Looking for a snack that’s quick to make, satisfying to eat, and energizing enough to fuel your workouts? Then you’ll love this vegan energy balls recipe.
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Balls are made with just six simple ingredients–no baking required. With about 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch of wholesome, plant-based bites ready to stash in the fridge for busy days.
As a runner and plant-based eater, I know the struggle of finding snacks that strike the right balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. That’s why I created this recipe—it’s not only delicious, but it’s also designed with athletes in mind.
Oats provide a steady stream of energy, peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and maple syrup delivers a touch of quick fuel to power your workouts. And of course, the dark chocolate chips add a little something sweet, because snacks should be fun too.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Energy Balls Recipe
Unlike packaged bars or pre-made snacks, these energy balls are made with real food ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. They’re sweet, plant-based and free from unnecessary additives, making them a smart choice for both everyday snacking and workout fueling.
For runners, they’re especially versatile. Eat one or two before a short run for quick energy, or have a couple after a workout to replenish your glycogen stores. They also make a great afternoon pick-me-up when you’re fighting that 3 p.m. slump. Since they’re bite-sized and portable, you can toss a few in a small container to keep in your bag for whenever hunger strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. All you need is:
- Peanut butter for a creamy, protein-rich base.
- Maple syrup to sweeten the mixture and help bind everything together.
- Rolled oats are packed with complex carbs that release energy slowly.
- Dark chocolate chips, which add just the right amount of indulgence.
- A splash of vanilla extract for flavor and a little water to bring the texture together.
That’s it—no fancy superfoods required, just a handful of pantry staples.
How to Make Vegan Energy Balls
Making these no-bake vegan energy balls couldn’t be easier. Start by whisking together the peanut butter, maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. This creates the sticky base that will hold your oats together. Next, stir in the oats until they’re fully coated, and then fold in the chocolate chips for that sweet crunch.
Before shaping the mixture into balls, it’s important to let it chill in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step makes the mixture easier to handle and prevents it from sticking to your hands.
Once it’s slightly firm, scoop out portions with your hands or a cookie dough scooper and roll them into golf ball-sized bites. You should end up with about 12 to 14 balls, depending on the size. Finally, place them back in the fridge for another hour to fully set.
The result? Perfectly chewy, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying snack bites.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These energy balls are ideal for meal prep since they last for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container, and you’ll always have a healthy snack ready when you need it.
I like to make a double batch on Sundays and keep them in the fridge all week—some for pre-run fuel, some for afternoon snacks, and some for those nights when I want a little dessert but still want to keep things on the healthier side. And my kids love them too!
How These Energy Balls Fuel Your Body
These no-bake vegan energy balls aren’t just tasty—they’re functional fuel:
- Oats provide slow-digesting carbs for endurance.
- Peanut butter offers plant-based protein and healthy fats for satiety.
- Maple syrup adds quick-digesting carbs for a pre-workout boost.
- Dark chocolate supplies antioxidants (and satisfies your sweet tooth!).
They’re perfect before a long run, post-workout recovery, or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few options to try:
- Nut-free option: swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Swap the nut butter: use whatever type of nut butter you like best, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
- Add texture: mix in chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
This vegan energy balls recipe is proof that fueling your body doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a snack that’s perfect for training, recovery, or simply powering through a busy day.
These no-bake peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip balls are sweet, satisfying, and nourishing—everything you could want in a bite-sized snack.
Make a batch this week, and I promise they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
More Vegan Snacks
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract.
- Add the oats to the peanut butter mixture and stir well.
- Add the chocolate chips to the oat mixture and stir well.
- Before forming balls, place the bowl in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to chill.
- Remove from the fridge, and use your hands or a cookie dough scooper to roll the oat mixture into golf ball sized balls. You will have about 12-14 balls.
- Refrigerate for at least another hour to set.
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