These peanut butter energy bites are delicious, satisfying and so easy to make. Homemade, they cost about 20¢ each—and might cost you about $1.79 each to buy (no joke).
If your family is always hungry, like mine seems to be, these bites are the perfect snack to have around. They're even great for breakfast on the go.
These no bake peanut butter energy bites are delicious, satisfying and so easy to make. And they're naturally gluten free, too!
A simple recipe we cherish
I'd been making these peanut butter energy bites for months and months (and bringing them everywhere with me) before I even thought about sharing the recipe with anyone. They're so dead simple that when people asked for the recipe, I just recited it from memory as best I could.
I mostly make them using hemp seeds, which are so protein-packed it's ridiculous. But since when I first started making them, no one could reasonably be expected to find hemp seeds, I figured the recipe wasn't really worth sharing.
But then, as often happens, I spied with my little eye a package of hulled hemp seeds at my local Trader Joe's. And just like that, it was time to share!
What's special about these gluten free energy balls?
I'm not exaggerating them I tell you that I make these energy bites every month of the year. The large glass jar you see in the photo above (and in the video) is one that I keep stocked with snacks (okay, sometimes cookies) as often as I can. And my whole family really misses these energy bites when the last one in the jar is eaten!
There really aren't many ingredients in these bites, but even though they do have sugar (honey is sugar, after all), the oats, coconut, and seeds are pure health food. Just one bite is super satisfying, enough to get me through the afternoon slump.
For my kids, who are still hitting growth spurts that empty out the cupboards regularly, 3 bites are usually enough to tide them over. And they beat a handful of GF Oreos any day!
As an alternative to the bite-sized energy snack situation, I also have the perfect recipe for homemade protein bars. They're made with oats and protein powder, and there are lots of different flavor variations. Somehow, they have the texture of a brownie.
Gluten free energy bite ingredients list
- Old fashioned rolled oats – make sure to use a brand that's certified to be gluten free
- Coconut flakes – a delicious, nutritious binder full of healthy fats
- Hemp seeds – I like these, but you can also try chia, hulled sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds
- Oat flour – I just grind oats myself to make this flour
- Salt – a must for balancing all the different flavors
- Peanut butter – smooth, no-mix peanut butter works best; natural peanut butter is usually too runny
- Honey – or maple syrup help to bind the recipe ingredients while adding a touch of sweetness
- Vanilla extract – just a bit adds such big flavor
- Mini chocolate chips – add more sweetness without taking these overboard
These gluten free protein balls can be no-bake (if you want it to be)
This really is a no-bake recipe when you make it as written. But I cannot tell a lie: I almost always toast the oats, coconut, and seeds in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes at the start.
You may not want to put on the oven for something that should be no-bake. But I have my oven on every single day of the year (occupational hazard) anyway, summer included.
Toasting the oats, coconut, and seeds really does intensify and deepen the flavors. But if the oven simply isn't an option, you could also try toasting them on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet just until they smell fragrant.
These no bake peanut butter energy bites are delicious, satisfying and so easy to make. And they're naturally gluten free, too!
How to make these peanut butter energy bites
Whether you choose to toast the bulky ingredients (oats, coconut, seeds) or not, all this recipe requires is that you place those ingredients, along with some salt and oat flour (just oats ground in a food processor or blender—I never buy oat flour!) in a large bowl. Then, add the peanut butter and honey, and mix.
The mixture will be quite thick. Just keep mixing and pressing down the mixture with the back of a spoon to moisten the bulky ingredients with the peanut butter and honey. You want everything to be thick and not soft so that the energy bites hold together well and hold their shape after you portion and roll them tightly.
Then, allow everything to cool down to room temperature (especially if you've toasted the oats, etc. first) before adding the few miniature chocolate chips. Otherwise, the chips will melt right into the bites when you mix them in, and won't hold their shape.
I like using miniature chocolate chips, since just a few ounces of them go a long, long way. Every single bite will have plenty of chips, but not too many that we took something healthy and made it into candy.
Then, portion them with an ice cream scoop or your fingers, and roll tightly between your palms. Place them in the refrigerator to chill, then pile them into a container with a lid. They're ready whenever you or your always hungry family is!
Have the kids help make these gf bites
Seriously, your kids will love this energy ball recipe as much as you do. They'll love it even more if you let them help you make these tasty treats.
