Energy Bites (10 Flavors!)

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These no bake Energy Bites come in 10 different flavors so you’ll never get bored. You can whip up a batch of these in just minutes, and they’re a great healthy snack. From there, your fridge and freezer will be loaded with quick grab-and-go healthy snacks. Each of the 10 recipe flavors is gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be vegan as well. These also make a perfect bite-sized treat for dessert with just enough sweetness.

8 of the 10 Flavors of No Bake Energy Bites on a white background laid out in diagonal rows.

These energy bites are my new favorite thing to meal prep! They come together in just minutes, and they keep well in the fridge and freezer. That means I always have a healthy snack on hand with just minutes of prep work.

Watch how to make No Bake Energy Bites

These have been so great for a little something to pack for Tyler for his lunches as well. He starts work at 7am, so by the 10am break, he needs a snack! And between these and my Overnight Oats flavors, he’s been having these best snacks lately.

Best of all, they’re made with pantry ingredients. And they’re just as popular with adults as they are with kids.

10 Flavors of the No Bake Energy Bites laid out in horizontal rows on a white background.

Ingredients for these No Bake Energy Bites

Nut butter, maple syrup, flax meal, chia seeds, and oats in pottery bowls on a wood cutting board.
  • Oats – I use old-fashioned oats here, from Bob’s Red Mill. If you need this recipe to be truly gluten free, be sure to buy certified GF oats!
  • Nut butter or sunflower seed butter – You can use any nut or seed butter you like here. I’ve listed out my preferences in the recipe, but feel free to mix it up. There are a few of the recipes that use peanut butter, like the Monster Cookie one, but you can use whatever works for you. Peanut butter is classic in some of these flavors, but you can totally swap it out if you can’t have it. Just be sure whatever you choose is salt-free and sugar-free.
  • Maple syrup or honey – Again you can choose whatever works best for you. Maple syrup is easier to mix together, but honey adds a really nice flavor too. So really either way you go is good! You can also use agave nectar as well.
  • Chia seeds or ground flax seeds – or a mix of both is all fine here. I find we both like the chia seeds for crunch and ground flaxseed when we’d rather not have crunch. It’s just a matter of preference again, and it’s nice to mix it up between the 2 for their different benefits.
  • Lemon juice- is an unconventional but awesome addition to energy bites. It adds a touch of brightness that compliments most of the 10 flavors below. I only leave it out of the peanut butter versions.
  • Vanilla extract just a touch makes these energy bites taste even more like a bite of cookie dough.
  • Sea salt – The nut butters I use are salt free so I like to add a touch of salt to round out the flavors here.
No Bake Energy Bites laid out in horizontal rows with text for the name of each flavor next to it.

Now let’s chat about all 10 flavors you can make

  1. Cinnamon Roll – is based on the Larabar flavor just packed with cinnamon flavor, and a touch of vanilla makes these taste even more like cinnamon rolls. You can keep these straight cinnamon or add the raisins and or chopped nuts too.
  2. 5-Ingredient – is the classic and most basic energy bite recipe. With just 5 ingredients it’s simple, and it’s also the base of every other flavor variation here. I like to add a touch of vanilla which is 6 ingredients, but no one’s counting right?!
  3. No Bake Cookie – is based on the childhood classic cookie recipe of chocolate and oats all together in an energy bite with way less sugar than the actual cookies.
  4. Monster Cookie – is also based on the classic cookie with peanut butter and M&M’s. I use the Unreal brand of M&M’s because they have pretty clean ingredients. If you want your energy bites to be vegan, check the labels, most candy coated chocolate candies aren’t vegan. Unreal makes a peanut M&M that is vegan.
  5. Strawberry – I use freeze-dried strawberries here, but dried strawberries work as well. Either way, the berry flavor is complimented by cinnamon and a touch of lemon.
  6. Cake Batter – is a fun one based on funfetti. These energy bites are colorful with sprinkles and vanilla cookie flavor. I use the Color Kitchen sprinkles that are all natural colors, no artificial dyes.
  7. Apple Pie – I used freeze-dried apples here like the strawberry, but chopped up dried apples work too. For some reason dried fruit has been hit or miss at our health food store, so I just pick up whichever is available.
  8. Blueberry Muffin – I used fruit juice sweetened dried blueberries in this flavor. I don’t recommend freeze-dried fruit for blueberries because the ones I’ve tried haven’t had much in the way of flavor. I based this flavor on my Paleo Blueberry Muffins with a touch of cinnamon and lemon to enhance the blueberries.
  9. Chocolate Chip Cookie – is your basic energy bite but with mini chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts in every bite!
  10. Cherry Pie – I used tart fruit juice sweetened dried cherries for the flavor. The bit of tartness is so good and makes these taste even more like cherry pie.

