These Banana Energy Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! With just a few simple ingredients like oats, nut butter, and mashed bananas, they are easy to make and delicious to eat.
I love keeping these energy balls on hand for a quick pick-me-up. They’re perfect after a workout or simply when you need a little something sweet. Plus, no baking needed—just mix and roll! 🍌✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave firm bananas for 30 seconds to soften them up.
Oats: Rolled oats create a nice texture, but quick oats work too. For a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats.
Nut Butter: I prefer peanut butter for its creaminess, but feel free to substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you want something different or if you’ve got allergies.
Sweetener: Both honey and maple syrup give the energy balls sweetness. If vegan, stick with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are a fun addition but can be omitted or replaced with dried fruit or seeds if you want a healthier twist.
How Do I Properly Mix and Shape the Energy Balls?
Getting the right consistency can make your energy balls successful. Here’s how to mix and shape them perfectly:
- Start by mashing the ripe bananas well so there are no lumps; this ensures even mixing.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients thoroughly. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of water or more nut butter.
- Before shaping, chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to help with handling.
- When rolling, dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking.
- Keep them uniform in size for easy storing and snacking!
How to Make Delicious Banana Energy Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare these energy balls and 1 to 1.5 hours to set them in the fridge. A quick and easy snack that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. This will be the foundation of your energy balls.
2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to your mashed bananas. Stir them together really well until everything is combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now, toss in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if you’d like. Mix everything together until it’s all incorporated. You want a thick dough-like consistency.
4. Fold in Extras (Optional):
If you’re using mini chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the mixture now for an extra crunch and sweetness.
5. Chill the Mixture:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up so it’s easier to roll into balls.
6. Roll into Balls:
Once chilled, take the mixture out and use a tablespoon to scoop out amounts of the mixture. Roll them between your palms to form small balls.
7. Place on a Tray:
Set the rolled balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate, giving them a little space so they don’t stick together.
8. Final Chill:
Put the tray back in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the energy balls firm up even more, making them perfect for snacking!
9. Store and Enjoy:
Store your banana energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy these yummy and healthy snacks anytime you need a boost!
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is delicious, feel free to substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter based on your preference or dietary needs.
What If My Bananas Aren’t Ripe Enough?
If your bananas are still a bit firm, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to soften them. Just be sure not to overheat them!
Can I Make These Energy Balls Vegan?
Yes, just use maple syrup instead of honey as your sweetener to keep it vegan. All other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store the banana energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw them in the fridge before eating!
