Looking for a quick and nutritious snack that’s perfect for on-the-go? These oatmeal energy balls are packed with wholesome ingredients and are incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a post-workout treat.
If you don’t usually stock flax seeds in your pantry, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. They add a nice crunch and are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Mini chocolate chips might also be something you need to grab if you don’t bake often.
Ingredients For Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe
Rolled oats: These are whole grain oats that provide a chewy texture and are a great source of fiber.
Peanut butter: This adds creaminess and protein to the energy balls.
Honey: A natural sweetener that helps bind the ingredients together.
Mini chocolate chips: These add a touch of sweetness and a bit of indulgence.
Flax seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients and add a slight crunch.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Technique Tip for Making Energy Balls
To ensure the peanut butter mixes smoothly with the other ingredients, slightly warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make it easier to combine with the honey and rolled oats, resulting in a more uniform mixture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also high in protein and fiber.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter offers a different nutty flavor and is a great alternative for those with peanut allergies.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that provides a slightly different flavor profile but works well as a binding agent.
mini chocolate chips - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add a chewy texture and a burst of tartness, making the energy balls more interesting.
flax seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar nutritional profile and help bind the ingredients together.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the energy balls.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Energy Balls
To keep your oatmeal energy balls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out and keep them moist and chewy.
For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. These energy balls will stay fresh for up to one week. This is perfect if you plan to enjoy them as a quick snack throughout the week.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. First, arrange the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the energy balls are firm. This initial freezing step ensures that they maintain their shape and don’t stick together.
Once the energy balls are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness. These can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen energy ball, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up quickly.
For an added twist, you can also dip the energy balls in melted dark chocolate before freezing. This will give them a delightful, crunchy coating that pairs perfectly with the chewy interior.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Place the oatmeal energy balls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds to slightly warm them up without melting the chocolate chips.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overheat and lose their shape.
Use a toaster oven set to low heat. Place the energy balls on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Toast for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-warming.
If you prefer a more natural method, let the energy balls sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will take the chill off and bring them back to a more enjoyable texture.
For a quick and easy method, use a double boiler. Place the energy balls in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly warmed.
Best Tools for Making Energy Balls
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together without damaging the bowl.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, and flax seeds.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract precisely.
Baking sheet: A flat surface to place the rolled energy balls before chilling.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the energy balls from sticking.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the energy balls for 30 minutes before serving.
Hands: The best tool for rolling the mixture into balls.
How to Save Time on Making Energy Balls
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, flax seeds, and vanilla extract before starting to streamline the process.
Use a cookie scoop: Utilize a cookie scoop to quickly and uniformly portion out the mixture into balls.
Chill the mixture first: Place the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Batch preparation: Double the recipe and freeze extra energy balls for a quick snack later.
Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 0.5 cup peanut butter
- 0.33 cup honey
- 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll mixture into balls.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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