Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Energy Balls

If you’ve never made energy balls, then you have just discovered the best recipe ever to try them out. They are an ideal no-bake snack because they are so quick and easy to make, and you can roll crave-worthy flavors and energizing ingredients into portable, poppable little bites.

Additionally, maybe you are like me and my oldest son who can’t get enough of our favorite “Funky Monkey” trifecta of flavors, just like in my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie or Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins. If that’s the case, then these energy balls are the ones you’ll need. Here’s why…

• Anything but basic. Sure, you might find another peanut butter energy ball recipe, but this one is extra sweet and sticky from bananas for natural sweetness and great flavor instead of gobs of honey. And they are also filled with mini chocolate chips for lots of little chocolaty bursts.
• But still quick and easy. All you need is a few minutes, a food processor, and your hands to roll up these little bites. They literally take minutes.
• Great to pack and store. You can make a batch and pop them into a lunchbox right away, since they will last for the day at room temperature. But you can also stick them in the fridge for the week if you are meal prepping over the weekend, or make a big batch and pop them in the freezer for long-term storage.
• Easily made gluten free and dairy free. Use certified gluten free oats if needed to make them celiac-safe, and opt for vegan chips if you avoid dairy too. There’s no honey, which makes them ideal for vegans.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients to make banana peanut butter energy balls, plus any substitutions you can make. Basically, you’ll combine all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor and process until it forms a paste, stir in the chips, then roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls. But be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.

• Creamy peanut butter. Use your favorite. Chunky works too, if that’s what you have.
• Banana. The more ripe it is, the sweeter your energy balls will be.
• Pitted dates.
• Oats. You’ll need uncooked, old-fashioned oats. Quick oats can be used in a pinch. In either case, you may have to adjust the amount depending on how soft and large your banana is. Use certified gluten free oats, if needed. You may need additional depending on how soft and large your banana is.
• Ground flax seed or flax meal. Chia seeds can be substituted.
• Vanilla extract.
• Salt. Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
• Mini chocolate chips. These can be omitted, and feel free to make it with vegan chips, if needed.

Proper Storage

• Refrigerator – Store the peanut butter energy bites in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for a few hours, but due to the fresh banana, they need to be kept in the fridge for longer storage. They will last for up to a week. 
• Freezer – You can also put your energy balls in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to six months. Just pull out a few at a time at least a few hours before you plan to eat them.

More Energy Ball Recipes

• Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls are nut-free with only four ingredients.
• Banana Nut Energy Balls also have chunks of dark chocolate like Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
• Pumpkin Energy Balls have perfect pumpkin spice flavor and some mini chips for good measure.
• Coconut Apricot Energy Balls add a little tropical flavor.