Chunky Monkey Banana Energy Balls

Why I Love These Banana Energy Balls

Energy balls are one of my favorite and easiest snacks. They’re practically endlessly customizable and you can easily accommodate any food allergies. These banana energy balls, like my Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Balls and Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls, are sweetened mostly with dates. Inspired by the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream of the same name, energy balls with bananas are packed with the flavors of banana and vanilla and crammed with chunks of chocolate and walnuts. Based on your choice of ingredients, you can make them gluten and dairy-free. What’s not to love?

• Fruit-sweetened. Scan the ingredients list below and you’ll see that I use dates and bananas to sweeten these banana energy balls – no extra refined sugar is needed.
• Kid-approved. My boys just gobble up these energy balls with bananas, especially when I tell them it’s (almost) like eating a scoop of ice cream.
• Adaptable. I love making banana energy balls because you can adjust them to whatever you have in the pantry. You can even use another banana in place of the dates, add nut butter, and make them vegan by using vegan chocolate.

Recipe Ingredients

A ripe banana is key to getting the right texture and sweetness in these energy balls. Here’s a look at the rest of the ingredients needed, and I’ve included the full ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Pitted Dates: Pitted Medjool dates are ideal for making banana energy balls. You could try date paste if you can’t find whole dates or even dried apricots.
• Banana: Use a very ripe banana (meaning it has some streaks and spots of brown on the skin) to get the most sweetness.
• Vanilla: I use pure vanilla extract but you can also use vanilla bean paste.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the energy balls.
• Oats: You can use rolled oats or instant oats. Check to make sure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
• Flax Seeds: Use ground flax seed (also called flax meal) meal rather than whole flax seeds.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds add a little extra texture and help bind the ingredients. If you don’t have them, you can substitute additional ground flax seeds or a little extra oats if needed to ensure the energy bites stick together.
• Walnuts: If you don’t eat walnuts, try chopped pecans or almonds. You can also omit them.
• Dark Chocolate: To keep these banana energy balls vegan if needed, use vegan chocolate. Otherwise, use your favorite dark chocolate bar.

How to Make Chunky Monkey Banana Energy Balls

I’ve outlined the super easy method for making these energy balls in the photos below! Find the detailed instructions in the recipe card lower down.

• Combine. Process all of the ingredients except the walnuts and chocolate until a paste forms.
• Add the walnuts and chocolate. Then add the walnuts and chocolate and pulse a couple of times.

• Scoop! Using about a tablespoon, scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time.
• Roll. Use your hands to roll the mixture into balls and store them in the fridge.

Tips and Variation Ideas

• Store in the fridge – These energy balls are softer and more perishable than other energy balls because of the banana, so I keep them stored in the refrigerator until I’m ready to eat. 
• Make them nut-free – If you can’t eat nuts, you can substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds for the walnuts, or just leave them out altogether. Or, if you can’t eat walnuts, substitute almonds or pistachios.
• Add coconut – Fold in some unsweetened shredded coconut for an extra flavorful contrast. Or, try substituting 4 tablespoons of shredded coconut for the combination of the chia and flax seeds.
• Or a spoonful of peanut butter – Banana, peanut butter, and chocolate is one of the best trinities I can imagine! Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter (or almond butter) to the mix for extra creaminess and protein.

How to Store

• Fridge – Place the banana energy balls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer – Add the energy balls to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before eating.