Name: No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups rolled oats (Use thick rolled oats for a satisfying chew.); 1 ripe banana, mashed (Riper bananas add more sweetness. Can substitute with applesauce.); 0.5 cups almond butter (Natural, unsweetened preferred. Other nut butters can be used.); 0.5 cups crushed walnuts (Can substitute with pecans, peanuts, or seeds.); 0.25 cups maple syrup (For sweetness; can substitute with honey or agave syrup.); 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (Can be omitted or replaced with chia seeds.); 0.25 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavors; can be reduced or omitted.); 0.25 cups mini chocolate chips (Use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate as per preference.); 1 scoop protein powder (optional) (Choose a protein powder that meets your dietary needs.); ~1 tablespoon almond milk (optional) (Use to adjust texture if mixture is crumbly.)

This No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Balls (High Protein) Recipe comes together in about 15 minutes and is perfect for no-bake snack prep that your family will love! Switch up the add-ins to suit your taste or use this recipe as a “clean out the fridge” solution to get rid of those odds and ends lying around. Yup, they’re versatile, easy-to-make, and a great way to keep everyone energized throughout the day!

Ingredient Breakdown

1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ripe banana, mashed
½ cup almond butter
½ cup crushed walnuts
¼ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
1 tablespoon almond milk (optional)

How to Make No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Balls

Okay, now that we’ve got our tasty ingredients, let’s dive into the process.

Mash the Banana (2 minutes): In a large bowl, thoroughly mash that ripe banana until it’s smooth and creamy. Honestly, this part is super satisfying, you’ll feel like a pro right away!
Combine Ingredients (4 minutes): Stir in the rolled oats, almond butter, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, and salt, along with the protein powder if you’re using it. Just mix until everything is well combined, and don’t be afraid to use those muscles!
Adjust Texture (2 minutes): If the mixture feels too crumbly, add about 1 tablespoon of almond milk and fold it in until it sticks together. You’re looking for something that holds shape when you press it between your fingers.
Incorporate the Extras (2 minutes): Gently fold in those crushed walnuts and mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The colors, those tiny bits of chocolate and golden oats—are so inviting!
Chill Out! (20 minutes): Pop the mixture in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 20 minutes. This step helps to firm everything up, making it easier to roll.
Roll Into Balls (5 minutes): Once chilled, scoop out the mixture and roll it into balls about the size of a walnut, around 1 inch. Feel free to enlist the kids for this part; it’s fun and they’ll love getting their hands messy!
Serve or Store (5 minutes): Enjoy them immediately for a quick snack, or store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just take them out when you need a quick energy boost!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my absolute go-to recipe when I need a quick snack that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. I’m a real sucker for anything that combines banana and chocolate, and these energy balls deliver on that front, plus they’re totally customizable! The best part is that they’re super versatile. You can mix and match according to whatever’s hanging out in your pantry. They definitely qualify as a win-win for our busy weeknights!

If you loved this No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Balls recipe, be sure to check out my No-Bake Protein Balls, my Energy Oatmeal Balls, or my Healthy Blueberry Protein Balls!

Why This Recipe Works

Customizable

The secret to a delicious no-bake treat? Lots of ways to make it your own. Feel like throwing in some dried fruit or coconut flakes? Go for it! It’s a great way to use up what you’ve got in the pantry.

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for that long work week. Trust me, you’ll be so glad to have these on hand when that mid-afternoon slump hits.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These energy balls are perfect for meal prep. Just whip up a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have snacks ready for the whole week. They’re easy to grab before school or work.

Healthy and Delicious

Loaded with healthy ingredients, these energy balls are a much better alternative to store-bought snacks. You won’t miss those sugary bars once you’ve tried these!

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable, everyday ingredients means this recipe won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s super versatile, if you don’t have walnuts, toss in any nuts you like, or even some seeds!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: These energy balls are great on their own, but I love serving them with a side of fresh fruit like apple slices or a yogurt dip. Yum!

Storage: You can keep the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and ready to fuel your day!

Reheating Instructions: There’s really no need to reheat these, just grab and go! But if you do prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds.

Freezer-Friendly: Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze these babies. Just freeze them in single layers on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to three months!

A Little Extra for You

If you’re looking for some fun variations, try adding cinnamon for warmth or swapping chocolate chips for cocoa nibs for a more subtle chocolate flavor. Honestly, you can’t mess this up!

Well, there you have it! Whip up these No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Balls and watch them disappear! You’ve got this, happy snacking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!