Banana Chocolate No Bake Energy Balls

Wholesome, chewy, and naturally sweetened, these Banana Chocolate No Bake Energy Balls are one of my favorite healthy snacks to keep on hand. They combine the goodness of oats, banana, and almond butter with the indulgence of chocolate chips for the perfect bite-sized treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and simple this recipe is to make. There’s no baking involved, and I can easily prep it ahead of time. These energy balls are naturally sweetened with ripe banana and pure maple syrup, and they have just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla to elevate the flavor. They make a perfect grab-and-go snack, post-workout bite, or even a quick breakfast when I’m in a rush.

I also really enjoy the texture—the oats and chia seeds soak up the moisture and give each bite a soft yet chewy feel. Best of all, they store well, so I can make a batch and enjoy them all week or freeze them for later.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• rolled oats

• ground flaxseed

• chia seeds

• maple syrup

• almond butter

• ripe banana, mashed

• pure vanilla extract

• ground cinnamon

• semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions

I start by mixing all the ingredients together in a medium to large bowl. The batter is quite wet at first, but I cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or overnight if I have time. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the moisture and thicken the mixture.

Once it’s firm, I form it into about 20 balls. I like to keep my hands a little wet to make shaping easier. Instead of rolling, I press the mixture into a ball shape.

After shaping, I let the balls chill again in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. They hold together really well and get even better in flavor and texture with time.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 20 energy balls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Serving size: 1 ball
Calories per serving: 82 kcal

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what I have on hand:

• Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a stronger, nutty flavor.

• Use mini white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for a different twist.

• Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for more texture.

• Replace maple syrup with honey if that’s what I’ve got.

• Add a pinch of sea salt to balance out the sweetness.

storage/reheating

I always make these ahead of time. I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I just let them sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to thaw. They’re just as delicious straight from the fridge, too.

FAQs

How ripe should the banana be?

I use a very ripe banana with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and soft texture.

Can I skip the chia seeds?

Yes, I can leave out the chia seeds, but they help with texture and nutrition. If I skip them, I may need to chill the mixture longer.

What kind of oats should I use?

I always use old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats can make the mixture too soft and sticky.

Are these energy balls vegan?

Yes, they’re completely plant-based, assuming I use vegan chocolate chips and pure maple syrup.

Can kids eat these?

Absolutely! These are a great snack for kids. They’re naturally sweet, nutritious, and fun to eat.

Conclusion

These Banana Chocolate No Bake Energy Balls are everything I need in a healthy snack—quick, easy, satisfying, and just sweet enough. I love having a batch in the fridge or freezer so I can grab one whenever I need a little energy boost. Whether it’s for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a guilt-free treat, these energy bites are always a hit in my kitchen.

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