Balls of energy

Looking for healthy, homemade snack ideas to tuck in those camp backpacks or lunchboxes? Check out these delicious no-bake Energy Balls – all loaded with whole grains, fiber and protein to keep your kids powered up and energized. For a quick, on-the-go portable snack, make ahead big batches of these little balls of energy, then freeze and pop them out for snacks as needed.

Each recipe makes about 15-20 balls.

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl. (If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more oats. If it’s too dry, add a bit more nut butter. It should resemble a somewhat sticky dough that holds together when lightly squeezed.)

2. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes (to help make the balls easier to roll later on).

3. Roll into balls and serve.

4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Or freeze until ready to eat.

Trail Mix Energy Balls

1 1/4 cups rolled oats*
2 Tbs chia seeds, flaxseeds or hemp seeds
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter of choice) 1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbs mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 Tbs chopped peanuts (or other nut of choice)
2 Tbs raisins

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Balls

1 cup rolled oats*
1/4 cup almond butter (or cashew butter)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup finely crushed toasted coconut flakes
1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla, optional

Cherry Chocolate Almond Energy Balls

1 cup rolled oats*
1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut or seed butter of choice)
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup chia seeds
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup finely chopped dark chocolate
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla

White Chocolate Cranberry Energy Balls

1 1/4 cups rolled oats*
2 Tbs chia seeds, flaxseeds or hemp seeds
1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut or seed butter of choice)
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup white chocolate chips

*Or use a blend of 1/2 old fashioned oats and 1/2 quick cooking oats