These Dark Chocolate Chip Energy Balls are an easy no-bake snack made with oats, seeds, peanut butter, coconut and little bursts of dark chocolate. They take just a few minutes to mix together, then they are rolled into bite-sized balls and chilled until firm. Such a great pre-workout snack or sweet treat.
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Chocolate chip energy balls are chewy, nutty, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and perfect for keeping in the fridge for quick snacks during the week. Perfect for lunchboxes (you can make them nut-free), after-school snacks, pre-workout fuel or something sweet with a cup of coffee. Hello afternoon pick-me-up!
These chocolate energy balls are so simple to make, and there is no baking needed. Everything is mixed together in one bowl, rolled into balls and chilled. So easy, even the kids can get involved.
They are also really easy to adapt depending on what you have in the cupboard. The oats make them filling, the seeds add texture and fibre, the peanut butter helps bind everything together and the dark chocolate chips make them feel like a proper treat. But, there are so many different flavour options.
They are ideal for meal prep too, as they keep well in the fridge and freezer. Having healthy snacks on hand is so key to staying on track for me.
Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Why not try our chewy Banana Oat Cookies, popular Kind Nut Bars or our delicious Healthy Rocky Road?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Oats - Rolled oats work best for energy balls as they give a chewy texture and help hold everything together. Quick oats can also be used, but the mixture will be a little softer.
- Seeds - We used a mixture of chia seeds, flaxseeds and sunflower seeds. But any smaller seed would work.
- Coconut - This adds natural sweetness and a lovely texture. If you are not a fan of coconut, you can swap it for extra oats or ground almonds.
- Chocolate chips - Dark chocolate chips add little bursts of sweetness and make these taste more like a treat. You could use chopped dark chocolate instead if that is what you have.
- Peanut butter - Use a smooth, runny peanut butter for best results, as it helps bind the mixture together. If your peanut butter is very thick, you may need to add a little extra maple syrup or a splash of milk to bring the mixture together.
- Maple syrup - This naturally sweetens the energy balls and helps the mixture stick together. Honey can also be used, although the flavour will be slightly different and they will no longer be vegan.
- Vanilla - Make sure you use extract and not essence.
Variations
Nut free - Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini in these chocolate chip energy balls. This is a good option for school lunchboxes, depending on the nut policy.
Chocolate - Dark chocolate works really well because it balances the sweetness of the maple syrup, but milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can also be used for a sweeter version.
Dried fruit - Raisins, chopped dates, dried cranberries or dried cherries all work well. Keep the pieces small so the balls still hold together.
Crunch - Add extra sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts. Pecans, almonds or walnuts would all work well with the chocolate and cinnamon.
Extra protein - You can add a scoop of protein powder, but you may need to increase the peanut butter or maple syrup slightly so the mixture does not become too dry. Vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder would work best.
How To Make Dark Chocolate Chips Energy Balls
Step 1
Put all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Mix everything well.
Step 3
Roll into balls. The mixture should make 16-18 balls of around 30g/1oz each.
Dark Chocolate Chip Energy Balls Storage
Store the chocolate energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a lined tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. This stops them sticking together.
You can eat them straight from the fridge, or leave them at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
If taking them out and about, keep them in a small container rather than a bag, as they can soften if they get too warm.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Use runny peanut butter if possible. It makes the mixture much easier to stir and helps everything bind together.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of extra peanut butter or maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little more oats or coconut until it is easier to roll.
- Chilling the mixture before rolling can make it easier to handle, especially if your kitchen is warm.
- Press the mixture together firmly as you roll. This helps the balls hold their shape and stops them crumbling.
- Try to keep the energy balls similar in size so they chill evenly and are easy to grab as a snack.
- Mini dark chocolate chips work especially well, as they spread more evenly through the mixture than larger chocolate chips.
More Energy Ball Recipes
If you've tried these chocolate energy bites, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Dark Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 120 g (1 cups) of Oats - (use certified gluten free oats to ensure this recipe is gluten free)
- 40 g (0.5 cup) of Desiccated coconut
- 40 g (0.33 cup) of Mixed seeds - (we used Chia, Sunflower & Flax)
- 140 g (0.5 cup) of Peanut butter
- 60 g (0.33 cup) of Dark chocolate chips - vegan
- 60 ml (0.25 cup) of Maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon of Cinnamon
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix everything well.
- Roll into balls.
Recipe Video
Recipe Tips
- Use runny peanut butter if possible. It makes the mixture much easier to stir and helps everything bind together.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of extra peanut butter or maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little more oats or coconut until it is easier to roll.
- Chilling the mixture before rolling can make it easier to handle, especially if your kitchen is warm.
- Press the mixture together firmly as you roll. This helps the balls hold their shape and stops them crumbling.
- Try to keep the energy balls similar in size so they chill evenly and are easy to grab as a snack.
- Mini dark chocolate chips work especially well, as they spread more evenly through the mixture than larger chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Victoria Harvey says
Easy, delicious and healthy.