Home » Recipes » Snacks » The Best Energy Bites {Master Recipe: Tons of Add-In Options!}
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4.72 stars (217 ratings)Aug 16, 2017171
This master energy bites recipe is the only one you’ll ever need! Endless add-in options, these babies are healthy and delicious – truly the best energy bites I’ve ever had!
Have you gotten on the energy bite train yet?They’ve been around a while (definitely not a new trend), and we loooooove them.
I have a few different variations on my blog (some of them are called granola bites, but essentially, they are the same thing):
No-Bake Healthy Cookie Dough Bites
Dark Chocolate Granola Bites
Healthy Granola Bites
Easy enough to whip up in just a few minutes, little energy bites and granola bites like these are some of our favorite summertime and school time snacks.
For a while now, I’ve wanted an all-purpose, master recipe for the best energy bites on the planet.A go-to recipe thatrequires every day pantry ingredients, hasno refined sugar, and doesn’t require any cooking or baking.
There are tons and tons of energy bites recipes out there in the interwebs with every variation you can imagine.But I wanted a more simple approach.One recipe that is adaptable enough for any add-in under the sun.
This is the one!
We’ve been making these energy bites constantlyover the summer. Literally, I cannot keep them stocked – my kids grab them out of the refrigerator all the livelong day (ok, I do, too).They are the perfect protein-packed snack – and have saved my breakfast a time or two, as well(a coupleof these +my kefir smoothie, and I’m golden).
With school about to start next week, I have my eye trained to all the things I can do to make my lunch-making endeavors easier.And by I, I mean my kids.I’m turning the lunch making over to them this year.
While the control-everything part of my personality has developed a nervous twitch about this idea, the save-my-sanity part of my personality is thrilled.The plan is to pack lunches the night before. I have a list with categories of acceptable foods (protein, fruit, vegetables, etc) that can be added to their lunches.
You know, so they don’t end up with a lunchbox full of just goldfish crackers.
These energy bites are high on the list of requests to keep stocked in the fridge at all times for easy lunch making.You can see from the notes below the recipe that there are TONS of variations available – from what type of nut butter you use to the add-ins you throw in there.
I always at least double the batch (just did this morning, in fact!), and it goes without saying that my favorite add-in is mini chocolate chips.Lately, though, we’ve just been keeping them simple as can be – no add-ins at all, and they are fabulous.
This really is the best energy bites recipe!
Bonus: they freeze great (for several months) and will keep in the refrigerator for a week or so.So basically, there’s no reason not to at least quadruple the batch. Go big or go home, like I always say!
The Best Energy Bites {Master Recipe}
Yield: 24 Small Bites
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
4.72 stars (217 ratings)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup (35 g) ground flaxseed meal
- ⅔ to 1 cup (170 to 255 g) nut butter (see note)
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- Dash of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt, more to taste, if needed
- Add-ins: mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds, etc.
Instructions
In a food processor, add the oats and process until coarsely chopped. If you don’t have a food processor coarsely chop the oats in a blender and add to a bowl.
Add the flaxseed meal, nut butter, honey, vanilla and salt. Process/mix until the mixturecomes together into a soft but not overly sticky ball.
If the mixture is overly dry, add nut butter a tablespoon at a time and process/mix until the consistency is soft but not overly sticky orcrumbly.
Remove the blade from the food processor, if using. Add any add-in ingredients, and mix with your hands until evenly combined.
Roll the dough into small balls (I use my small cookie scoop – #60) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate until firm enough to stack in a lidded container or in a bag. The energy bites can be frozen for several months or refrigerated for a week or so.
Notes
Nutrition Facts: the nutrition facts for this recipe were calculated based on the bites (but do not include the optional add-ins as those are added based on personal preference).
Nut Butter: as far as nut butter, I’ve tried these with almond butter, peanut butter (both natural and Skippy-types), and cashew butter. My favorite combo is half peanut butter/half cashew butter (to die for). Almond butter is my least favorite of the options, but that’s just personal preference (my kids like it less, too) – the texture of the bites tends to be a bit grainier.
