad Sticky but wetting your hands does help. I may just get the scoop too. Thanks for sharing!
We’re so glad you enjoyed them, Melanie! Thanks so much for sharing. xo
David says
As with all of The Minimalist Baker recipes this is easy and tasty. Love these for a quick bite or meal
So glad you enjoy these, David!
Sierra says
I have been making these energy bites for years, they are the only accompaniments my son will take in his lunch box that aren’t a packable processed simple carbohydrate. I love that they are nutrient dense and a healthier option. I have made them with slight variations that really don’t work. Always! use creamy peanut butter. Chucky doesn’t have the same sticking power. I haven’t used other fruits, so I am no help there. I’ve subbed honey for maple…ONCE. It’s just ok, maple is the preferred sweetener. Don’t forget the protein powder, it throws off the wet to dry ratio. And my last and final tip – NEVER, I mean never use quick oats. They also throw off the wet:dry ratio and make the crumbliest energy bites ever. No bueno.
Bonus Tip: I use a 1-ounce scooper (w/the flipper that empties it) to make uniform sized bites, it usually yields 15 bites. I hope this helps, and happy baking/cooking!! ;)
We’re so glad he enjoys them, Sierra! Thank you for sharing your experiences! xo