Enjoy these Oatmeal Energy Balls for breakfast! With one batter, you can make four different types of energy balls. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and you can make it ahead of time, so breakfast is ready by the time you wake up.
Oatmeal Energy Balls are a quick and easy breakfast idea
Who's a big fan of quick and easy breakfasts? Oh, me too! With these Oatmeal Energy Balls, we are now at a whole new level of grab-n-go breakfast.
Think the convenience, variety, and tastiness of donut holes except healthy! Rather than get a sugar rush from donut holes, you'll be cruising through the morning with these Oatmeal Energy Balls.
Use different mix-ins to make four flavors of Oatmeal Energy Balls with one batter
The best part of this no cook Oatmeal Energy Ball recipe is the amount of variety you can get out of one kitchen session. Whether you have family members who each like different flavors or you just like having some options, you won't be adding on much work for it.
For my batch of Oatmeal Energy Balls, I chose to make four different flavors:
- dark chocolate chip oatmeal energy balls
- banana chip oatmeal energy balls
- apple cinnamon oatmeal energy balls
- coconut oatmeal energy balls
How to make Oatmeal Energy Balls
You start with one main batter, and then you divide the batter into as many different flavors as you would like.
To make the main batter, you simply mix a handful of ingredients into a large bowl and mix. The mixture will be a little sticky, so I find it best to use a fork or silicone spatula. You can dig in and use your hands to make the recipe though!
I've given you four ideas that are favorites around here, but I definitely encourage you to experiment to make your own favorite mix-ins. The possibilities are endless with this basic and easy Oatmeal Energy Ball recipe.
Oatmeal Energy Balls are packed with protein and energy to get you through the day
Although they may taste similar to a no cook energy bar, the size and shape of these Oatmeal Energy Balls offers a different type of eating experience.
Since these Oatmeal Energy Balls are small, you can mix and match different flavors of Oatmeal Energy Balls at breakfast for variety. Each bite also feels more substantial and flavorful than energy bars because of the density of ingredients in ball-form rather than in bar-form where there is more surface area.
I like to have 2 - 3 each time, but that depends on how much self- control I have that day! I can easily sit down and eat many many many of these Oatmeal Energy Balls at once.
Keep that in mind, and don't make this recipe while you are hungry, or you might be tempted to finish the entire batch. Just trying to watch out for you!
Oatmeal Energy Balls make a great grab and go breakfast for the entire family
It's best to store Oatmeal Energy Balls in the refrigerator, but you can leave them out at room temperature if you are going to eat it that day. They are easy for a grab and go breakfast, and you can pack them as a high protein snack for after the gym.
One tip though: although they're easy to pocket as you're rushing out the door, I wouldn't recommend it!
TIP: Here are some great little containers to transport the energy balls so they don't get smushed in the commute. On rushed mornings, I pop a few energy balls in a container, then I'm out the door.
Oatmeal Energy Balls
Print Recipe Save RecipeIngredients
Base Mix for Oatmeal Energy Balls
- 1 cup old fashioned oats (jumbo rolled oats)
- ¼ cup quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup ground flaxseeds (milled flax)
- ½ cup smooth natural peanut butter (see notes)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspon salt (if using an unsalted peanut butter)
Dark Chocolate Mix-in (for ¼ of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
Banana Chips Mix-in (for ¼ of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons crushed banana chips
Apple Cinnamon Mix-in (for ¼ of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried apple slices
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Coconut Mix-in (for ¼ of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (desiccated coconut, or finely crushed toasted coconut flakes also work)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine everything together using a spatula. It should all come together and form a sticky but slightly crumbly batter. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more peanut butter and honey. If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more oats. See notes.
- Divide the batter into 4 medium bowls. If you have a scale, each bowl should weigh 95 grams, but it's fine to just estimate. You can also make these Oatmeal Energy Balls with one mix-in. Skip this step, and make sure you adjust the mix-in recipe accordingly.
- For each bowl, add in the mix-in of choice, and mix until everything is well combined.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to press into balls.
- Press and roll the batter into roughly 1-inch balls. You should be able to make 6 Oatmeal Energy Balls with each mix-in. Enjoy immediately, and store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Notes
If you are looking for more energy ball recipes, try these Almond Butter Energy Balls. These energy balls are made with almond butter, coconut flour, chia seeds, maple syrup and cinnamon. It's a vegan, gluten free, paleo and high protein recipe.
You may also love these Easy Peanut Butter Balls. This healthy recipe is made with peanut butter, oats, flaxseeds, maple syrup and vanilla powder. It's vegan, gluten free and high protein.
Gem says
We love these!! The kids also go crazy for them so I have to hide them. We make them slightly bigger and just use plain oats as that’s what we have in. If too sticky add a spoonful of oats!
Kelsey Gallagher says
Made these with almond butter instead of peanut butter and the flavor combos are great! Tastes like oatmeal cookies but healthy and nutritious. I had some trouble getting the balls to stay firm after being in the fridge for 30 min so next time I will try to add a bit more honey or almond butter.
Laurie says
Do these freeze well?
Carla deslonde says
How many is 1 serving?
TATIANA SELNER says
Made these today, with banana chips and also with dried cranberries.
These are so good and easy to make and something different to use your oatmeal for, which is what I was looking for when I stumbled on this.
Nancy says
Made this today with coconut and nut butter, so good!
Sam says
Try it with Greek yogurt! I add lily chocolate chips to add sweetness, but keep it as low carb low sugar as possible. The Greek yogurt makes it more filling and adds some probiotics
Cindy says
Did you add the Greek yogurt along with the other ingredients or did you substitute it for an ingredient? Sounds delicious!
Andy says
Hi these get a bit sticky with honey..can I substitute it with dates? How much?
Tina Jui says
That's a really interesting and great idea! I haven't tried this recipe with dates before, but definitely give it a try. My guess is that the stickiness is due to your brand of peanut butter or consistency of the honey being a bit different from mine. If you try it again, you can add a bit less honey, or a bit more oats, or a bit less peanut butter. And don't forget to keep it in the fridge which helps it stay firm.
Andrea says
I love this recipe! Super easy and fast and fantastic flavor. This is my new breakfast go-to and I’ve been telling everyone I know about it! Thanks for sharing!
Alexandra says
Was trying to find the nutritional value of this recipe? How much protein, sugar and carbs, etc.
Gustavo says
Please be aware that silly comments lead to silly replies, the nutritional scale differs according to your ingredients. Please make yourself a list and calculate on your own.