Energy Balls
on Nov 10, 2022, Updated Aug 19, 2025
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This Energy Balls recipe is a wholesome, 5-minute, no-bake bite that will satisfy when that 🍫 chocolate craving hits. My best friend’s sister-in-law inspired me to make these years ago, and they are still one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s so true that good things come in small packages: these bites are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or an after-dinner treat. These Energy Balls are made with great quality ingredients that will satisfy your sweet tooth but also make you feel good.
Why You’ll Love Energy Balls
Energy Balls could not be easier to prepare, and there’s absolutely no bake time required. Anyone else go poking around for a little chocolatey 😋 bite after dinner? These are THAT, without any guilt at all. They’re made with really healthy ingredients, no added sugar, and packed with flavor. You can absolutely adapt these to use whatever ingredients you have in the pantry and love, and they can be rolled in additional ingredients, such as shredded 🥥 coconut or chopped nuts, as well. Make a big batch and store them in the fridge for up to a month, but I promise they won’t last that long.
Ingredients
- Almonds: To form the base of this recipe, I like to take raw, unsalted almonds and grind them in a food processor with the cacao and seeds for smooth texture and bite-sized crunch. Not to mention, almonds are packed full of healthy fats, protein, and B vitamins – perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
- Cacao: This high flavanol ingredient is full of antioxidants and mood boosters. I meannn, chocolate makes people happy, obviously! Raw cacao powder or nibs will work. You could also use cocoa powder.
- Chia seeds: This versatile ingredient is full of fiber and helps keep you full without making you sluggish. In addition to its health benefits, it also adds a fun texture to the mix.
- Hemp hearts: Great things sometimes come in tiny packages. If you’re looking to boost your protein intake and omega-3’s then you’re going to fall in love with hemp hearts! They also add a bit of texture and a buttery mild flavor that goes great with everything from energy balls to salads.
- Nut butter: This is the glue that holds it all together. I like to use almond butter here, but feel free to use your favorite nut or seed butter! If you are allergic to nuts, this recipe works just as well with SunButter.
- Honey: I love using honey to help act as an additional binder and add a touch of sweetness.
Nonna’s Tip 🥜
Be sure to mix the nut butter in the jar to avoid adding all the oil that sits at the top.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
If you can scoop, pulse, and resist licking the spoon—you’re ready to roll (literally) 😄. This recipe is quick, mess-free, and requires just a handful of kitchen basics. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Food processor – This does most of the heavy lifting. Just toss everything in and blend until it’s perfectly combined.
- A sturdy spoon or spatula – For scraping down the sides and making sure not a bit goes to waste.
- Measuring cups + spoons – To keep those flavors balanced and the texture just right.
- A cookie scoop or tablespoon – So your energy balls are all the same size (and snack-ready).
- An airtight container – For storing your bites in the fridge all week long.
Variations and Substitutions for Energy Balls
- Have fun with these by rolling them in any toppings you like such as cacao, nuts, or 🥥 coconut. You can even add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice the mixture up a bit.
- Play with the shapes! You could make energy bars by pressing the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch parchment lined baking pan to chill, and then slicing instead of rolling them into balls.
- To create a nut-free version, feel free to replace the almonds with any seeds of choice. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds work really well in this recipe. You can also substitute the nut butter for SunButter.
- If you’re vegan, use agave or 🍁maple syrup as a sweetener instead of honey.
- You can amp up the 💪 nutritional value even more in these Energy Balls by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little extra nut butter or a splash of water to adjust the consistency
Similar Recipes
Best Served With
- Have these Energy Balls for breakfast with a bowl of yogurt and 🍓 fruit.
- Enjoy them as a sweet little bite with your afternoon tea or ☕ coffee.
- Pack them to take on-the-go for a pre- or post-workout snack 🏋️♀️.
- Create a flight of energy bites with my No Bake Chocolate Balls and 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls.
Energy Balls
Video
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup raw unsalted almonds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- ½ cup nut or seed butter of choice, I used almond butter
- ¼ cup honey, or agave
Instructions
- In a food processor, process the first four Ingredients for 20 seconds until fine crumbs.
- Add the almond butter and honey and pulse until a nice and sticky dough forms.
- Roll into 10 equal balls by using a tablespoon measuring spoon or a mini ice-cream scooper.
- Once rolled, dip them in any toppings you enjoy or leave them plain. Store them in the fridge to firm up for at least an hour and enjoy.
Notes
- Add-ins and Toppings: Have fun with these by rolling them in any toppings you like such as cacao, nuts, or coconut. You can even add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice things up a bit.
- Alternate shapes: You could make energy bars by pressing the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch parchment lined baking pan to chill, and then slicing into energy bars instead of rolling them into balls.
- Nut-free substitutions: If you are allergic to nuts you can try replacing the almond with any seeds of choice. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds work really well in this recipe. You can also substitute the nut butter for SunButter.
- Vegan substitutions: If you’re vegan, use agave or maple syrup as a sweetener instead of honey.
- Add extra protein: You can amp up the nutritional value even more in these Energy Balls by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little extra nut butter or a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Common Questions
Yes! They’re packed full of raw, wholesome ingredients that are as nutritious AND delicious!
Energy Balls will keep in an airtight container at room temp for several days. Any longer, and you’ll want to store them in the fridge. They’ll be good for a couple of weeks – if they last that long!
Absolutely! You can substitute almonds with other nuts like cashews, walnuts, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can try using a high-powered blender to make these Energy Balls. Otherwise, you can use a knife to chop the almonds finely by hand, then mix everything in a bowl until well combined.
If you are allergic to nuts you can try replacing the almond with any seeds of choice. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds work well in this recipe. You can also substitute the nut butter for SunButter.
If you are vegan, use agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
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This was absolutely delicious, will definitely make it again.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
These are PERFECT if you are looking for a quick snack, and also for if you are having those sneaky cravings throughout the day! I pop one of these in my mouth and I am instantly satisfied! Such a neat little recipe, and it takes little to no time at all! 10/10 recommend!