These gluten free bites make perfect school snacks, and your kids will be delighted when they find them in lunch boxes — they'll tell their friends all about how they helped!
Here are some tips for making these gluten free protein ball recipe with kids:
- Watch out for hot ingredients – I love to toast my oats, shredded coconut, and seeds when I make these gf power balls, but you can skip this step to make this a truly no-bake oatmeal energy balls recipe. Should you decide to go through with the toasting, just make sure your ingredients have completely cooled before letting the little ones handle them.
- Wash hands before mixing and rolling – I don't see the need to use a food processor to make these gluten free peanut butter balls — mixing by hand is rather quick and easy. As kiddos may accidentally lose their grip on the mixing spoon (or purposely do so to get a taste of that yummy batter), make sure that they wash their hands thoroughly before starting.
- Don't worry about making a mess – It's a fact of life that when you have kids in the kitchen, there's going to be the potential for a mess. As you can easily contain this mess to a table or counter, don't let this bother you. This batter is perfectly safe for licking off fingers, and the ingredients will clean up easily with a damp sponge. Of course, if you really don't have the time for a mess, you can also plop the mixed ingredients into a pan, firmly flatten, and then refrigerate. After an hour, pull out the pan and use a knife to cut up some homemade energy bars.
More tips for making gluten free protein bites
Use a cookie scoop for perfect portions
Eyeing up the protein bites dough and pinching off pieces is a perfectly legitimate way to divvy up the batter. But if you want more consistent sizing across your gluten free energy balls, use an ice cream or cookie scoop.
Refrigerate the dough before rolling
I find that it's much easier to roll an energy ball when the dough is cold. If you find that your mix is too soft to handle, just stick the mixing bowl or portioned batter into the fridge for about 30 minutes. When it comes out, it will be firm enough for easy handling.
How to store your gluten free peanut butter protein balls
When I make these gluten free peanut butter protein balls, I usually double or triple the recipe so that I have a big batch on hand. They'll last for about a week if you store them in an airtight container on your kitchen counter.
If your family doesn't inhale these yummy protein bites the way mine does, you can extend their life by storing them in the refrigerator instead. You can keep them in an airtight container for about two weeks before they start to dry out.
If you're a slow eater, working on portion control, or just want easy access to these peanut butter balls at all times, stick them in the freezer.
After I finish preparing them, I place the pan of energy bites directly into the freezer for about an hour so they get very firm. I then transfer the balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Your gluten free peanut butter balls with oatmeal will last about three months in the freezer.
Gluten free peanut butter balls substitutions and variations
Peanut butter free, gluten free bites
If you can't have peanut butter, almost any other nut butter will do. Almond butter is the perfect substitute, and cashew butter will make a more neutral-flavored energy bite.
The drippy, natural kind is really too soft and won't hold the bites together very well. Go for the “no stir” kind, in which the oil doesn't separate at room temperature.
Vegan, gluten free balls
If you want to make these vegan or just don't like honey, you can use a combination of half maple syrup, half unsulphured molasses (like Grandma's brand). Maple syrup alone is too thin and not sticky enough to replace honey.
Grain free, gluten free power balls
I also have a grain-free version, if the oats are a no-no for you. They're full of protein, too, just without the grains.
Certified gluten free oats are appropriate on a gluten free diet in the United States. If you'd prefer to make this recipe and would like to replace the oats because you can't have them or don't feel comfortable eating them, try replacing the old fashioned rolled oats with beaten rice and the oat flour with quinoa flakes.
We've already had a complete discussion of substitutions for oats in baking. Have a look if you're curious!
Seed options
I buy shelled hemp seeds at my local Trader Joe's market. If you don't live near a Trader Joe's or just don't shop there and you can't find hemp seeds, try chia seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are much larger, so they'd need to be chopped before adding them to the mixture. Flax seeds do tend to have a very strong flavor, so make sure your family is on board before using them in this recipe. There are plenty of other possibilities.
More mix-ins and tasty variations
- cocoa powder – sprinkle in some cocoa powder to make chocolate peanut butter balls
- cranberries – chop up dried cranberries for a tangy twist; dried cherries will also impart a wonderfully tart taste
- dates – chopped dates are a good option if you want a richer taste, but feel free to also experiment with other dried fruit
- protein powder – add a little bit of your favorite protein powder for an added boost; chocolate protein powder is great
- raisins – enjoy the classic taste of oatmeal raisin when you add chopped raisins to your mix
FAQs
Are these peanut butter energy bites easy to make?