Consistency: for the overall consistency of these energy bites, a lot will depend on how coarsely the oats are chopped in the first step and the thickness of the nut butter (for instance, cashew butter and natural peanut butter are sometimes runnier). If you are using a nut butter with a thinner consistency, start with the 2/3 cup amount and add more, if needed.
Author: Mel
Course: Snacks
Serving: 1 Bite, Calories: 100kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
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Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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posted on August 16, 2017 (last updated March 21, 2024)
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171 comments on “The Best Energy Bites {Master Recipe: Tons of Add-In Options!}”
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Sam — Reply
Valid
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Amanda Whitley — Reply
Hey Mel:) Love these! Do you still use a Breville food processor? I tried to search for your post about it but it is a blank post when I pulled it up- I can only see the title. I am looking for a food processor- and was considering a cusinart…until I remembered you mentioning the Breville. We’ve had the Breville toaster for years and LOVE it. Like it’s probably 15 years old! But prime day is coming up…Let me know your thoughts on food processors. Have you made nut butter in the breville? Thank you so much Mel!
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Mel — Reply
Yes, I still have a Breville food processor and it’s amazing! I had a Cuisinart for a few years but it broke (twice) and I finally decided to spend a little more on the Breville. That was five years ago, and I have no regrets! I haven’t made nut butter in it, but I think it would do just fine.
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Kayleen O — Reply
Just made these for the 2nd time in 2 days. My family loves them, even my peanut butter hating 9 & 6 year olds! I love that they think they’re eating cookies and I feel great about letting them eat them!
I used coconut flour instead of flax seed since it’s what I had on hand. Also added coconut flakes and softened craisins. Total perfection. I’ve tried many protein balls over the years, and this is my favorite. I’ll be coming back to it time and again. Thanks for another winner, Mel! -
carol — Reply
Hi Mel
I love your recipe thank you for sharing. Do you have any other. quick recipes easy an quick. I have IBSC so I am bloated a lot but your balls helped me all around . I need something for engery low carbs an no fat low sugar an still taste good how many calories are in them. I am just learning how to email I will look forward to hearing from you thanks again have a blessed dayWith Love
Carol -
Melissa — Reply
Made these for the first time this week. They’re yummy! I just threw everything into the vitamix one ingredient at a time with a 30 second blend for each. Whole flax seed first, then added whole nuts, finally oatmeal, honey, salt, and vanilla. I kneaded in the add ins. Super simple and yummy! And I love how healthy they are. Thanks Mel!
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Bailey — Reply
I’ve been making these every week since I had a baby. I use them as a little snack while I’m breastfeeding. I keep forgetting to buy the flaxseed though. I also throws in a few graham crackers with the oats. Using cashew butter is my favorite. My add ins are usually just mini choco chips but today I added crasins and I like it!
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Christie — Reply
Just made this again. It’s so good!
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Bri H — Reply
Delicious. Nutritious. Dangerously good!
Love this as a base for my energy bites! My current favorite version is the full cupof almond butter and one scoop of vanilla protein added in, no adjustments to the other ingredients is necessary!
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Andrea — Reply
Yum! These are delish and I love the texture. I didn’t get anywhere near 1-2 dozen in yield, however. I would double to triple the recipe next time. I think the Nutzo brand nut butters would make this a very clean, healthy snack.
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Lauren — Reply
Can protein powder be added to this? If so, how much or should it replace the flaxseed?
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Mel — Reply
You’ll have to experiment with amounts, but I would suggest using it in place of another dry ingredient or increasing the wet ingredients (depending on how much you add).
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Krista — Reply
For ALLERGIES!! Ok, so 4 of the 7 of us have severe peanut, tree nut, and sunflower allergies. So I made it with cookie butter (about 3/4 cup). I know it’s not as healthy as the nut butters but it works and it’s still a good little snack. I did add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and only added about an 1/8 of a cup of honey. It turned out fantastic!
You are fantastic Mel!! -
Jen Edwards — Reply
Can these be made with Nutella?
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Mel — Reply
I haven’t tried that but you could experiment!
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Amy — Reply
Will these be okay to freeze right after prepping?
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Mel — Reply
Yes, they freeze great.
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Melissa C. — Reply
I can’t stop making these. We LOVE them! So filling and delicious and I can’t get enough of the texture. Thank you so much Mel!!
