Save to Pinterest Last winter during that mid-afternoon slump when coffee just was not cutting it anymore, I started experimenting with energy balls. The first batch turned into a sticky disaster that coated my hands in what looked like edible glue, but my coworkers still devoured them and asked for the recipe.
My niece now requests these every time she visits, calling them banana cookie balls. Watching her tiny hands carefully roll each imperfect sphere makes the whole process feel special, even on hurried weekday afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed: The browner the spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your balls will be
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best chewy texture
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter: Creamy nut butters bind everything together better than natural ones
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Adjust based on how ripe your banana is and your sweet tooth
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute more evenly than regular sized ones
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps hold the mixture together
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Do not skip this, it makes everything taste more complete
- Pinch of sea salt: Just enough to make the chocolate pop
Instructions
- Mash your banana:
- Use a fork or potato masher until almost no lumps remain, leaving tiny bits for texture is perfectly fine
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- Mix in the nut butter, sweetener of choice, and vanilla until you have a uniform creamy base
- Add the dry mix-ins:
- Fold in oats, flaxseed, salt, and chocolate chips until everything is evenly distributed
- Chill the mixture:
- Twenty to thirty minutes in the fridge makes rolling so much easier and less messy
- Form the balls:
- Scoop about a tablespoon and roll between your palms into 1-inch spheres, placing them on parchment paper
- Store properly:
- Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, if they last that long
Save to Pinterest These became my go-to post-workout snack during marathon training season. Something about the combination of sweet banana and rich chocolate hits different after a long run when your body is begging for quick energy.
Make Ahead Magic
I double this recipe on Sundays and keep a container in my desk drawer. Having a healthy snack ready prevents those desperate vending machine moments at 3 PM when willpower is at its lowest point.
Texture Secrets
The key is letting the mixture chill before rolling. Warm dough spreads and sticks to everything, but chilled dough forms neat little balls that hold their shape. Twenty minutes makes all the difference between frustration and satisfaction.
Endless Variations
Once you master the base recipe, these become a playground for creativity. The ratio of wet to dry ingredients stays consistent while the add-ins change with whatever is in your pantry.
- Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to make them school safe
- Add cinnamon and chopped walnuts for a cozy fall version
- Throw in some shredded coconut and dried cranberries for tropical vibes
Save to Pinterest Simple, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable—these energy balls have become part of my regular rotation for good reason.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I freeze these energy balls?
Yes, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
- → What's the best way to mash the banana?
Use a fork or potato masher until completely smooth with no large lumps. This helps bind the mixture together better.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely—swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter. The texture and flavor remain similar while accommodating nut allergies.
- → Why is chilling recommended?
Cold mixture is less sticky and easier to roll into uniform balls. Chilling also helps them hold their shape better during storage.
- → How long do these stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They'll firm up slightly and develop better flavor after chilling.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats work but create a softer texture. Rolled oats provide better structure and a more satisfying chew in these bites.