My gluten free, no bake energy bites recipe really couldn't be easier to put together. This simple recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in the pantry and takes about 10 minutes to whip up.
You don't need any special equipment for this gluten free bites recipe, and the bites themselves are even stable enough to leave on the counter in an airtight container.
Is it okay to eat raw oats?
There's nothing unsafe about eating raw oats, so go forth with this no bake oatmeal energy balls recipe with no fear. The peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite nut butter, plus the honey, will add enough moisture to aid in digestion.
How many calories do these peanut butter energy balls have?
As this gluten free protein bites recipe allows for so many variations, it's hard for me to list nutrition / serving size info. But don't worry, it's very easy to figure this out yourself!
Just input the ingredients you've used into an online calorie counter. Once you have a calorie count for the entire recipe, simply divide that by how many protein balls you made. This will give you a calorie count per ball.
Is this gluten free energy bites recipe healthy?
These gf bites make healthy snacks thanks to the nutritional content of the high-quality ingredients you use. Of course, if you're concerned about a particular health issue, you can always make substitutions to meet your needs.
For example, peanut butter has two times the saturated fat as almond butter. If you're watching your cholesterol, opt for the latter.
Are peanut butter oatmeal balls high in fat?
These peanut butter energy balls are unique in that they are just as much a satisfying snack as they are a sweet treat. The reason they keep you feeling full is because they're loaded with healthy fats.
As with all foods, moderation is key. GF protein balls do have a fair amount of fat, but they can be part of a balanced diet so long as you monitor your intake.
What do I do if my peanut butter oat balls batter is too dry?
If your gluten free energy balls batter is dry and crumbly, you need to add more wet ingredients to help with binding. Adding just a bit more nut butter may be all you need. Be sure to taste the batter as you go; if you need more sweetness, add more honey.
How to make peanut butter protein balls (gluten free and no bake)
Peanut Butter Energy Bites | Gluten Free and No Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) old fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten free if necessary)
- 2 cups (80 g) unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup (160 g) hulled raw hemp seeds (can substitute chia seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, flax seeds or pumpkin seeds)
- ½ cup (60 g) oat flour (certified gluten free if necessary)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups (384 g) smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup (168 g) honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or your favorite flavoring we really like McCormick brand butter flavoring
- 4 ounces miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large bowl, place the oats, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, oat flour, and salt, and mix to combine well. Set the bowl aside.
- If you would like to intensify the flavor of the whole oats, coconut, and seeds, place them all together on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in a 300°F oven (or toaster oven, in batches) for about 15 minutes, stirring once. Then, transfer them to a large bowl, add the salt, and proceed with the recipe as written.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract or other flavoring, and mix until well-combined. Allow the mixture to cool for at least 10 minute.
- Once the mixture has cooled enough that it won't melt chocolate, add the miniature chocolate chips. Mix until the chips are evenly distributed throughout. If you add the chips when the mixture is hot, the chips will all melt.
- Scoop the mixture by the heaping tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheet (a #50 ice cream scoop works perfectly). You should have about 36 portions.
- Roll each portion tightly into a ball between your palms. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill until firm. Serve chilled.
- They will hold their shape at room temperature, but I prefer them chilled. Transfer the bites to a large container with a lid, and store in the refrigerator for anytime snacking.
Notes
Peanut Butter Energy Bites | Gluten Free and No Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) old fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten free if necessary)
- 2 cups (80 g) unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup (160 g) hulled raw hemp seeds (can substitute chia seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, flax seeds or pumpkin seeds)
- ½ cup (60 g) oat flour (certified gluten free if necessary)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups (384 g) smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup (168 g) honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or your favorite flavoring we really like McCormick brand butter flavoring
- 4 ounces miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large bowl, place the oats, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, oat flour, and salt, and mix to combine well. Set the bowl aside.
- If you would like to intensify the flavor of the whole oats, coconut, and seeds, place them all together on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in a 300°F oven (or toaster oven, in batches) for about 15 minutes, stirring once. Then, transfer them to a large bowl, add the salt, and proceed with the recipe as written.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract or other flavoring, and mix until well-combined. Allow the mixture to cool for at least 10 minute.
