Pin It I discovered these energy balls during my marathon training phase when I needed something portable that would not leave me crashing an hour later. The first batch was honestly born from desperation three overripe bananas sitting on my counter and a jar of almond butter that needed using. Now they are my go-to for afternoon slumps at work, and even my toddler asks for them by name.
My sister in law tried one during a family picnic and immediately demanded the recipe. She now keeps a batch in her fridge for her teenage sons who seem to be permanently hungry. It has become a bit of a running joke how quickly a whole batch disappears at our gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed: The riper the banana the sweeter and more cohesive your mixture will be
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Old fashioned oats work better than instant for the right texture
- 1/2 cup almond butter: Creamy natural peanut butter works too just avoid the heavily processed kind
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: This binds everything together while adding natural sweetness
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute more evenly than regular sized ones
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and boosts the nutrition significantly
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Do not skip this it pulls all the flavors together beautifully
- Pinch of sea salt: Just enough to make the chocolate flavor pop
Instructions
- Mash the banana:
- Use a fork or potato masher until almost completely smooth with only tiny chunks remaining
- Create the sticky base:
- Whisk in the almond butter honey and vanilla until the mixture turns glossy and uniform
- Add the dry ingredients:
- Fold in the oats flaxseed salt and chocolate chips until every bit is coated and the mixture holds together when squeezed
- Chill briefly:
- Twenty minutes in the fridge makes rolling so much easier but if you are impatient you can skip this
- Roll into balls:
- Scoop about a tablespoon and use your hands to form 1 inch balls placing them on a parchment lined tray
- Store properly:
- Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week if they last that long
Pin It 
These little bites saved me during a cross country road trip when gas station snacks were not cutting it. My travel partner was skeptical at first but after trying one she insisted we make another batch as soon as we got home.
Making Them Your Way
I have experimented with so many variations that I rarely make the same exact batch twice. Sometimes I add cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavor profile especially in winter months. Other times I throw in some chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
Texture Secrets
The key is getting the moisture balance right which can vary depending on how large your banana was and how thick your nut butter is. I have learned that slightly wetter is better than too dry since you can always add more oats but you cannot easily fix a crumbly mixture.
Storage Solutions
I like to make a double batch and freeze half for later since they thaw beautifully at room temperature in about thirty minutes. Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer safe container and they will keep for up to three months.
- Try rolling some in coconut flakes for a tropical twist
- Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter in schools with nut restrictions
- Press a whole chocolate chip into the top of each ball for extra visual appeal
Pin It There is something deeply satisfying about turning overripe bananas into something so portable and delicious. Hope these become your new favorite too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long do these energy balls last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The oats and flaxseed help maintain freshness while the chilling keeps the texture firm.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a completely nut-free version that still delivers creamy texture and healthy fats.
- → Do I have to refrigerate the mixture before rolling?
It's optional but recommended. Chilling for 20-30 minutes makes the mixture less sticky and easier to shape into uniform balls.
- → What other mix-ins can I add?
Try chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, chia seeds, shredded coconut, or a dash of cinnamon. The base mixture adapts well to most pantry staples.
- → Can I freeze these energy balls?
Absolutely. Place rolled balls on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months and thaw in about 15 minutes at room temperature.