Skip the processed granola bars and go homemade with our healthy energy ball recipes. These tasty bites are made with whole food ingredients, like dates, nuts and whole grains, and are packed with flavor. Full of healthy fat, fiber and protein, these energy balls will keep you full and energized through your afternoon (or morning) slump. Bonus: They are kid-friendly as well and perfect for road trips when stored in a cooler. Try our popular Peanut Butter Energy Balls or Apple Pie Energy Balls for an easy, go-to snack in a pinch.
There are recipes in this collection that make up to 32 energy balls, and there are recipes that assemble in 15 minutes. Most of the energy balls can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container, and just about all of them can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to three months. Plus, there are so many flavors to choose from that we think you’ll be tempted to try them all.
01of 20
Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls
View Recipe
If you're looking for a midday pick-me-up, these irresistible blueberry-lemon balls come together in minutes and make a perfect on-the-go snack. Walnuts add a boost of plant-based protein and help keep you energized, while a bit of maple syrup adds sweetness.
02of 20
Muddy Buddy Energy Balls
View Recipe
This fun take on Muddy Buddies wraps cereal, nut butter, chocolate chips and the signature powdered-sugar coating into an energy ball with just the right amount of sweetness. You can mix and match the cereal, butter and sweetener for a different flavor each time you make them.
03of 20
Apple Pie Energy Balls
View Recipe
These no-bake Apple Pie Energy Balls come together easily and will give your body the energy it needs to power through the afternoon.
04of 20
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
View Recipe
These healthy peanut butter and chocolate energy balls deliver a mixture of simple and complex carbohydrates to help fuel you up whenever you need a boost. They're no-bake and easy to make with ingredients you probably have on hand, like oats and nut butter. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins—for example, dried fruit or chopped nuts—in place of the chocolate chips and coconut.
05of 20
Carrot Cake Energy Bites
View Recipe
These no-cook energy bites keep well in the fridge or freezer and are easy to grab on the go for a healthy snack.
06of 20
Mango-Date Energy Bites
View Recipe
Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-cook energy balls. Perfect for hikes or during sports, this healthy snack travels well.
07of 20
Chocolate-Peppermint Energy Balls
View Recipe
These festive no-cook energy balls have all the flavors you love in peppermint-chocolate bark—but in healthy snack form. Whip up a batch for an office or after-school treat, or take them along to a holiday cookie swap. The recipe is easily doubled or even tripled. Be sure to store the bites at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator: The moisture from the fridge will melt the candy cane coating.
08of 20
Banana Energy Bites
View Recipe
Perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack, these energy bites will keep you fueled.
09of 20
Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Balls
View Recipe
Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-bake energy balls. Perfect for hikes or during sports, this healthy snack travels well. For the best flavor and texture, use Medjool dates, the largest and most luscious date variety. Look for them in the produce department or near other dried fruits.
10of 20
Fruit Energy Balls
View Recipe
Make a big batch of these no-bake energy balls to keep on hand when hunger strikes or you need a healthy pick-me-up.
11of 20
Caramel Delight Energy Balls
View Recipe
Think of these easy no-bake cookies as a healthy makeover of one of our favorite Girl Scout Cookies. Chewy caramel, dark chocolate and toasted coconut come together with fiber-boosting oats instead of sugar and flour. And the best part? They take only 15 minutes from start to finish.
12of 20
Iced Lemon Cookie Energy Balls
View Recipe
Next time you have a Girl Scout Cookie craving, try these healthier no-bake cookies instead. Their bright and lemony flavor is balanced by sweetness from Medjool dates, and they're held together with millet and almond meal. Keeping the dough chilled and dusting your hands with confectioners' sugar will keep them from sticking to your hands while you shape them.
13of 20
Apricot-Ginger Energy Balls
View Recipe
This easy energy ball uses natural ingredients to give you a quick bite of energy when you need it. Dried apricots and honey hold together the coconut and oats, while ginger and tahini deepen the sweet flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, you can have these as a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon snack or sweet treat after dinner.
14of 20
Chocolate-Hazelnut Energy Balls
View Recipe
These energy balls marry the flavors of nutty hazelnuts with rich chocolate. They're chewy with a slight crunch and have just enough sweetness to curb a midday or post-dinner sweet tooth.
15of 20
Cranberry-Oat Energy Balls
View Recipe
Craisins and dried figs do double duty as sweeteners and binders to make these easy energy balls both tasty and practical. These portable snacks mix in sunflower butter for plenty of protein. They're ready in just 25 minutes and can be stored in your freezer for easy snacking.
16of 20
Salted Coconut-Caramel Energy Balls
View Recipe
A blend of dates, sunflower seed butter, salt and vanilla make these bites surprisingly reminiscent of salted caramel—both in taste and texture. Unlike our ultra-easy mix-and-match basic energy ball recipe, you'll need a blender to make a paste for the base of these balls, but the extra effort is oh-so-worth it for the sweet and satisfying result.
17of 20
Blueberry-Pecan Energy Balls
View Recipe
Dried blueberries and pecans team up with cacao nibs for a chocolaty treat any time of day. The cacao is a bit more bitter than chocolate, but the maple syrup helps tame it. Almond butter and chia seeds provide protein to make these bites substantial snacks to fuel your body.
18of 20
S'mores Energy Balls
View Recipe
These two-bite, protein-packed snacks have all the flavors of a campfire favorite rolled right in. Mini chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces are blended into the base mixture, while a mini marshmallow is tucked into the center. Even better, they're no-bake and you can make a big batch in about 30 minutes.
19of 20
Cherry-Cocoa-Pistachio Energy Balls
View Recipe
Minced dried cherries and pistachios make these energy balls a salty-sweet snack to satisfy all your cravings. Almond butter and cocoa add substance and chocolaty appeal. Serve any time of day as a snack or dessert, or pack them for a hike.
20of 20
Peanut Butter-Date Energy Balls
View Recipe
This easy snack recipe doubles down on the toasty flavor of the ancient grain amaranth by combining it with peanut butter and flaxseeds. Pitted dates hold it all together while adding extra fiber. Eat these as a snack, grab for a quick breakfast or serve as a healthier dessert.