Looking for a healthier alternative to cookies? Well, look no further because these Healthy No-Bake Energy Balls will do just the thing for your sweet cravings. This recipe uses simple healthy ingredients to make a quick snack. Oats, dark chocolate, flax seeds, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla are all you need.
It has been very hot over here in Western Canada for the past few days and it’s nice not to turn the oven on in this heat. That’s why this is the perfect snack to make in the summer because you can keep cool and you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your beach body…just don’t eat them all at once 😉
Healthy No Bake Energy Balls
Combine 1 and 1/4 cups of quick oats, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/3 cup of raw honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into a medium bowl.
Form into 1 1/2 inch balls and arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Store in airtight container or bag to keep fresh and voila! You now have a healthy snack on hand for when you just need a little something to munch on or perhaps need a healthy energy boost.
Some healthy tidbits on the ingredients:
Oats
This nutrient-rich food helps give you energy as it is a whole grain and provides fiber, vitamins B & E, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Dark Chocolate
Yes! Dark chocolate is good for you! However, in order for it to be nutritious, it’s cocoa content needs to be at least 70%. Dark chocolate is made from the seed of the cocoa tree and is one of the best sources of antioxidants. It also contains some fiber and minerals. It is also good to eat in moderation because despite its many health benefits it still contains sugar and calories you don’t want to consume too much of.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a superfood as they provide you with fiber, protein, iron and heart-healthy omega-3’s. If you are not a big fish fan then flax seeds would be great to add to your diet.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is high in healthy fat, protein, fiber, and many minerals and vitamins. When buying peanut butter be sure to buy natural. The only ingredient should be peanuts and maybe sea salt, otherwise watch out for any added ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, etc.
Honey
Honey is also a superfood but only if you purchase raw honey. Raw honey is unpasteurized, free of additives. Raw honey contains natural sugars, water, minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein, and therefore is a great energy source. It is best when you buy from your local bee farm to get the best source. This is a great ingredient to use as a natural sweetener and a substitute for sugar in your recipes. Dr. Josh Axe makes a great article on the benefits of raw honey vs. commercial, click here for more details.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract does not contain much nutrition, but it also doesn’t contain many calories, sugar, or fat either which makes it a great flavour booster to recipes.
This is a great healthy snack for kids as well. My son loves these energy balls every time I make them! These do not last long at our house!
Healthy No Bake Energy Balls
A healthy tasty snack that provides energy.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups oats quick
- ½ cup chocolate chips dark
- ¼ cup flax seeds ground
- ½ cup peanut butter natural
- ⅓ cup honey raw
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl.
-
Form into 1 1/2 inch balls and arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @tidbitsbytaylor on Instagram and hashtag it #tidbitsbytaylor
If you enjoyed this post get more from me. It’s free!
Also, check out these healthy recipes:
This looks amazing! I don’t have an oven and so am always looking for these types of treats that don’t require cooking. Bookmarked for sure
Thanks !