Description
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites are a quick, no-bake snack. Discover my easy recipe for these delightful bites, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- Flavor & Texture Boosters:
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Mix-ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients:: Alright, first things first, grab a good-sized mixing bowl. Into that bowl, pour your creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup, your choice!), and that lovely vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined and looks smooth and inviting. I sometimes pop the peanut butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if it’s super stiff; it just makes mixing so much easier, trust me on this one. You want it easily stir-able, not a workout!
- Add Dry Ingredients:: Now for the dry stuff! Add your old-fashioned rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds to the wet mixture. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, now’s the time to toss them in too. Don’t worry if it looks a bit dry at first; we’re about to get our hands dirty (or a sturdy spoon, your call). This is where the magic starts to happen, transforming separate ingredients into the beginnings of our beloved Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites.
- Mix Until Combined:: This is where you really get to know your ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or, honestly, just dive in with clean hands. Mix, mix, mix until everything is thoroughly combined and no dry oat bits are left hiding at the bottom of the bowl. It should be a thick, somewhat sticky dough. I’ve definitely had moments where I thought, “Is this ever going to come together?” but it always does. Just keep folding and pressing until it’s uniform for your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites.
- Roll into Bites:: Time to shape our Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites! Grab about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small, compact ball. I aim for golf-ball size, but honestly, any size works. If the mixture is too sticky, a little trick I learned is to lightly dampen your hands with water. It really helps prevent the stickiness from driving you bonkers. Keep rolling until you’ve used up all the mixture.
- Chill for Firmness:: Once all your adorable little Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites are rolled, place them on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is super important, as it helps them firm up and hold their shape. I’ve definitely tried to sneak one too early and ended up with a slightly squishy bite, which isn’t the end of the world, but firm is better!
- Enjoy Your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites:: After their little chill session, your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites are ready to be devoured! They should be firm, chewy, and perfectly satisfying. I love grabbing one right out of the fridge for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. They taste sweet and wholesome, with that lovely peanut butter flavor shining through. It’s such a simple pleasure, honestly.