Save to Pinterest I stood in my kitchen at 11pm one Tuesday, staring at three overripe bananas on the counter. Too tired to bake bread but unwilling to let them go to waste, I started mashing and mixing whatever I could find in the pantry. That impromptu experiment became these energy balls, and they have saved me from many afternoon slumps since.
My sister called me last month complaining that her kids needed something before soccer practice but would not eat anything healthy. I brought over a container of these, and she texted me an hour later saying they were all gone and the kids were begging for more. Sometimes the simplest solutions really do work best.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana: The sweeter and spottier the better, it becomes the natural binder and sweetener
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture, avoid instant oats as they turn to mush
- 1/2 cup almond butter: Creamy almond butter blends perfectly, though peanut butter works just as well
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Honey adds floral notes, maple syrup keeps it vegan and adds depth
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute evenly throughout each bite for consistent chocolate flavor
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed: Adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts the nutrition without affecting taste
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness and makes everything taste homemade
- Pinch of sea salt: Just enough to make the chocolate chips pop and balance the sweetness
Instructions
- Mash your banana:
- Use a fork in a large bowl and really work it until almost no lumps remain, this creates the smoothest base.
- Blend the wet ingredients:
- Add the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla, stirring until everything is glossy and combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- Pour in the oats, flaxseed, and salt, then fold everything together until the dough starts to come together.
- Add the chocolate:
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips last so they stay intact and do not melt from the warmth of the mixture.
- Chill the mixture:
- Let the bowl rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, this makes rolling so much easier and prevents sticky hands.
- Roll into balls:
- Scoop about a tablespoon at a time and roll between your palms into 1-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
Save to Pinterest These became my road trip essential after I discovered they do not melt in the car like granola bars do. Now I never leave for a long drive without a small container tucked in my bag.
Making Them Your Own
Once you master the basic recipe, the variations are endless. I have added cinnamon, swapped the chips for dried cranberries, and even added a scoop of protein powder after workouts. The banana base is forgiving and adaptable.
Storage Secrets
These actually taste better on day two when the flavors have had time to meld. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them.
Serving Suggestions
Pair two balls with a cup of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up or crumble one over yogurt for breakfast. They also work perfectly tucked into lunchboxes or eaten straight from the container when hunger strikes.
- Try rolling some in coconut flakes for a tropical version
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth in colder months
- Press a whole almond into the center for a hidden surprise
Save to Pinterest There is something satisfying about turning what might have been waste into something that fuels your day. Happy rolling.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do these energy balls keep?
Store these banana chocolate chip energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They actually taste better after chilling, as the flavors meld together.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a completely nut-free version. The texture and binding properties remain similar while making them safe for nut allergies.
- → What makes these energy balls hold together?
The mashed banana combined with nut butter and honey acts as the binding agent. Refrigerating the mixture for 20-30 minutes before rolling helps firm everything up, making the balls easier to shape.
- → Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. These energy balls are perfect for meal prep since they keep well in the refrigerator for a week. Make a batch on Sunday and have healthy snacks ready for the entire week.
- → Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, customize with chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, chia seeds, shredded coconut, or protein powder. Just maintain the ratio of wet to dry ingredients so the balls hold their shape properly.
- → Do these need to be baked?
No baking required. These are completely no-bake energy balls—the oats soften from the moisture in the banana and nut butter, creating a tender texture without any oven time.