Now let’s make this recipe step by step

Nut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, ground flax seeds, and oats in bowls on a wooden cutting board.

Step 1 – Measure out each of your ingredients for the base energy bite mixture.

Choose the kind of nut butter that will fit the flavor you’re making. You’ll find my suggestions in the recipe.

The nut butter, maple syrup, chia and flax seeds, and oats added to a medium sized mixing bowl on a wooden cutting board.

Step 2 – Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl.

Nut butter, oats, and maple syrup mixed together in a large white bowl with small bowls of vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts along the side.

Step 3 – Mix until thoroughly combined. If the mixture is too dry add a touch of water 1 teaspoon at a time.

Different mix-ins for the energy bites, sprinkles, M&M's, nuts, and dried fruit on a wooden cutting board.

Step 4 – Choose your flavor and measure out the mix-in ingredients. Stir in the mix-in’s until completely combined.

Using a cookie scoop to portion out the energy bites on a wooden cutting board.
Diagonal rows of No Bake Energy Bites on a white background.

Ways to serve these

  • Take these energy bites along on your next outdoor adventure, or pack them up for sporting events. These are also great for sports practices.
  • These also make a great mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack to pack along to work.
  • Take these energy bites along with other snacks for short hikes instead of a packed lunch. We like to take my Rosemary Almonds + Energy Bites + an Epic bacon bar. It’s a tasty combo that keeps you going!

FAQ’s

Can I add protein powder or collagen?

Yes! You can add 2 scoops of protein powder or collagen to any of the recipes below to make these protein balls. Protein powder will suck up more or less moisture depending on what you use. So if it’s looking dry add a touch of water until the mixture comes together. I haven’t had any issues with collagen powder soaking up too much moisture.

Why aren’t my energy bites sticking together?

There are differing amounts of moisture in ingredients. So if your mixture is looking dry, just add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture comes together.

Storing leftovers

  • To store – these keep well for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge. They dry out a small amount over the week, but not much.
  • Make ahead – these energy bites are perfect made ahead, choose storing in the refrigerator or in the freezer based on what works the best for you. If you’ll go through them fast, the fridge might be the best bet, or refrigerate some and freeze the rest!
  • To freeze – place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.
No Bake Energy Bites in diagonal rows on a white background.

I hope you enjoy these No Bake Energy Bites! And if you do get a chance to make them, I hope you’ll leave me a comment/rating below. Also for lots more healthy snacks, head over to the snack recipe section.

Diagonal rows of No Bake Energy Bites on a white background.

Energy Bites (10 Flavors!)


4 from 1 vote
Author: Kari Peters
Total Time 20 minutes
Yield: 20
Course: Snack

INGREDIENTS  

5-Ingredient aka the ‘base recipe’:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup ground flax or chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter or nut/seed butter of choice for the other recipes - see notes
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup - or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla - optional
  • Pinch of salt - or to taste

Monster Cookie:

  • 1/2 cup M & M’s

No Bake Cookie:

  • Use almond butter for the base recipe
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract - in addition to the base recipe

Blueberry Muffin:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in the base recipe
  • 1/2 cup fruit juice sweetened dried blueberries
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Strawberry:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in base recipe
  • 3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries - lightly crushed, or dried strawberries
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon - or 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp almond extract

Apple Pie:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in the base recipe
  • 3/4 cup freeze dried apples - or chopped dried apples
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Cinnamon Roll:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in the base recipe
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup raisins or finely chopped pecans

Cherry Pie:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in the base recipe
  • 1/2 cup dried tart cherries - fruit juice sweetened, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp almond extract

Cake Batter:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in the base recipe
  • 2 scoops 6 tablespoons vanilla collagen or plant based protein
  • 1 – 1.25 ounce package sprinkles - or 8 teaspoons
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Chocolate Chip Cookie:

  • Use almond or cashew butter in the base recipe
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts - optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract - in addition to the base recipe

