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    Home » Snack

    Healthy Oatmeal Bites - Peanut Butter Chocolate

    Published: June 17, 2020 · Modified: May 9, 2024 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    healthy oatmeal bites recipe Pinterest pin.

    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:
    • Oatmeal Energy Balls
    • 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
    • #respond

    Check out my Almond Butter Energy Balls and Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites for more on-the-go snack recipes.

    Oatmeal Energy Balls

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

    These low-calorie energy balls are packed with nutritious ingredients but 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!

    You might also enjoy this low calorie cookie dough!

    Oatmeal bites on a white 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.

    More tasty snacks to make: Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the oatmeal bites.
    • 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. (Oats themselves are not wheat and don't contain any gluten, but they're often grown and processed near wheat. Because of this, trace amounts of wheat and flour can get into the oats. This is not a problem if you're simply trying to avoid eating refined white flour and prefer to load up on heart-healthy oats, but it is a problem if you have Celiac's.)
    • Coconut Flakes: Add a little crunch. If you prefer a sweeter energy ball, use sweetened coconut flakes (keep in mind those are sweetened with refined sugar). If your coconut flakes are in long pieces, you can pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds to break them up. It's just a matter of texture and totally up to you. I prefer the smaller snowflake-like pieces of coconut flakes.
    • 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, protein, and healthy fats. Use ground flaxseed (flaxseed meal) for the most nutritious benefit. If you don't like how flaxseed tastes (it is a little too "nutty" sometimes), substitute some of it with more coconut an chia seeds.
    • Mini Chocolate Chips: Give each ball bursts of rich chocolate flavor to balance the salty peanut butter. Use milk or dark chocolate, up to you!
    • Raw Honey: Sweetens things up without adding any refined sugar. Its sticky texture also helps the bites stay together. Since we're not cooking these balls, here's where it helps to get a high-quality local raw honey that has all kinds of live enzymes and health benefits. But any honey will work!
    • Chia Seeds: Adds more fiber and protein and helps bind this snack together.
    • Vanilla Extract: For a hint of sweet dessert-like flavor.

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

    More nutritious snacks to make: Low Calorie Bran Muffins

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Steps to make the 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 inch balls. They don't have to be perfect. Tip: Wet your hands in cold water after every 2-3 balls to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands. Or use a spring-release cookie scooper and just gently press them into a ball.

    Step 4: Store. Transfer to an airtight container and chill for up to 2 weeks.

    Bites rolled in toppings on a plate.

    Expert Tips

    • Toast the coconut in a dry skillet before adding it to release its fragrant flavor.
    • If your coconut flakes are long, pulse them in a food processor until you get more of a crumb-like texture.
    • 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.
    • Add cinnamon! It has antioxidant properties, and it's delicious.
    • Try different chocolate chips (milk or dark), or use butterscotch chips.
    • 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 approximately 62 calories in each oat ball, assuming you follow the recipe and make exactly 40 balls. The exact amount of calories will depend on the exact ingredients you use.

    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. They absorb any liquid from the honey.

    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. You will need to adjust the amounts of other ingredients to get a similar energy bite.

    Can I use steel-cut oats for energy bites?

    No. Steel-cut oats need to be cooked first and would need a completely different recipe for it to work.

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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!

    Thumbnail of healthy oatmeal bites.

    Healthy Oatmeal Bites

    4.77 from 17 votes
    By Kate
    You'll love making this healthy oatmeal bites recipe! These snack-able oatmeal balls are packed with coconut, peanut butter and chocolate. The perfect low calorie and high protein snack that can be eaten any time of the day!
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep 15 minutes mins
    Chill Time 30 minutes mins
    Total 45 minutes mins
    Servings 40 Servings
    Calories 62kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Special Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Spring-release Cookie Scoop

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup old fashioned oats (use gluten-free if needed)
    • ⅔ cup coconut flakes (Optional: pulse in a food processor to get a crumb-like texture and toast lightly in a pan)
    • 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

    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-inch in diameter. It helps to wet your hands a little to keep the balls from sticking to your hands, or use a squeeze-release cookie scoop. 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.

    Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 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
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    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. Carrie Robinson

      June 17, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      These would make the perfect afternoon snack! 🙂

      Reply
    7. 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
    8. Rebecca

      June 17, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      Love homemade energy bites! These are so good!

      Reply
    9. 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
    4.77 from 17 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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