No-Bake Energy Bites (Oatmeal & Honey)

The quickest snack I rely on keeps its shape without ever touching heat. Rolled oats stay chewy, honey pulls everything together, and the whole mix comes together in minutes.

Save

Save

No-Bake Energy Bites (Oatmeal & Honey)

Recipe by Elle RiversCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

18

bites

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

95

kcal

Total time

10

minutes

Soft, chewy no-bake energy bites made with rolled oats, honey, nut butter, and flaxseed. A quick, adjustable snack that mixes in one bowl and firms up in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (150g)

• 1/3 cup honey (110g)

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, runny (128g)

• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (28g)

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins (40g)

Directions

• Stir oats, honey, peanut butter, and flaxseed in a bowl until fully combined.
• Add mix-ins and fold until distributed.
• Adjust texture with extra oats (firmer) or honey/warm water (softer).
• Roll into compact balls and place on parchment.
• Chill 20 minutes until firm.

Notes

• Texture marker: Mixture should press together without crumbling and release cleanly from your hands.
• Storage: Refrigerate 2 weeks or freeze 3 months.
• INTERNATIONAL SUBSTITUTIONS
  UK: Rolled oats = porridge oats (not jumbo oats).
  AUS: Use traditional rolled oats; honey varies in thickness, warm gently if firm.

Why This Recipe Works

Honey acts as a primary binder and sweetener; its viscosity determines how firmly the mixture sets.
Rolled oats supply structure without turning gummy, maintaining a clean chew.
Nut butter provides fat and cohesion; runny varieties blend faster and prevent cracking.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Rolled oats: Provide chew and structure. Quick oats can replace them for a softer, dough-like bite.
Honey: Acts as both binder and sweetener. Warm thick or crystallized honey slightly to restore fluidity. Maple syrup works but softens the mixture; add extra oats if needed.
Nut butter: Peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, or tahini all work. Choose a loose, stirrable nut butter for best binding.
Ground flaxseed: Adds body and helps the mixture firm as it rests.
Optional mix-ins: Mini chocolate chips, raisins, dried blueberries, shredded coconut, or cacao nibs. Keep quantities minimal so the recipe stays centered on oatmeal and honey.

Essential Equipment

• A medium bowl
• A sturdy spoon
• A sheet of parchment
• A small cookie scoop

How to Make No-Bake Energy Bites (Oatmeal & Honey)

Combine the Base

1. Stir the oats, flaxseed, honey, and nut butter in a bowl until the mixture looks glossy and evenly coated.

Adjust the Texture

1. If the mixture feels loose or sticky, add a tablespoon of oats.
2. If it feels dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of honey or warm water.
3. You want a mix that presses together cleanly without sticking heavily to your hands.

Roll and Set

Set them on parchment and refrigerate for about 20 minutes so the oats settle and the bites firm up.

Save

Expert Tips

• Check texture before chilling; it should feel soft but cohesive.
• Stir natural nut butter well—dry, separated jars lead to crumbly bites.
• Slightly warm honey blends faster and coats the oats more evenly.
• For firmer bites, chill overnight; oats absorb more moisture as they rest.

Storage & Freezing

To Store: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
To Freeze Baked: Freeze for 3 months; they thaw quickly and can be eaten straight from the freezer if you prefer a firmer bite.
To Freeze Dough: Not applicable; mixture is rolled and set directly.

FAQ

1. Can I replace honey?
   Maple syrup works but makes a looser mixture. Add extra oats to balance.
2. Can I use quick oats?
   Yes. They create a softer, more compact bite.
3. Why are my energy bites falling apart?
   They likely need more binding. Add a teaspoon of honey or a splash of warm water, then mix again.
4. Can I make these without nut butter?
   Use sunflower seed butter or tahini; without any nut or seed butter, the mixture won’t hold.