INSTRUCTIONS 

  • Add the rolled oats, ground flax or chia seed to a medium sized mixing bowl. If you’re making one of the flavors besides the base recipe, add any spices, (like cinnamon) at this time.
  • Add the nut butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Stir to combine thoroughly. 
  • From here you can portion out the 5-ingredient version, or choose a flavor and add the ingredients listed mixing well.
  • Use a cookie scoop, (I used a #40 which is about 4 teaspoons) or tablespoons from your silverware drawer to portion these out. The different flavors vary slightly, but you will generally have 18-22. A cookie scoop for 1 tablespoon (size 70 with OXO) will yield about 36 bites.
Bonus StepIf you made this recipe, please leave a rating/comment. Ratings really help us continue to bring you high-quality free recipes. Rate This Recipe!

NOTES

Each of these 10 recipes were tested with natural nut butter with no salt or sugar added. I like to use peanut butter for the Monster Cookie because it’s a classic combination. But you can use any nut/seed butter you’d like. Almond and cashew butter are mentioned as my favorite flavor options in the other flavors.
The texture of these energy bites varies a bit depending on the different kinds of nut butter. If it seems too loose, wait 5 minutes or so to see of the flax meal/chia seeds soak up enough, or you can add another 1/4 cup of oats.
For the cake batter version, you may need to add a bit more rolled oats or ground flax/chia seeds if you use the collagen. The mixture for this one is a bit looser, but not if you use protein powder which firms it up.
You can add 2 scoops or 6 tablespoons any collagen or protein powder you’d like. If you use protein powder, you may need to add a touch of water/milk until the mixture comes together.
The nutrition facts were calculated for the Monster Cookie Energy Bites.
I use the natural sprinkle from Color Kitchen and the healthier (no dyes) M&M’s from Unreal.
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Energy Balls, Energy Balls Recipe, Energy Bites, Energy Bites No Bake, Energy Bites Recipe, No Bake Energy Balls, Oatmeal Energy Balls, Peanut Butter Energy Balls

nutrition facts

Serving: 1g | Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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This recipe was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2024 with more tips and information.

36 thoughts on “Energy Bites (10 Flavors!)”

    • They will freeze well for at least a month in a tightly sealed container. I have had them for longer than that, but they do tend towards a drier texture over time. I sure hope you enjoy them, and be sure to let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  1. Wonderful, have been Loki g for a bite without sugars and flour. Easy to make, taste wonderful and love consistency, made cinnamon ones. Thank you.

    Reply
      • These are fantastic! I made the cherry pie and chocolate chip cookie flavors, and they both exceeded my expectations. I doubled the almond extract in the cherry pie flavor and it was out of this world delicious! I can’t wait to try the other flavors.

      • I’m so glad you enjoyed both flavors and I definitely need to try adding more almond extract next time I make the cherry pie flavor!

  2. Do I have to use any seeds in this recipe or can I omit them and add a little more oatmeal to ensure they bind? Also, can I use peanut butter rather than the almond butter? Thanks for the recipes!

    Reply
    • I think you’ll be fine to leave out the seeds and just add a touch more oats until it’s a rollable consistency. Also you can definitely use peanut butter, and in fact I think it’s the best flavor choice for some of the flavors. If you can’t have almonds, cashew butter is really tasty with some of them like the blueberry muffin, strawberry, no bake cookie etc. I only suggest using something other than peanut butter for those flavors because peanut butter will become the predominant flavor. I sure hope you enjoy these and I definitely let me know which one you try!

      Reply
    • Yes you can sub sunflower butter for any of the nut butters listed here, it will definitely taste a bit different, and be aware the texture might be slightly more or less loose. You may need to add a touch more sunflower seed butter or maple syrup if the mixture is too dry, or you can add a tablespoon or 2 more oats if it’s too loose. I hope this helps, and be sure to let me know what you try and how it goes!

      Reply
  3. Love the taste of these Monster Bites. I’ll be taking these on my next long hike for a pick me up snack. Thank you.

    Reply
    • These keep really well for 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container, or a month in the freezer. They do dry out a small amount by the end of the week, so I tend to keep mine in the freezer and pull them out as I need them. I hope this helps, and definitely let me know if you have any more questions or which flavor you try! Also thanks for asking this question, I added the extra info to the post.

      Reply
    • Yes the nutritional facts are calculated without the protein powder because there’s no way of knowing what might be used. I hope this helps and be sure to let me know which one(s) you try and if you have any more questions!

      Reply

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