Banana Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

Banana Chocolate Chip Energy Balls are the ultimate no-bake solution for busy mornings or afternoon slumps. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and held together with hearty oats and creamy almond butter, these bites offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture with every mouthful.

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Whether you need a post-workout refuel or a lunchbox-friendly treat, these energy balls are incredibly versatile. By using just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of 18 satisfying snacks that feel more like a dessert than a health-conscious bite.

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth.

Step 2

Add almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.

Step 3

Add oats, ground flaxseed, sea salt, and chocolate chips. Mix well until the mixture holds together.

Step 4

Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to firm up (optional but recommended).

Step 5

Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 6

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a very ripe banana with brown spots as it provides the most natural sweetness and a smooth consistency. If the mixture seems too soft to roll immediately, don't skip the refrigeration step; even 20 minutes in the cold will help the oats absorb the moisture and make handling much easier.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize these balls to fit your dietary needs. For a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. If you need a nut-free snack, almond butter can be replaced with sunflower seed butter. For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chia seeds to the mix.

Serviervorschläge

These energy balls are best served straight from the refrigerator. They pair wonderfully with a morning cup of coffee or as a quick grab-and-go snack between meals. For an aesthetically pleasing display, serve them on a wooden board or store them in a clear glass jar for easy access throughout the week.

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With their natural sweetness and satisfying texture, these Banana Chocolate Chip Energy Balls are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation. Simple, healthy, and delicious, they provide the energy you need to power through your day.

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

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Recipe Help Center

→ How long do these energy balls last?

Store banana chocolate chip energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The oats and nut butter keep them fresh while the chilled texture remains perfectly firm.

→ Can I freeze these energy balls?

Yes, freeze the rolled balls on a tray first until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2 hours before enjoying.

→ What's the purpose of refrigerating the mixture?

Chilling the mixture for 20-30 minutes helps firm up the banana and nut butter combination, making it much easier to roll into neat balls that hold their shape without sticking to your hands.

→ Can I make these nut-free?

Absolutely—swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to create a completely nut-free version safe for schools and allergies. The flavor remains deliciously creamy with the same texture.

→ Why use ripe banana in energy balls?

Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and act as a binding agent that holds the oats and add-ins together without eggs or additional sweeteners. The more spotted the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bites become.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Increase protein by adding a scoop of protein powder, chia seeds, hemp hearts, or chopped nuts like walnuts and almonds. Ground flaxseed already contributes 2 grams of plant-based protein per ball.