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Krystal — Reply
I have been making a recipe that is very similar for years (decades actually). My recipe calls for rolling the bites in coconut. If you like coconut I think that it makes them visually more appealing, besides being tasty.
Thank you for all of your great ideas, tasty recipes, and hard work.
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joan — Reply
Just made these energy bites, which are so easy to do.
Didn’t have flaxseed, but I added chia seed. /
Also choc chips, dried cranberry and sunflower seeds.
Taste so yummy! Thank you
Joan -
joan — Reply
Will make these energy balls tomorrow. Sounds so yummy Thanks for sharing.
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Lilly — Reply
These are so good!! I make them often, usually adding choc chips/craisins/coconut flakes. Sometimes I add in 1/3 cup rice crispies, or add 2 tsp cinnamon and cinnamon chips instead. Always rave reviews and disappear fast!!
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Tonya Mink — Reply
Do you have the nutritional values! I need to know how much protein and sugars.
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Mel — Reply
I don’t – sorry!
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Jill Weaver — Reply
You can enter the ingredients in to a recipe nutrient calculator! It’s super easy!
Try this one!
https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
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Haley — Reply
So yummy! I added protein powder and planning on eating them for breakfast
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J — Reply
I’m making these now for a family reunion. Whenever we have a reunion everyone brings so many processed treats for snacks that all the kids get tummy aches. I’ve started bringing a quadruple recipe of these to reunions and the kids love them. The parents love that they pack some nutrition, too.
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Mel — Reply
Such a great idea! I’m prepping for a family reunion next week, too, and thanks to your comment, I’m going to make these, too!
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Kristi — Reply
Made this today and I LOVED it! I used almond butter and added craisins and chia seeds for my mix ins. Delicious!
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Kimberly @ iwishiwasamuffin.com — Reply
I love energy bites! I like adding unsweetened coconut and a little cinnamon to mine. 🙂
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Taylor — Reply
Hi! We can’t have flaxseed meal. Could we use almond meal instead? What do you suggest?
Thanks!-
Mel — Reply
Yes, I think that should work!
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Melinda Safir, MS, RD, LD — Reply
Hi Mel. I am interested in using your recipe on one of my client handouts. I am a registered dietitian with a large client base that would definitely benefit from some of your amazing recipes. I of course would also like to direct them to your site for great recipes as there are tons of them, but I wanted to ask your permission first. Pleae let me know if I can use your recipe on my handout, credit you by linking to your website and also refer my clients to your site for recipes? I love your site and I know my clients would too. Thanks in advance for responding. :-).
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Amy krumbholz — Reply
If you just use the master blend. How many calories do you consume if you only eat two?
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Jessica — Reply
I’ve made these twice now, both times with half peanut butter and half almond butter (both all natural) which is what I had on hand. I added coconut and mini dark chocolate chips. Amazing!!! Anyone who has tried them fell in love as well!! Love this recipe! Thank you
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Lisa — Reply
Hello! What if you have someone in the family who can not eat oats? Can you use all flaxseed meal or is there something that you can substitute the oats for?
Thank you so much!
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Mel — Reply
Hi Lisa, you’ll have to experiment with substitutions – all flaxseed meal might make these kind of heavy.
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Antonia — Reply
I sub 1/4 cup coconut flour plus 3/4 cup almond meal in place of the 1 cup of oats when I make these for my in laws (FIL is on a ketogenic diet and doesn’t do oats.) The coconut flour helps stabilize the mixture while the almond meal keeps it soft. Coconut flour alone will turn these into rocks while almond meal alone makes a mushy mess… this ratio seems to be the magic combo!
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Sarah H — Reply
I’m guessing Rice Krispies or puffed corn would work
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Lena C — Reply
These are problematically delicious. I’m somewhat certain that the number of these that I eat (and the pace at which I finish the batch) may be negating the “healthy” factor. However, I have recently been swapping out the peanut butter for an equal measure of the PBFit powder (less fat/calories) so that eases my guilt.
Make these!! You won’t be disappointed (I never am when I make one of Mel’s recipes!) -
Leah — Reply
This recipe looks amazing, I’m about to give it a go! Just a question, would maple syrup work as well instead of honey?
