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.
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
- 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)
- 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 portions and shape into round balls with your hands.
- 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 1/4 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
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.
I bought these cute bunny paper sacks at TJ Maxx but I found some similar bunny sacks on Amazon.
More snack recipes
- Pimiento Cheese with Fire-Roasted Peppers
- Jalapeno Pimiento Cheese
- Fruity Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Treats
- Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
- Bacon Tomato Dip
- Shortcut Sweet Heat Pickles and Vidalia Onions
Small Batch No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats Old-fashioned oats can be used (see notes)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 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)
All of my favorite ingredients and perfect for packing in a lunch box. You never know when you might need a little snack!
You are so right! A chocolate and peanut butter combo I can feel good about eating!
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.
Those are great additions! I especially like the idea of adding a little cinnamon! Thanks for sharing!