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.
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.
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.
Use different mix-ins to make four flavors of Oatmeal Energy Balls with one batter
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.
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.
Oatmeal Energy Balls are packed with protein and energy to get you through the day
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!
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.
Oatmeal Energy Balls make a great grab and go breakfast for the entire family
One tip though: although they’re easy to pocket as you’re rushing out the door, I wouldn’t recommend it!
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 RecipeIngredients
Base Mix for Oatmeal Energy Balls
- 1 cup old fashioned oats (jumbo rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseeds (milled flax)
- 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter (see notes)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspon salt (if using an unsalted peanut butter)
Dark Chocolate Mix-in (for 1/4 of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
Banana Chips Mix-in (for 1/4 of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons crushed banana chips
Apple Cinnamon Mix-in (for 1/4 of the batter)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried apple slices
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Coconut Mix-in (for 1/4 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.
Stephanie says
Hi! I was wondering if I could use instant oatmeal packets to make these?
Tina Jui says
Hi Stephanie, you can try for sure! But I prefer the old fashioned rolled oats. Instant oatmeal doesn’t give it the same texture, and I find it a bit too powdery? If you do, try it with a small batch first and see if you like it.
Erica says
These energy balls are absolutely delicious! I didn’t even add the extra add-ins because it is perfect on it’s own. Thank you for this recipe!
Tina Jui says
Hi Erica, thank you for leaving the comment! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe.
Jen Mac says
Hi Tina,
These look amazing!! I was thinking about making the base a day before my daughters birthday, refrigerating it and then letting the kids add their favorite flavors to their individual portions… do you think the base will be manageable for added ingredients and rolling a day later?
Thanks in advance!
Jen
Tina Jui says
Hi Jen – that should be no problem. You might want to let it sit out of the refrigerator for a little, so it’s easier to mix in the ingredients. I haven’t done it before, but the only thing I can think of is that the oats might soak in more liquid (the oils and honey), so you might need to add a bit more something the next day to loosen up the batter. Does that make sense? It really only takes several minutes to mix it all together the day of though. Perhaps you can just measure out the dry and wet ingredients the night before?
Pam says
Tina, although these Energy Balls may not last very long, I’m just wondering if they freeze well. Thanks for sharing – they look and sound delicious!
Cateraar Wassenaar says
This looks incredible! Yum!
Susie P says
Hello, Tina.
Me! I love quick and easy breakfast. These foods are for people who wake up late. Like me. (And every other person. Haha) I love how you added different variety to the oatmeal. Great recipe!
Tessa says
Thanks Tina. I made this Oatmeal Energy Ball for my friend’s party. After while all of them were gone. I am so happy they all like my treat thanks to you.