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    Home » Snack

    Healthy Oatmeal Bites

    Published: June 17, 2020 - Last updated: February 9, 2023 by Erika

    healthy oatmeal bites thumbnail picture.
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    This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from sales. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

    You'll love making this Healthy Oatmeal Bites recipe! Learn how to make snack-able oatmeal balls packed with coconut, peanut butter and chocolate. The perfect low calorie and high protein snack that can be eaten any time of the day.

    oatmeal bites on parchment paper.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • More No-Bake Recipes
    • Healthy Oatmeal Bites

    Check out my Almond Butter Energy Bites and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites for more snack recipes.

    Looking for a quick healthy snack or post-workout energy boost? Look no further. This healthy oatmeal bites recipe is just what you're looking for. They come together in a matter of minutes and travel well, so you can quickly grab how much you need and go.

    These low-calorie energy balls are super healthy yet taste like an indulgent, sugar-heavy dessert. Made without any added refined sugar, these bites are a great way to cure a sugar craving while getting in plenty of protein and fiber.

    There is not much to making these balls aside from mixing the ingredients into a dough, rolling it into bite-size balls, and refrigerating. The recipe makes about 40 bites which may seem like a lot but I promise you -they will be long gone by the end of the week!

    oatmeal bites on a plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Quick and convenient. Energy balls are easy to make with basic pantry ingredients.
    • Low calorie and high in protein. A great pre and post-workout snack!
    • Versatile. You can change up the ingredients to suit your personal tastes. 
    • Kid-approved! Your kids will love these healthy snacks.
    • Great for meal prep. They store well and are great to grab and go.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    oatmeal bites labeled ingredients.
    • Old Fashioned Oats: Aka rolled oats provide the base and structure of the balls. To make gluten-free energy bites, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
    • Coconut Flakes: Add rich, sweet flavor and a little crunch.
    • Peanut Butter: Helps bind the bites into a round ball shape. You can use any nut butter you enjoy or even sunflower seed butter if you’re nut-free.
    • Flaxseed: Adds a boost of fiber and protein and a crunch texture.
    • Mini Chocolate Chips: Give each ball bursts of rich chocolate flavor to balance the salty peanut butter.
    • Raw Honey: Sweetens things up without adding any refined sugar. Its sticky texture also helps the bites stay together.
    • Chia Seeds: Adds more fiber and protein and helps bind this snack together.
    • Vanilla Extract: For a hint of sweet dessert-like flavor.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    two image process making oatmeal bites.

    Step 1: Make the no-bake oatmeal ball dough.

    In a large bowl, add all ingredients. With a heavy spoon, mix together until a dense, workable dough forms.

    Step 2: Chill the dough.

    Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.

    Step 3: Roll dough into balls.

    Once chilled, with clean hands, roll dough into about 40 bite-size 1" balls.

    Step 4: Store.

    Transfer to an airtight container and chill for up to 2 weeks.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    oatmeal bites rolled in toppings on a plate.

    Expert Tips

    • Toast the coconut in a dry skillet before adding it to release its fragrant flavor.
    • Be sure to allow the dough enough time to chill in the fridge. It will firm up and be much easier to work with.
    • If your bites keep falling apart, the mixture is too dry. Add peanut butter, a small amount at a time, and mix until it becomes stickier.
    • You could also skip making the balls and make bars instead. Simply spread the mixture into a square baking dish, chill and slice into squares or granola bar shapes.

    Variations

    When it comes to customizing your no-bake energy bites, the options are endless! Check out these no-bake energy bites ideas:

    • Double up on the chocolate. To make these oatmeal bites for the chocolate lovers in your life, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture.
    • Make trail mix energy balls by adding M & M's and raisins to the mixture.
    • Pumpkin protein balls. Replace half of the peanut butter with canned pumpkin and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the mix.
    • Nut Free Energy Bites. Use sunflower seed butter to replace the peanut butter for those on a nut free diet that can tolerate coconut.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: To maximize the shelf-life, store bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Freezing: These energy bites are great to make in batches and freeze for later. Simply freeze the balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    How many calories is a protein bite?

    There are 62 calories in each oat ball.

    Can you eat raw oats in energy bites?

    Yes. You can eat raw oats in energy bites. Allowing the mixture to sit for a little while helps the oats soften and become tender.

    Can I use instant oats for energy bites?

    You can. However, instant oats will soften much more than old-fashioned oats making the bites softer and less chewy.

    Can I use steel-cut oats for energy bites?

    Yes. However, the flavor and texture will be different. They won't be as soft and easy to chew.

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    healthy oatmeal bites thumbnail picture.

    Healthy Oatmeal Bites

    Erika
    You'll love making this healthy oatmeal bites recipe! Learn how to make snack-able oatmeal balls packed with coconut, peanut butter and chocolate. The perfect low calorie and high protein snack that can be eaten any time of the day.
    4.77 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Chill Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 40 Servings
    Calories 62 kcal

    Equipment

    • Utensil Set, 3-Piece
    • Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup old fashioned oats
    • ⅔ cup coconut flakes
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
    • ½ cup ground flaxseed
    • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
    • ⅓ cup raw honey
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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    Instructions
     

    • Add all ingredients to large mixing bowl. 
    • Mix all the ingredients together and place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill.
    • Roll into small balls, about 1" in diameter. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Be sure to allow the dough enough time to chill in the fridge. It will firm up and be much easier to work with.
    • If your bites keep falling apart, the mixture is too dry. Add peanut butter, a small amount at a time, and mix until it becomes stickier.
    • You could also skip making the balls and make bars instead. Simply spread the mixture into a square baking dish, chill and slice into squares or granola bar shapes.
    • Storing: To maximize the shelf-life, store bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
    • Freezing: These energy bites are great to make in batches and freeze for later. Simply freeze the balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 15mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Healthy Oatmeal Bites, no bake energy bites
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica Formicola

      June 17, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      I could snack on these bites all day! I made a batch this morning and they are so delicious!

      Reply
    2. Rebecca

      June 17, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      Love homemade energy bites! These are so good!

      Reply
    3. Gloria Duggan

      June 17, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      I love when you can combine healthy eating with treats. What a great afternoon pick me up. I know my grandkids would have fun helping me make a batch of these.

      Reply
    4. Carrie Robinson

      June 17, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      These would make the perfect afternoon snack! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Cate

      June 17, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      These look perfect for packing up for on the go summer adventures! Saving this recipe for sure, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      June 17, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      I have everything but the flax seeds. Gonna have to don my mask and brave the market!

      Reply
    7. Jessie

      March 31, 2021 at 7:24 pm

      Looking at the nutrition information (I know it said it's approximate), but what is the serving size? They look super yummy!

      Reply
      • simplylowcal

        March 31, 2021 at 9:15 pm

        Hi Jessie, the serving size is per bite.

        Reply
    8. marjorie travers

      January 18, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      Do I have to use flax seeds?

      Reply
      • Erika

        January 19, 2022 at 4:33 pm

        Hi Marjorie, you can leave out the flax seeds.

        Reply
    9. J

      February 18, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      Is it possible to omit the honey and coconut?

      Reply
      • Erika

        April 13, 2022 at 4:30 pm

        Hi J, yes that should be ok.

        Reply

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    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

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