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    Home > Appetizers and Snacks > No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites (Small Batch)

    No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites (Small Batch)

    Published: Aug 10, 2020 · Modified: Mar 12, 2025 by Kathleen · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See full disclosure

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    No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites (Small Batch) are made with only 4 ingredients. This easy recipe makes an even dozen protein-packed, bite-size snacks. No baking involved and the protein from peanut butter and carbohydrates from quick oats provides just the right amount of energy after a workout, after school snack, or mid-morning pick-me-up.

    pyramid stack of peanut butter energy bites with chocolate chips on a white plate

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    When I decided to try my hand at making energy bites made with peanut butter, oats, and honey, all the recipes I ran across made 3 dozen or more and most of them required chilling before and after shaping them into balls.

    So, I created my own version of these no-bake, miniature protein bites with several flavor options to stir in. They are made with just 4 pantry-friendly ingredients and only 5 minutes to prep.

    Plus, it only makes a small batch of one even dozen. Mini chocolate chips are my favorite so that's what I added to the main recipe but there are many other add-ins listed below.

    These Small Batch Peanut Butter Energy Bites are just enough to carry me through from lunch to dinner if I am working away from home and need to take something with me. The flavor combination of peanut butter and honey is already irresistible.

    What you will need

    Ingredients: oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chips in a glass bowl
    • Quick Oats - This energy bite recipe uses quick-cooking oats instead of "rolled oats", also known as old-fashioned oats. Old Fashioned oats can be used but the results will be slightly more chewy and I found them to not hold together as well.
    • Peanut butter - Creamy or crunchy peanut butter will work. Using crunchy peanut butter could make this easy recipe even easier because the crushed peanuts in crunchy peanut butter saves a fourth ingredient to add crunch or texture.
    • Honey - Honey or molasses will these tasty treats together.
    • Add-ins - My favorite pairing with anything peanut butter is chocolate so that's my first choice but here are a few other options: raisins, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and dried cranberries.

    How to make No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites (Small Batch)

    small cookie scoop in glass bowl with energy bite dough; rolled balls in black container
    12 peanut butter energy bite balls on parchment paper
    1. First, measure the dry ingredients (oats and chocolate chips) in a medium-size bowl. This will prevent the add-in from sticking to the same a measuring cup the peanut butter is measured in.
    2. Next, add peanut butter and honey.
    3. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
    4. Using a 1-tablespoon-size cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop up 12 portions and shape into round balls with your hands.
    5. Store in an air-tight container or zip-top bag until ready to eat. (At least 30 minutes for best texture, although they are ready to eat immediately.)

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I double the recipe?

    Absolutely! If you have a large family or just want to have more on hand, the ingredients are in even amounts so it is easy to double. Tip: 4 tablespoons equals ¼ cup.

    Can I use regular chocolate chips?

    Yep! I prefer the mini chips because I get some in every nibble. Also, try dark chocolate, bittersweet, and milk chocolate chips.

    Are these the same as peanut butter protein balls?

    Yes, there are many names and variations for them: protein balls, energy balls, energy bites, power bites, and protein bites.

    Can I add protein powder?

    Protein powder or powdered peanut butter can be added for extra protein and sometimes flavor. If you add one of these powders, you might have to add a couple of teaspoons of water to get the mixture to stick together.

    How do I store energy bites?

    • Refrigerator: While these energy bites do not have to be kept cold to eat for texture purposes, for best food safety practices, store them in the refrigerator in an air-tight container or zip-top bag.
    • Freezer: Place them on a small baking sheet or 8-inch square pan and freeze them for 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag to store in the freezer.

    Can I use natural peanut butter?

    Most natural peanut butters have very little, if any, added oil which may make these protein balls dry and crumbly. It's possible to use natural peanut butter but a tiny bit of water may have to be added or even extra peanut butter to help them hold together.

    How much protein is in one energy bite?

    Here's the nutrition information for one Peanut Butter Energy Bite

    • Calories - 79
    • Protein - 2 grams
    • Carbs - 9
    12 peanut butter energy bite balls on parchment paper; bite taken from one

    Healthier Easter basket treat

    Shape Peanut Butter Energy Bites like Easter eggs for a bit healthier treat. Wrap each egg in plastic wrap before placing in the basket.

    Paper Easter bag with writing on tag and 3 peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal eggs on a plate

    I bought these cute bunny paper sacks at TJ Maxx but I found some similar bunny sacks on Amazon.

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    pyramid stack of peanut butter energy bites with chocolate chips on a white plate

    Small Batch No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites

    Kathleen Phillips: GritsAndGouda.com
    Small Batch, No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites make one dozen protein-packed, bite-size snacks; no baking involved, and the protein from peanut butter and carbohydrates from quick oats provides just the right amount of energy after a workout, after school snack, or mid-morning pick-me-up.
    5 from 11 votes
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    SAVE THIS RECIPE

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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    Servings 12 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup quick-cooking oats Old-fashioned oats can be used (see notes)
    • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • ¼ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter

    Instructions
     

    •  First, measure the dry ingredients (oats and chocolate chips) in a medium-size bowl. This will prevent the add-in from sticking to the same a measuring cup the peanut butter is measured in.
    • Next, add peanut butter and honey.
    •  Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
    • Using a 1-tablespoon-size cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop up 12 balls and shape into round balls with your hands.
    • Store in an air-tight container or zip-top bag until ready to eat. (At least one hour for best texture)

    Notes

    Old-fashioned oats can be used but the mixture will be slightly crumbly so a teaspoon of water may be added or a little more honey if you aren't watching the sugar-intake. 
    For Easter baskets, roll the mixture into egg-shaped balls as a healthier alternative to candy treats.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 100kcal
    Did you make this recipe?If you love it, share it! Comment below before you go!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nancy

      February 12, 2025 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      I added ground flax seed about 2 tbsp

      Reply
      • Kathleen

        February 12, 2025 at 4:56 pm

        Oh that's a great way to add some soluble fiber! Great tip!

        Reply
        • Shelly MacDonald

          March 09, 2025 at 6:41 pm

          5 stars
          Mine made 10. I added a small handful of crushed sliced almonds and added some snipped dried cherries into tiny pieces. Excellent!

          Reply
          • Kathleen

            March 09, 2025 at 7:02 pm

            I LOVE the flavor combo of almonds and cherries so I know I'd love your idea of crushed almonds and dried cherries in these energy balls. Thanks for sharing!

            Reply
    2. Anna Jackson

      March 23, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy! I added cranberries, cinnamon, and hemp seeds for a little extra nutrition. I also found that rolled oats ground into course oat flour improve the texture a bit.

      Reply
      • gritsandgouda

        March 23, 2022 at 4:04 pm

        Those are great additions! I especially like the idea of adding a little cinnamon! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Gina Abernathy

      January 26, 2022 at 11:58 pm

      5 stars
      All of my favorite ingredients and perfect for packing in a lunch box. You never know when you might need a little snack!

      Reply
      • gritsandgouda

        January 27, 2022 at 8:27 am

        You are so right! A chocolate and peanut butter combo I can feel good about eating!

        Reply
    5 from 11 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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    Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster.

    More about me →

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    Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster.

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