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    Home ยป Recipes ยป No Bake Desserts

    Energy Bites

    Updated: Mar 16, 2021 โ€ข Published: Jan 2, 2019 by Sam Merritt โ€ข 27 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
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    single image of energy bites on a silver plate with teal header with recipe title at the top

    Easy no-bake/no-cook energy bites! These simple treats are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Minimal prep work is required, making these simple and relatively healthy snacks! Recipe also includes a quick how-to video!

    energy bites stacked on silver plate

    The Most Wholesome Recipe on the Blog

    It’s no secret that we’re all about the sugar here (I mean, it’s right in my name), but today’s recipe is for those of you who need something sweet but also a little bit wholesome.

    These energy bites remind me so much of my favorite granola bars, only even easier (there’s no cooking required) and with less sugar. We’re using simple and relatively clean ingredients like honey, oats, coconut, and dark chocolate.

    Let’s get to it.

    What You Need

    overhead view of ingredients

    As I mentioned, our ingredient list isn’t 100% un-processed (hello, chocolate chips) but it’s arguably better than a regular chocolate chip cookie or chocolate truffle. Here’s what you need:

    • Oats. I recommend old-fashioned. These will make up the bulk of the substance of the energy bites and will help make them nice and chewy!
    • Honey. This is our main sweetener.
    • Shredded coconut adds more sweetness and a nice chewy texture. See my FAQ section for notes about substituting some of these ingredients!
    • Peanut Butter. Natural or classic, creamy or crunchy will work great here.
    • Ground flax seed is an optional ingredient, it’s mostly to add some extra nutritional value to the energy bites. You won’t taste it if you add it, and they’ll still turn out if you leave it out.
    • Vanilla extract & salt add flavor.
    • Chocolate. I like to mix some mini chips into the “dough” and then drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tops.

    Tip: You can substitute sun butter, almond butter, or really any other nut butter for the peanut butter.

    Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

    energy bite dough being mixed in glass bowl

    How to Make It

    1. Stir all ingredients except the chocolate bar (we’ll drizzle that on top) together until well-combined
    2. Form dough into 2-teaspoon-sized balls and place on a tray and chill for 10 minutes in the freezer.
    3. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Alternatively you can dip the energy bites into the chocolate (like you would a buckeye) but you might need a bit more chocolate!
    4. Chill one hour, then serve!

    Honestly, I often skip the chilling step and help myself to a few right away. A bit messier but I don’t let it stop me!

    energy bite that's been bitten into, showing chewy interior

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use instant oats?

    I recommend old fashioned oats for a chewier texture and for energy bites that hold together nicely. While instant oats could be used, the balls might be more crumbly and you may need a drizzle more honey to bind everything together.

    Can I leave out the coconut?

    Yes you can. You can either leave it out entirely without substituting anything or you can toss in your favorite small dried fruit (dried cranberries or raisins would be good) or chopped nuts.

    How should I store energy bites?

    I recommend storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. I honestly prefer the taste when they are at room temperature, though, and will pull one or two out of the fridge a bit before I plan on enjoying.

    chocolate drizzled energy balls on marble

    More Recipes You Might Like

    • Homemade Granola Recipe
    • Peanut Butter Bars
    • Pumpkin Cookies
    • Cookie Dough Bites

    Enjoy!

    Let’s bake together! Make sure to check out the how-to VIDEO in the recipe card! 

    energy bites stacked on silver plate

    No-Bake Energy Bites

    Easy no-bake energy bites! These simple treats are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Minimal prep work is required, making these simple and relatively healthy snacks! 
    Be sure to check out the VIDEO!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 18
    Calories: 104kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 1 ¼ cup (125 g) old fashioned oats
    • ⅓ cup (30 g) sweetened shredded coconut
    • ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
    • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
    • 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips optional
    • 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed optional
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 2 oz dark chocolate bar optional, may substitute melted chocolate chips instead

    Instructions

    • Combine old fashioned oats, shredded coconut, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, flax seed (if using), vanilla extract, and salt in large bowl.
      1 ¼ cup (125 g) old fashioned oats, ⅓ cup (30 g) sweetened shredded coconut, ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup (60 ml) honey, 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips, 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • Stir well until all ingredients are well-combined.
    • Scoop cookie dough by about 2-teaspoon-sized scoops (I like to use a small cookie dough scoop). Roll the mixture between your palms to form a smooth ball.
    • Repeat until all mixture has been rolled into balls. Transfer to a wax paper lined baking sheet (or other moveable flat surface).
    • Place in freezer for 10 minutes.
    • While energy bites are chilling, melt your dark chocolate by breaking into small pieces, placing in a small microwave-safe bowl, and heating for 15-second increments and stirring well in-between until chocolate is completely melted.
      2 oz dark chocolate bar
    • Remove chilled energy bites from the freezer and use a spoon to drizzle melted dark chocolate over all bites. Alternatively you can dip the bottoms of the bites in the chocolate (like you're making Buckeyes).
    • Place in the refrigerator and chill one hour before serving and enjoying.
    • Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1energy bite | Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Iron: 0.5mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!
    energy bites stacked on silver plate

    This recipe was originally published January 2nd 2019. Post updated October 2020.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ivy

      March 11, 2025 at 7:46 am

      I loved this recipe! I didn’t use coconut and chocolate as I didn’t have any. It was delicious! So good! I’m going to definitely going to make this again! Thanks Sam!