- Once the mixture has cooled enough that it won't melt chocolate, add the miniature chocolate chips. Mix until the chips are evenly distributed throughout. If you add the chips when the mixture is hot, the chips will all melt.
- Scoop the mixture by the heaping tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheet (a #50 ice cream scoop works perfectly). You should have about 36 portions.
- Roll each portion tightly into a ball between your palms. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill until firm. Serve chilled.
- They will hold their shape at room temperature, but I prefer them chilled. Transfer the bites to a large container with a lid, and store in the refrigerator for anytime snacking.
Erin says
This is a new favorite! I make energy bites routinely but this recipe is better than the others. Toasting the oats, coconut and seeds really does deepen the flavor- yum!
Nicole Hunn says
I’m so glad, Erin! These are a tried and true family favorite in my house.
Milvi says
As usual, ran to the kitchen to try this new recipe. I wasn’t to keen on the crunch of the hemp seeds but thankfully I didn’t have enough on hand and topped up with a mix of flax and chia seeds. I love it when a ‘treat’ is so healthy! Wonder what it would be like dipped in chocolate…?
Miriam Vasseur says
You always have such great ideas. Thank you and your tale blessing of your talents are appreciated by many I’m sure,especially me since I have a granddaughter who has many allergies. I was wondering , since she can not have nuts, can sunflower seed butter be substituted? The consistency is not the same as nut butter. And would I have to increase the flour maybe to add some firmness?
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Miriam, thank you so much for the kind words. I’m happy to have been able to help. Sunflower seed butter is tough, since as you mentioned it really has a much different consistency. I might try using less of it, and more honey, since honey is really thick. A bit more oat flour might work, too. If she can have soy, you might try “Wow Butter,” since it seems to have a thicker consistency. I haven’t ever tried it, though, so I can’t vouch for taste!
Elena says
Any substitute for the coconut? I love most of your recipes but usually don’t do the ones that involve coconut. I often sub coco oil for butter or veg oil which works fine, but I can’t think of something to replace the flakes for the texture that it give.
Nicole Hunn says
Try just using more oats or seeds, Elena! It won’t be exactly the same, but it will add bulk. You could also try using some crisp rice cereal, too!
Tamara says
I’m allergic to processed coconut. Do you have any suggestions for a substitute? Otherwise, this recipe sounds great. I’m always looking for healthy snacks for me and my daughter. I’ve found so many great gf recipes on this site. You really helped me 9 years ago when I was diagnosed and continue to.
Nicole Hunn says
Just use more oats or more seeds, Tamara!
Greta Johnson says
Hi Nichole,
You and others may be interested in trying toasted buckwheat groats instead of the other seeds mentioned. They also have a high protein content, taste yummy and have a delightful delicate crunch! I buy them at our local co-op grocery and have been using them for years in homemade granola which gets rave reviews!
Kelly Gallagher says
I’ve noticed the last couple of days that the share button isn’t working. Is it just on my end? Thanks! Ps-Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Nicole Hunn says
It isn’t, Kelly? Thank you so much for mentioning that, I will definitely check into it. I apologize for the trouble!
GF Mum says
Hi Nicole,
When do you add the oat flour?
Nicole Hunn says
So sorry for the omission, GF Mum! You add the oat flour with the other dry ingredients. It’s fixed now! The video explains it well, if you’re still stuck.
Donia Robinson says
Costco has big bags of hemp, off and on (as is Costco’s way). Am I the only one who feels just a little wrong when I buy hemp?
Brandy says
Thank you! I will give it a try!
Jennifer S. says
Nicole – much like you I’m sure, I live for the day when everyone will appreciate the lovely recipe you have posted and not ask for a substitution. Maybe I’m delusional but I will still hope.
I think this one looks awesome as written! :)
Anneke says
I totally thought the same thing, Jennifer! This one will get made as is in my house, for sure!
Nicole Hunn says
You guys are funny. I’m okay with the substitution questions. I just often don’t know the answers! :)
Angela Stone says
I totally understand what you’re saying. Sadly we have a whole bunch of food issues and when you’re inexperienced with substitutions it helps to ask just in case someone knows how to sub different liquids or solids. Once upon a time….we didn’t need to either!