Oatmeal Energy Balls with Almond Butter

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Oatmeal Energy Balls are an easy, no-bake snack that can be assembled in mere minutes. They are packed with wholesome ingredients and serve as convenient options for on-the-go breakfasts and snacks. These almond butter oat energy balls will help keep you fueled for the day or a workout!

white rectangle platter with oat energy balls lined up on it.

These vegan energy balls are full of fiber and protein to help get you through the day or to the next meal. They are healthy, sticky, and sweet which means everyone is going to love them, even the kids! If you love healthy protein snacks, also try these gluten-free granola bars or even our vegan chocolate balls.

Reasons you will love this snack

  • Vegan and Gluten-Free: These oatmeal energy balls cater to everyone, whether you’re vegan or gluten-sensitive, offering a wholesome snack that aligns with your dietary needs.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: Save time in the kitchen with this simple, no-bake recipe that lets you whip up a batch of energy balls in minutes. Another easy recipe is my microwavable vanilla mug cake which is ready in 5 minutes.
  • No Cooking Required: Enjoy a hassle-free snack with no cooking needed—just mix, roll, and enjoy! Perfect for busy days or when you need a quick energy boost.

Ingredients you will need

  • Quick oats- They provide a hearty, nutritious base that binds well with other ingredients, offering a satisfying texture and slow-release energy.
  • Nuts and seeds- Walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia add crunch, protein, and fiber to every bite.
  • Dried fruit- Blueberries and cranberries are the dry fruits that add sweetness and tang to these vegan energy balls. These oil-free cranberries are a great choice because they are completely natural without any additives.
  • Almond butter- Using natural almond butter in energy balls adds a rich, nutty flavor and healthy fats, helping to bind the ingredients together while keeping the snack wholesome and nutritious.
  • Sweetener- Maple syrup, honey, or agave are terrific natural liquid sweeteners.
  • Spices- Vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg are the warm spices that round out the flavor.

Energy bite variations

These power energy balls are delicious as is, but you can always add in other ingredients like vegan chocolate chips, unsweetened shredded coconut, an endless variety of nut butter, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Other nut kinds of nut butter might include peanut butter or cashew butter. Really, it just depends on your preference.

How to make energy balls

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

oat energy ball batter in wooden bowl being stirred with wooden spoon

STEP #1: Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but not wet. Add more nut butter or honey if the mixture is too dry and more oats if the mixture is too wet.

white platter of vegan energy balls with wooden cutting boad with more balls and ingredients in background

STEP #2: Once it is mixed thoroughly, roll into balls. I make mine about the size of a ping pong ball because they’re bite-sized!

Ways to serve

Ball-shaped is a super convenient way to eat, store, and take them on the go. But no fear that’s not the only way to enjoy them; you still have options!

To save time and not have to roll the balls, you can also press the mixture into a parchment-covered baking dish, chill it for about 30 minutes, and then cut them into energy bars.

Storage Tips

I store my energy balls in a plastic container and layer them with parchment paper between the layers. 

Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage. Haven’t had to freeze any here yet, they don’t make it that long!

The balls will firm up more as they chill in the refrigerator, but no need to wait. Enjoy immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes, you can easily customize the ingredients by adding mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or chocolate chips, or by swapping almond butter for another nut or seed butter to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Are oatmeal almond butter energy balls suitable for kids?

Absolutely! As long as the child doesn’t have a nut allergy. These energy balls are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy for kids to eat and enjoy, making them a great snack option for school lunches or after-school treats.

How long do they stay fresh?

Oatmeal almond butter energy balls typically stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them a convenient make-ahead snack.

overhead photo of oatmeal power balls with old vanilla botto and ingredients in background
PHOTO CREDIT: Drenda-Michell Brennan

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white rectangular platter with a dozen oatmeal energy balls
5 from 8 votes

Oatmeal Energy Balls with Almond Butter

These vegan energy balls are full of fiber and protein to help get you through the day or to the next meal. They are healthy, sticky, and sweet which means everyone is going to love them, even the kids!
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup quick oats
  • ¼ cup walnuts chopped
  • ¼ cup dried blueberries
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoon sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoon flax seeds
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • ¾ cup almond butter
  • ¼ cup honey maple syrup or agave
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but not wet.
  • Add more nut butter or honey if the mixture is too dry and more oats if the mixture is too wet. Once it is mixed thoroughly, roll into balls. I make mine about the size of a ping pong ball because they’re bite size!
  • Ball-shaped is a super convenient way to eat, store, and take them on-the-go. But no fear that’s not the only way to enjoy them; you still have options!
  • To save time and not have to roll the balls, you can also press the mixture into a parchment-covered baking dish, chill it for about 30 minutes, and then cut them into energy bars.

Video

Notes

Variations- These power energy balls are delicious as is, but you can always add in other ingredients like vegan chocolate chips, unsweetened shredded coconut, an endless variety of nut butters, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Other nut kinds of nut butter might include peanut butter or cashew butter. Really, it just depends on your preference.
Storage- I store my energy balls in a plastic container and layer them with parchment paper between the layers. 
Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage. Haven’t had to freeze any here yet, they don’t make it that long!
About the Chef- Drenda-Michell Brennan joined EatPlant-Based in January 2023 as a recipe developer and has continued to expand her skills into photography, SEO, technical assistance, and writing. She is a valued member of our team that continually impresses! Our EatPlant-Based community knows her as Chelbo from our Facebook Tuesday LIVES.

Nutrition

Serving: 2balls | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 101mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g

Disclaimer

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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Drenda-Michell Brennan

About the Chef

Drenda-Michell Brennan lived in Japan in the 1980s and 90s where she enjoyed spending much of her time visiting the kitchens of family and friends, watching and learning to prepare traditional Japanese cuisine. She is the mother of three Japanese-American grown children and grandmother (HuneyGram) to nine grandchildren. Read More…

4 Comments

5 from 8 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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