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        March 11, 2025 at 1:05 pm

        We are so happy you enjoyed them, Ivy! ๐Ÿฉท

        Reply
    2. Jena

      February 17, 2025 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      I followed the recipe previously and they are super delicious!

      I want to make this again. Iโ€™m out of honey can I substitute it with molasses or should I just use extra peanut butter? I know itโ€™ll change up the flavor.

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 17, 2025 at 2:56 pm

        Hi Jena! I’m glad you enjoyed them! While I think it will “work” I just want you to be aware that the flavor will be VERY strong. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Melissa

      January 01, 2023 at 11:15 am

      Love your recipes โ€ฆ. So Instead of chocolate chips I use mini M&Mโ€™s. And no coconut just cuz I donโ€™t like it..

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 01, 2023 at 9:49 pm

        Thank you, Melissa! I’m glad you enjoy these! They are so easy to customize too which makes them even better. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Esta Konshak

      October 26, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Yum!

      Reply
    5. Stacy

      October 09, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Is there another alternative to the peanut butter? I’m allergic to all nuts. I think applesauce may be too runny.

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        October 09, 2020 at 2:54 pm

        Hi, Stacy! The peanut butter in combination with the honey is what brings the ingredients together. Unfortunately, there isn’t a good substitute that I can think of off-hand. You could possibly try using cookie butter? Without trying it myself I am not sure how it would do. If you do, I’d love to know how it turned out.

        Reply
        • Kendrin

          November 20, 2022 at 1:47 pm

          5 stars
          I make these with Sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) for my kidโ€™s lunch since his school is nut free. They are super yummy!

        • Sam

          November 20, 2022 at 8:42 pm

          I’m so glad everyone enjoys them so much, Kendrin! ๐Ÿ™‚

    6. Blair

      June 24, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      These are amazing!! Both my girls LOVED them also.

      I didn’t have coconut, so left that out. I left out the salt, since I usually don’t put it in most of my cooking. I used chocolate chips, but didn’t do the chocolate over them at the end. I used quick oats, since that’s all I had on hand.

      Fantastic! I was wanting a “healthier” sweet, and this hit the spot! Thank you for another great recipe!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 25, 2020 at 9:59 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed them so much, Blair! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    7. Lorelei Kawchuk

      April 11, 2019 at 8:14 am

      Hi, Sam…
      These No Bake Energy Bites sound healthy, & I’d like to try them, except for one thing… I’ve got an allergy to coconut!! Can you suggest something that could be used in place of coconut in this particular recipe, without problems to the final product???
      If you can, it would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 11, 2019 at 9:44 am

        Hi Loralei! I am not sure of a good substitute here, but you shouldn’t have any issues if you leave it out. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • Lorelei Kawchuk

          April 11, 2019 at 8:55 pm

          Thank you!! Your time is much appreciated!!

        • Misty

          October 09, 2024 at 2:28 pm

          5 stars
          YUM!! I made a double batch and they were gone in two days! My toddlers loved them!

        • Sam

          October 10, 2024 at 7:29 am

          I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much, Misty! ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Guadalupe

        August 20, 2023 at 6:02 pm

        Quick oats works great!

        Reply
    8. SCP

      January 12, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      Hi Sam… would the shredded coconut also mean dessicated? If it isn’t the sweetened variety, I can just opt to add a tad more honey?

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 13, 2019 at 12:23 am

        The coconut is just the shredded variety, which to my understanding is not fully desiccated, as it retains a little more moisture. I think if you add extra honey, it may end up being a little sticky, but I have not tried it, so I am not certain how it will turn out.

        Reply
    9. Cindy W

      January 02, 2019 at 10:58 pm

      recipe looks yummy–can I use Agave Nectar instead of Honey?

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 03, 2019 at 5:39 pm

        Hi, Cindy. I have never used agave nectar, so I am not sure if the consistency is thinner than honey or not. If it is the same consistency, it will work. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    10. Barbara

      January 02, 2019 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      I have not tried the energy bites but it sounds and looks easy, I know it will taste great, great

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 03, 2019 at 5:37 pm

        Enjoy, Barbara! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    11. Vicki W.

      January 02, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      Sounds wonderful…..going to make them NOW!!!!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 02, 2019 at 3:32 pm

        I hope you love them, Vicki! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes

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