Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls! An easy, healthy snack recipe made in 5 minutes with only 8 ingredients! The perfect little energy bite! Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free and vegan-friendly!
Snacks: healthy finger foods that a busy mom of four should always have on hand to avoid hanger.
Hanger: the state of grumpiness that is brought on by the feelings of hunger…which usually occurs because a busy mom of four rushing out the door forgot to pack the snacks.
If you didn’t know, hanger is a real thing. It occurs in both moms and kids alike, and it’s not pretty. Thankfully, the condition is easily cured by eating delicious snacks, like these peanut butter oatmeal energy balls (and these paleo energy balls)!
So today, I have a super fun post for you all! I’ll be sharing the recipe for one of our favorite snacks, (these Peanut Butter Protein Balls), and sharing some fun lunchbox ideas!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe
I almost always have healthy treats like these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls on hand in my freezer, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. They are the perfect snack to stave off hanger for three reasons.
- They’re made with only 8 good-for-you ingredients.
- They come together in 5 minutes {or less}! And
- they freeze beautifully! Plus these energy bites are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free and vegan-friendly!
However, we don’t just eat these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls at snack-time! Sometimes they are part of our lunches as well! Because let’s face it, lunch can be tricky. I mean really, we just ate breakfast, did homeschool, and dinner is on the horizon! So I usually don’t have a lot of time to think about what to feed my little ones in the middle of the day. And I’m definitely not interested in cooking gourmet food at noon. (Can anyone else relate)?!
So, we often resort to snacky lunches because it’s what my kids love the best! Peanut Butter Protein Balls accompanied by fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers, you name it, if it’s in the fridge, freezer, or pantry…it’s fair game.
As long as my kids get the nutrients they need to make it through until nap time I am a happy camper {and so are they}! I often even make this chocolate hummus as a fun lunchtime treat! Plus, letting them choose what they eat for lunch is a great way to teach responsibility and give them some autonomy! They know they have to pick one fruit and one veggie, and then whatever else their cute little tastebuds are craving that day!
Ways to make lunch more fun!
Since I’m not very crafty {like at all} I’m always trying to find ways to make themed snacks that are easy and fit with what we are learning that week in homeschool. My kids thought these rainbow fruit kabobs and butterfly snacks were so much fun! Because it’s a proven fact that eating heart-shaped fruit off of a stick is 100x more enjoyable! 😉 Look at those cute little hands!
I know we can get in a rut of making the same thing every day! But here are a few simple ways to spice up your normal routine!
Fun Shapes!
Pull those cookie cutters out of storage and go wild! I love cutting cheese, fruit and even sandwiches into fun shapes! It’s funny how my kids are much more excited about a PB & J when it’s shaped like a dinosaur! 😉
Use Stickers!
Stickers are a great way to make a normal lunch more fun! I love these stickers I found at Target! They’re cute mid-day reminders to my kids to be kind and don’t follow the crowd!
Write a note or draw a picture!
If you child can read then write her a sweet note telling her how much you love her! Or start a fun tradition like “joke of the day” or “quote of the day!” If you child can’t read then draw them fun pictures! This will take you an extra minute in the mornings but will create memories that will last! Plus it’s a great way to make them feel connected to you while they’re at school!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe: Ingredients Substitutions
Now let’s chat about possible substitutions that can be made in this peanut butter oatmeal balls recipe!
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Quick-cooking oats can be used however I do not recommend steel-cut oats!
- Almond meal: If you’d prefer not to use almond meal you can simple increase the amount of oats by 1/4 cup! Ground flaxseed is also a good substitution!
- Honey: For a vegan version use maple syrup or any other liquid sweetener of choice.
- Almond milk: Any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) works great in this recipe!
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats gluten-free
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup almond meal
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2-4 TBS unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper, set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together old fashioned oats, coconut, almond meal and salt. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the peanut butter and honey until smooth.
- Remove from heat and add 2 TBS almond milk and vanilla.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until completely combined. If necessary, add additional almond milk until the mixture is moist but not sticky, and easy to roll.
- Scoop out 1 TBS portions of dough, roll them into balls and place on your prepared baking sheet. Continue until all the dough has been used. If you find it is too dry/crumbly add more almond milk ½ TBS at a time.
