These Peanut Butter Stuffed Energy Balls are the perfect pick-me-up! Filled with creamy peanut butter and rolled in healthy oats, they’re chewy, nutty, and oh-so-tasty!
Making these is a breeze—I just mix, roll, and enjoy! They also make a great snack for the kids, and I won’t judge you if you sneak a few for yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pitted Dates: These are the main sweetener in this recipe and help bind everything together. If you’re in a pinch, you can use dried figs or apricots instead, though the taste will change a bit.
Rolled Oats: They add texture and nutrients. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work too, but avoid instant oats, as they can make the mixture too mushy.
Natural Peanut Butter: I recommend using smooth and unsweetened peanut butter for a creamy texture. Almond butter or any other nut butter can be a great alternative if you’re allergic to peanuts.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives a nice chocolate flavor. If you want it sweeter, add a tiny bit of maple syrup or honey to the mixture. Carob powder is a good caffeine-free substitute too!
Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseeds: Both are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t have either, hemp seeds make a nutritious swap.
Almond Flour: It adds nuttiness and moisture. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seed flour can be used instead. You can also use standard all-purpose flour, but the energy balls will not be as nutritious.
How Can I Make Sure My Energy Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right texture for your energy balls is key! After blending your ingredients, if the mixture feels too dry, consider adding a bit of water or more peanut butter to help it stick. If it’s too wet, you can add more oats or almond flour to thicken it up.
- Blend until sticky but not overly wet; this ensures a good binding.
- Let the blended mixture rest for about 5 minutes – this helps it firm up a bit.
- Use your hands: When forming the balls, make sure you pack the mixture tightly around the peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Energy Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chia seeds or ground flaxseeds
- ¼ cup almond flour (or any nut flour)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional peanut butter (for stuffing)
- Optional toppings: shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or cocoa powder for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a tasty batch of energy balls ready for snacking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blending the Ingredients:
Start by adding the pitted dates, rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds (or flaxseeds), almond flour, salt, and vanilla extract to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it becomes well combined and sticky. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
2. Resting the Mixture:
After everything is blended nicely, transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to shape.
3. Forming the Energy Balls:
With clean hands, take a small portion of the mixture (about a tablespoon). Flatten it in your palm and place about half a teaspoon of peanut butter in the center. Fold the mixture over the peanut butter and roll it into a ball. Try to make sure the peanut butter is completely encased!
4. Rolling and Coating (Optional):
Repeat the ball-making process for the rest of the mixture. If you’d like, you can roll each energy ball in shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or cocoa powder to give it some extra flavor and texture.
5. Chilling and Storing:
Once all the energy balls are shaped, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. Enjoy your energy balls as a healthy snack throughout the week!
Can I Use Medjool Dates Instead of Pitted Dates?
Absolutely! Medjool dates are great for this recipe as they are naturally soft and sweet. Just make sure to remove the pits if they aren’t already pitted. They will blend well and provide the same sticky texture you need for energy balls.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, you can easily use any nut flour like cashew or hazelnut flour. If you prefer a nut-free option, oat flour or even ground oats can work as well to achieve a similar texture!
How Do I Store These Energy Balls for Longer Freshness?
You can store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or let sit at room temperature for a bit.
Can I Make These Energy Balls Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure you’re using a vegan peanut butter. Most brands are, but it’s always good to double-check the label. You can also replace any honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if you’re looking for a sweetener option.