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Mel — Reply
Yes, I think so – obviously the flavor will change but it’s definitely worth a try!
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Cathy — Reply
I got this recipe from a friend. I can stop eating them.I can keep my hands off them. Them the best healthy bars I have ever eaten. I love peanut butter.❤❤
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Jo — Reply
In the how to video, I love the wooden salt container you have – where did you get it?
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Mel — Reply
It’s a bamboo salt keeper and I got it on amazon several years ago.
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Sadie — Reply
I just made these a few days ago and doubled the batch based off of your comments and reviews. Ummm….they’re almost already ALL gone!! This recipe was so simple and perfect for a go-to snack when I’m craving something sweet OR savory! It hits the spot and I’ve shared the recipe with co-workers that I “allowed” to have one! Ha Thank you Mel for this recipe!
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Heidi Longworth — Reply
I’m a nursing mom, so I’m always looking for quick snacks with some substance! These are great! I also took some notes from a lactation cookie recipe and I added 1/8 cup nutritional yeast and 1 Tbs wheat germ and blended that with the oats. Then I added 1/3 cup coconut flakes. Hit the spot!
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Mary Banister — Reply
Worked up just wonderful and a really big hit with my kids! And yes they fill you up! They will become a regular snack at our house. Your site is a go to now in my home. You are truly gifted cook! Thanks Mel
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Mel — Reply
Thank you so much, Mary!
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Danielle Carbajal — Reply
Yummy in my tummy! Just as good as cookie dough but without the flour and sugar. I wouldn’t pass these off as healthy.. but for a quick treat – better than most. I keep a tub in the freezer for the kids to put one in their lunch box.
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Katie — Reply
I settled on these after some research and just made my 4th batch in the past few months. So yes, a keeper. I add half a cup of mini semi sweet chocolate chips and make table-spoon-sized balls, in case helpful I did the math at one point and they’re about 100 cals each this way. Often I pack two in my lunch for a mid-afternoon treat.
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Renee — Reply
Oh man I gotta say Mel these are the bomb! I triple or quadruple these for the freezer to always have on hand. I use Earthfare no stir creamy peanut butter and add wheat germ as well as the flax for added nutrition. My favorite is too add mini M&M’s and we call them monster energy balls lol. I never buy store bought granola bars anymore. Thank you!
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Catherine — Reply
Can i use Agave nectar instead of honey?
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Mel — Reply
Could definitely try! I’ve only ever used honey, but I bet agave would work.
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The Welches — Reply
This was a great recipe! We have made it a ton of times.
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Elise — Reply
I really wanted to make these but did not have flaxseed meal on hand, so I substituted almond flour in instead, and then added a little protein powder when the mixture was too sticky and they are great! Definitely going to make them again!
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Megan G — Reply
Delicious! This really is the perfect master recipe. For anyone else who uses MFP (My Fitness Pal), I made a double batch of this recipe, weighing all amounts and entering precisely into the app. You should be able to find it titled “The Best Energy Bites – MKC – double recipe.” Details: I used 6 oz each of crunchy PB and cashew butter, 5 oz raw honey + 1 oz organic maple syrup. The rest as written. 36 servings = 104 calories, 10 g carbs, 6 g fat, 3 g protein, each.
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Diana — Reply
Is there any nutrition information on this recipe
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MelanieL — Reply
I can’t wait to try these ahead of travel baseball season. My son sometimes only has 10-15 minutes between games and I know he’ll love these, as will the rest of us! Thanks for highlighting this recipe as a reader favorite in your newsletter!
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Mel — Reply
Hope you (and your son!) love them, Melanie!
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MelanieL — Reply
I finally made these this week, they are a hit! Thanks again!
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Rebekah — Reply
Can you use a vitamix instead of a food processor??
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Mel — Reply
I believe others have done that – if it were me, I’d pulse the dry ingredients in the vitamix and then dump into a bowl and mix everything else in and mash it up (with my hands or an electric mixer).
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Sasha — Reply
Nutrition info for this recipe alone?
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Jenny — Reply
Perfect ratios! These are my new favorites.
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Amy W. — Reply
This master recipe is AMAZING!!! I was able to customize it to our needs and diet and it is the go-to recipe I have been searching for! Hands down, 5 stars!!!
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