- Place balls in the refrigerator or freezer to set.
- Transfer the bites from the baking sheet to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer!
- If you choose to store them in the freezer, you may want to let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating!
Notes
Substitutions
- Old-Fashioned Oats:Â Quick-cooking oats can be used however I do not recommend steel-cut oats!
- Almond meal:Â If you'd prefer not to use almond meal you can simple increase the amount of oats by 1/4 cup! Ground flaxseed is also a good substitution!
- Honey: For a vegan version use maple syrup or any other liquid sweetener of choice.
- Almond milk:Â Any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) works great in this recipe!
Nutrition
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CAFFAHOLIC
wow! this is so delicious and turned out to be super good…tried this already..thanks for sharing and a happy Christmas to you 🙂
sandy
These are delicious! I made a batch and have had them in the freezer for a couple of weeks. They are such a nice snack for the work day, between breakfast and lunch. My husband is into them too. Will definitely make them again!
Jenni
What a fantastic recipe and a great post! Thanks~
kelly @ eatthegains
These sound great! I’m always looking for a good snack. And can you pack my lunch haha?!
Molly
These look so yummy! I will definitely be trying this recipe. Also, I have been told that I refused to eat PB&J as a child UNLESS it was cut into a cute shape 😉
Meah Konstanzer
YUM!! These doughy balls make the perfect cute lunchbox treat for sure. Planning special lunches always helps me get more excited to start the school year.
xxMeah
Kristen
These look fantastic! I love energy bites as a mini supper until I’m done teaching later in the evening. Definitely going to try your recipe. P.S. I also really, really miss target. I wish they didn’t leave Canada.
Emily Weir
I love the combo of peanut butter and coconut! Also, LOVE the cute lunchbox ideas. Almost makes me wish I had a kid to pack a lunch for. 😉
Marsha
Target is the best, for one! lol! But these bites look so yummy. I love to have something like this in my freezer at all times for a quick snack.
Andrea
These are beautiful! I think I’ll make some this week!
Ashley | Fit Mitten Kitchen
lol hanger is definitely a real thing in both kids and adults! I have this memory of riding home from the mall with my mom and being so sassy – and then we stopped for Wendy’s and I was so happy again. lol
But MAN this lunch box! And that #targetrun! Adorable.
Laura
LOL! Wendy’s will definitely change anyone’s mood! Fries dipped in a frosty?! Yes please!
Taylor Kiser
These energy bites are so easy to make! Love the delicious flavors going on! Perfect for healthy snacking!
Alisa Fleming
That is an adorable in-store photo! Looks like some little bodies were powering up with these energy bites!
Sonali- The foodie Physician
I’ve definitely experienced hangry! These are adorable and your pictures are so pretty- definitely a great addition to my daughter’s lunchbox!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A.
I spend way too much time at Target. I go in for a few bananas and leave with a new shelving system haha.
These balls look so tasty! Love the PB/coconut combo!
Laura
LOL I think every woman in America has the same problem!! 😉
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica
These sound delish! Definitely have to give these a try for my girls this school year!
Laura
It’s such a great alternative to sandwiches!
Rachel
These balls look delicious. And your crew is adorable!
Laura
Than you Rachel! I think I’ll keep ’em! 😉
Christine - Jar Of Lemons
These bites look delicious! They’re so perfect for a quick and easy snack and back to school lunch boxes. Love it!
Laura
Thank you Christine! We love snacky lunches around here!
Deryn | Running on Real Food
These sound awesome, I love peanut butter and coconut together..it just works! Love your suggestions for store-bought snacks too. Can’t wait to try these for a quick snack! Thanks!
Laura
I love making homemade snacks but sometimes you just need to buy something easy! I love that Horizon and Santa Cruz snacks are organic!
Emily Swanson
Wow you’re such a fun mom with all those delicious looking elements of a lunch box; I would definitely be willing to dig into that lunch box. And these sound like such delicious energy bites; I love the coconut peanut butter combo. 🙂 I hope back to school planning goes so well for you Laura, and I’m excited to hear about and see what your children are learning this coming year!
Laura
Thank you Emily! 🙂