No Bake Energy Bites are the solution for busy mornings and after-school snacks. These bite-sized energy balls are packed with good-for-you ingredients to keep you fueled throughout the day. They are easy to make and delicious for kids and adults.
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Whether you need an on-the-go breakfast or a quick energy boost, these no-fuss treats are ready in minutes and sure to satisfy. I made this with my kids when they were younger, and it was a great recipe to make with young chefs.
Energy Bites Recipe
I love having these on hand in the refrigerator since they are perfect to take on the go, and they make a fabulous after-school snack. For more great snacks, check out our 10 Favorite After School Snacks.
These energy bites taste so good kids won't know that they are full of good-for-them ingredients. Plus, they take 10 minutes to make. So take the stress out of breakfast and whip up a batch of these breakfast balls. For more on-the-go breakfast ideas, try these Sausage Egg Muffins.
Recipes Using Oats
Oats are one of the most versatile and budget-friendly ingredients in your pantry. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, oats make it easy to add a healthy boost to your meals while keeping things delicious and satisfying.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal
- Reese's Peanut Butter Balls
- Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- No Bake Granola Bars
Ingredients For No Bake Energy Bites
- Rolled oats: Acts as the base for structure and texture. Swap with quick oats for a softer bite.
- Chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and appeal for kids.
- Rice Krispies: Brings a light crunch.
- Peanut butter: Binds everything together while adding creaminess.
- Honey: Natural sweetener and binder.
- Vanilla: Enhances flavor with a subtle warmth.
- Cinnamon: Adds a touch of spice.
- Chopped walnuts: Provides crunch and healthy fats.
No Bake Energy Bites
These no-bake energy bites take just minutes to whip up, and kids can help! Making them is a great way for kids to practice measuring, scooping, and estimating. My kids started by measuring out some oats.
Then they added chocolate chips. You can bet the kids were arguing over who helped with this step!
To give the no-bake energy bites some extra crunch, they added Rice Krispies.
We tossed in some chopped walnuts to add texture. I've since made them with chopped almonds, which were just as tasty.
Peanut butter and honey are what help hold the mixture together. Microwaving the peanut butter for 10-15 seconds makes it easier to incorporate into the mixture. After you add the peanut butter, add the vanilla and cinnamon.
Kids may need to use some elbow grease to mix all of the ingredients. You'll want to be sure the peanut butter is evenly mixed in.
When everything is incorporated, it's time to roll the mixture into balls. Between the peanut butter and the honey, this is one sticky mixture. To keep these from sticking to your hands, spray hands with cooking spray and rub them together.
Roll the mixture into 2-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Place the energy bites in the refrigerator for an hour to set a bit. These can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.
My kids love to have these for breakfast. We make them the afternoon before, and they are perfect for those busy mornings when we are in a rush. They are filling and give my kids plenty of energy for the day ahead.
Tips For Making No Bake Energy Bites With Rice Krispies
Tip 1: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to enjoy a unique and flavorful twist.
Tip 2: Toss in some dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins to add a touch of sweetness.
Tip 3: Refrigerate the mixture before shaping it into balls to make the process smoother and more manageable.
FAQs For Energy Bites With Rice Krispies
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in energy bites?
Sure, you can use quick oats! They’ll give you a softer texture, while rolled oats add a bit more chewiness.
Can I freeze energy bites?
Yes! Just toss them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before digging in.
Why won’t my energy bites stick together?
This can occur if there isn’t enough peanut butter or honey in the mix. Try adding a little more of either to enhance the stickiness.
Energy Ball Recipes
Energy balls are a super easy, no-bake snack for busy days. They’re made with simple ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and whatever mix-ins you like. No cooking is required! Just mix everything together, roll into balls, and pop them in the fridge. Perfect for busy parents who need a quick, healthy snack on hand.
- Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites
- No Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Funfetti Energy Balls
Kitchen Tools
Making no-bake energy bites is super easy, and you don’t need any fancy tools. Grab a big mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons and a spatula to mix it all up. If you want evenly sized bites, a cookie scoop works great. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
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After you try out these no-bake energy bites, check out these kid-made breakfasts. There are so many yummy ways to start the day with kids!
- Apple Breakfast Loaf Recipe
- Healthy, Yummy, Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins
- Buttermilk Pancakes with Strawberry Compote
- Pear and Banana Breakfast Oat and Almond Muffins
- Cheesy Chive Scrambled Eggs
Healthy Kids Recipes
📖 Recipe
No Bake Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup rice krispies
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Microwave peanut butter for 10-15 seconds to soften it a bit.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Roll into 1 ½ -2 inch balls.
- Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Store in refrigerator for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Instead of using peanut butter, try almond or cashew butter for a delicious and unique flavor.
- Add dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins to introduce a hint of sweetness.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator before shaping it into balls; this will make the process easier and more manageable.
Debbie
Hi Vicky,
Burnt peanut butter smells awful ... lol
Second attempt ... all went well until I tried to roll them into balls. They would not stick together, but kept crumbling between my palms. Thoughts?
(By the way, I had doubled the recipe.)
I decided to try to salvage the ingredients by pressing them into a 9 X 13 pan, so I can hopefully make them into granola bars. They are in the fridge now. 🤷♀️
Emily
My kids love making energy bites too, I can't wait to make this recipe with them soon!
Vicky
Always a kid favorite!
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake
I love these snacks! They're so good for a little quick energy on the go. And, your kids are super cute!
Vicky
Thanks Rebecca!
Lizzie
That's such a good idea, energy bites for breakfast! I love your tip about microwaving the peanut butter. You could even use toasted oats so they're more easily digestible.
Vicky
Toasted oats are a great idea.
Ann
I love this idea for a quick breakfast! Looks like something even my two-and-a-half year old could help with. Great tips for making these with kids too. So fun!
Vicky
A great breakfast on the go!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets
I'm going to try making these with my kids today! They will love them!
Vicky
I bet they will!