Nut-Free Oatmeal Energy Balls

These no-bake Nut-Free Oatmeal Energy Balls are packed with creamy sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, oats, chia seeds, and mini chocolate chips. They’re easy make and the perfect afternoon snack! 

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The Best Nut Free Oatmeal Energy Balls 

These nut-free oatmeal energy balls are one of my favorite snacks to add to my weekly meal prep. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, they’re packed with healthy fats and fiber and are just sweet enough to make you feel like you’re eating a treat. 

Plus, they come together in one bowl and require absolutely no baking! I like to enjoy them as a post-workout snack. However, given that they’re completely nut-free, gluten-free, and diary-free-friendly, they also make for a great option for lunchboxes or when feeding a crowd. 

Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll thank yourself later! 

More Reader Favorite Oatmeal Recipes

• Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
• Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cups
• Triple Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cups
• Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
• Banana Baked Oatmeal

Recipe Ingredients 

Creamy Sunflower Seed Butter: to keep these energy bites nut-free we’re using creamy sunflower seed butter instead of traditional nut butter. Look for a creamy sunflower seed butter that’s similar in texture to an all natural nut butter.

Maple Syrup: adds just the right touch of sweetness. Not a fan of maple syrup? Use honey instead! 

Vanilla Extract: adda a delicious hint of vanilla flavor to the energy balls. 

Old-Fashioned Oats: we’re using old-fashioned oats as the base of this recipe. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need to keep these oatmeal energy balls gluten-free. 

Ground Flax Seed and Chia Seeds: these both add a bit of extra texture and healthy fats to the energy balls.

Mini Chocolate Chips: I prefer the flavor of dark chocolate chips, but semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips will all work. If you need to keep this recipe dairy-free, be sure to grab dairy free chocolate chips.

Ground Cinnamon: just a bit adds the best flavor.

Sea Salt: just a pinch of helps to enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.

How to Make Nut-Free Oatmeal Energy Balls

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. 

Step Two: Add the oats, ground flax seed, chocolate chips, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture resembles cookie dough. 

Step Three: Transfer the “dough” to the refrigerator for 5 minutes to chill and set. 

Step Four: Once the mix has chilled, remove it from the fridge, and use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough. Shape the dough into balls by rolling the portions between your hands. Enjoy! 

Tips and Tricks 

1. Adjust the consistency. If the balls are too dry, add a bit more sunflower seed butter. Or, if they’re too wet, stir in a tablespoon of more oats. 
2. Want to up the protein content? You can add in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or plain would work best) or collagen protein powder.
3. Sunflower seed butter can sometimes be a bit oilier than nut butter when working with it. Don’t be alarmed if your hands are a bit oily when rolling the bites.
4. Because sunflower seed butter is made from seeds instead of nuts, this is recipe a great option for people who have a nut allergy and cannot enjoy traditional nut butter. That being said if you can enjoy nut butter, feel free to switch out the sunflower seed butter for another creamy base. Cashew butter, almond butter, or peanut butter would all work really well in this recipe. Whichever nut or seed butter you choose to go with, just make sure that it does not have any added sugars.
5. Feel free to add more of your favorite mix-ins! If you can enjoy nuts, chopped almonds make a great addition. Or, coconut flakes, dried fruit, or even sprinkles are fun and will work well, too. 

How to Store and Freeze

Fridge: Store leftover bites in the fridge for up to 1 week. 

Freezer: This recipe freezes incredibly well for 2 to 3 months, and you enjoy the balls straight from the freezer. 

To freeze, place the energy balls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Then, place the sheet pan in the freezer. 

Once the balls are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe storage bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, grab a bite or two, and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before digging in. 

More Delicious Energy Balls and Bites

• Carrot Cake Energy Bites
• Peanut Butter Energy Balls
• No Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
• Snickerdoodle Energy Bites
• Monster Cookie Energy Bites
• Tahini Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

I hope you give this Nut-Free Oatmeal Energy Balls recipe a try! They’re nutritious, great for meal prep, and so easy to make. If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.

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Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Sierra Inn